http://www.philanthropyjournal.org/resources/special-reports/volunteers-boards/role-boards-critical-during-crisis

The article by Ret Boney suggests that when times are tough boards must pay close attention to the responsibilities they have at all times.  A downturn in the economy brings more urgency to the work of boards and requires attention to details that may seem less important, and therefore more likely to be ignored, when revenue streams are full.