Nonprofit Board Trends2014-2015

FAR Therapeutic Arts and Recreation

Boards are changing fast.

Sources for this report:

• Board Source

• Independent Sector

• Chronicle of Philanthropy

• Center for Philanthropy at Indiana University

• National Council of Nonprofits

• Nonprofit Resource Center

• Rick Kress, Gift Planning Associates

The public demands transparency.

• Sarbanes-Oxley

• Donors have information and understand it better

• Charity Navigator, Guidestar

• Costly government regulation

Resources are squeezed tighter and tighter.

• Competition is ramped up by mega campaigns

• Some programs within a NPO will close

• NPO management layers are very thin

• Public funding is volatile

• Corporations continue to decline in giving

Competition is keen for board members.

• Oldest Baby Boomers are winding down– younger board members operate very differently

• Experienced NPO board members even harder to recruit

• Civic incentives often overshadowed by business demands

Technology promises access and efficiency.

• Online resources provide value with board portals and acceptance of electronic meetings

• Teleconferencing is efficient and more widespread

• TED Talks one example of web-based value

Diversity is a missed opportunity… so far.

• NPO boards are not diverse by most demographic measures

• Circles of influence grow with more diverse board membership

• Funders now giving scrutiny to board composition and pressuring for diverse voices and skills at the table

Governance models are shifting.

• Caretaker board model fading

• Board structure focusing more on strategy and impact and advocacy

• Younger board recruits attracted by this shift

Board resources have advanced.

• Quality training more accessible

• Many publications now focus on NPO board work

• Best practices more easily shared

For boards, mission remains the anchor.

• “I want to give back”

• “I want to make a difference”

• “I believe in what you do”

• “I feel a responsibility to advance this organization’s work”

NPO boards have a positive future.

• “Challenges never end, they change with the times. So must we!”

• “Board service is meaningful, satisfying.”

• “Being on this board is a way to express my values in a practical way.”