This report is a comprehensive scan of nonprofit board practices and policies, highlighting both successes and challenges they face when addressing board diversity. The report offers suggestions for increasing the racial diversity of boards, and how to make board meetings more inclusive. When your organization expresses a commitment to diversity at all levels, but the makeup of the board or leadership does not reflect that, it might send the message that your organization’s commitment lacks fortitude and/or understanding of how to develop leaders. It also shows that there is work to do in cultivating a diverse network that is invested in your mission. Having a diversity of perspectives helps you consider any issue from multiple vantage points, refine solutions, and generate the best ideas on how to achieve your mission. The report reinforces the message that in order for organizations to become both diverse and inclusive, the leadership must be visibly invested in the efforts.
BoardSource also offers an issue-specific brief on this topic.
