Partnership for Effective Board Leadership for Foundations

Our Leadership on Critical Issues in the Social Sector

BoardSource works to draw attention to critical issues in the social sector that call for new or expanded leadership from boards, often in partnership with other leading organizations.

Board Research: Leading with Intent documents trends in board composition, structure, practices, performance, and culture. With data and insights dating back to 1994, the recent study highlights encouraging trends in several key areas, but a troubling lack of progress in board diversity.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity: Acknowledging the urgent need for change, BoardSource is working to create new urgency about the board’s leadership role on diversity, inclusion, and equity. Learn more about these important efforts.

Advocacy and Ambassadorship: The Stand for Your Mission campaign challenges boards to embrace advocacy and public policy as an important tool for impact. In 2017, Leading with Intent found that 52 percent of boards were actively educating policymakers on behalf of their organizations compared to 33 just two years prior. Campaign partners include: Alliance for Justice, Campion Foundation, National Council of Nonprofits, and United Philanthropy Forum.

Exploring Strategic Alliances & Restructuring: The Power of Possibility initiative invites boards to consider if strategic partnerships could expand their impact. Partners include: Bridgespan, La Piana Consulting, MAP for Nonprofits, Lodestar Foundation, The Patterson Foundation, and the Lyda Hill Foundation.

Investing Appropriately in Fundraising: The Measuring Fundraising Effectiveness framework provides a framework for understanding effective fundraising that moves beyond the unhealthy obsession with fundraising costs. Partners include: GuideStar, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

BoardSource recognizes foundations that support our work through general operating support as members of The Partnership for Effective Board Leadership.

Our Partners

BoardSource is grateful to our foundation partners, including those foundations that are members of The Partnership for Effective Board Leadership. We are grateful for these foundations’ generous investments in our work toward a future where every social sector organization has the leadership it needs to fulfill its mission and advance the public good.