Tab 4: Governing Board Nomination Process and Relevant Data

Suggested Documents

• Board nomination process

• Community demographic data

• Process for determining desired characteristics/qualities
• Board nomination process—governing instruments

There is no one-size-fits-all because communities differ and are continually changing. Depending on your community and the composition of your community foundation's existing board, factors such as gender, age, ethnicity, or race might be relevant types of representation sought through the nomination process. To provide context for the reviewer, you should submit a breakdown of your community's demographics for comparison with those of your board.

In reviewing this documentation, less emphasis is placed on end results (e.g., the actual, current board composition) and more is placed on the process established for achieving such results. The process must show that independence and broad representation are deliberate goals, as demonstrated by awareness of what your community "looks like" and by a means of identifying any gaps in representation that could be addressed through the nomination process.

How do I demonstrate awareness of the community's demographics?

For purposes of the nominating/appointing process for the community foundation's board, "awareness of the community's demographics" might be illustrated through use of a matrix that defines demographic groups that the board would like to attract to board service or a checklist of demographic groups currently not represented on the board. Community foundations may also submit information about the community's demographics vis-à-vis their board's demographics or narrative descriptions of their board's efforts or intent to attract board members reflective of their community.

Are there specific characteristics or qualities needed on a board to be compliant with National Standards?

Sample characteristics/qualities that might be considered include age, gender, race, ethnicity, geography, socioeconomic background, skill sets, profession/occupation, and political affiliation. This information may also be found in the governing instruments.

What factors are considered when reviewing diverse composition?

Reviewers will consider a broad range of factors to assess evidence that the board is diverse in composition and reflective of the variety of perspectives found within the community it serves. While this can be challenging to evaluate, some clues might be provided through the professions of your board members, the gender balance observable on a board list, pictures in the annual report or on the website, or board members' cities of residence.

One way to convey this information is a matrix categorizing board members according to various demographics. Red flags that a board may not be broadly representative or sufficiently independent include multiple board members with the same family name and several board members associated with the same organization (other than the community foundation).