Become a Successful Foundation Board Member

Board membership usually isn't a career destination. No college major or clear pathway leads to the boardroom. Foundation board membership is the result of a variety of circumstances: a wish to advance an area of passion, believing in the purposes of a particular foundation, or simply acting on the suggestion of a friend or colleague to personally engage in philanthropic work. While the roads to board service vary by individual, becoming a board member is only the first step. Being a successful board member is an ongoing process.

The best starting point is simply understanding that board service is a developmental process—and that becoming a good board member requires commitment, knowledge and skill development, and a willingness to engage in a journey that begins even before the actual service starts. It requires you to focus on the institution, learn about the broader societal context, and improve your service individually and as a member of the governance team. You can take several steps to do this.

Understand why. Board service carries expectations that relate to all board members generally and to you specifically. Be clear on why you are being considered and certain you understand what contributions you are expected to make. The board must be a good fit for you, and you need to be confident that you can deliver what is expected. Your commitment to the work of the foundation must be strong, and you must be willing and able to fulfill the expectations associated with membership.

Learn the institution. Effective board service requires initial and ongoing research about the institution and its work. It begins with knowing the organization's vision, mission, values, history, programs, and budget. However, this information alone does not tell the entire story. Having a clear sense of the organization's culture, aspirations, challenges, opportunities, stakeholders, and impact on society is an ongoing learning process that positions you to engage actively in shaping the foundation's future. A good board member has cultural awareness, a deep understanding of what makes the foundation special, and a connection to its good works and the people who help make that happen.

Know the roles. Various roles may unfold for you over the course of your service. And there are crucial ethical and legal responsibilities to which you'll be accountable. Be sure to understand these at the outset of board service. You'll also need to know about the roles of committee chairs, the board chair, and informal roles such as mentor, adviser, or "culture keeper."

Pursue individual development. Excellence as a board member reflects a commitment and willingness to engage in ongoing learning and development. Some of it happens informally through observation, experience, and mentorship. A good board member will be an active, curious participant engaged in the overall organization, acquiring knowledge, insight, information, and guidance along the way.
Individual development also means accessing educational opportunities to engage with experts and other colleagues. The work of foundations is framed by policy, law, public opinion, and social issues. Board members need to understand the ways these forces affect foundations and shape the future. The Council offers various courses and educational opportunities for new and seasoned board members to help you advance your understanding and effectiveness.

This article is taken from "Council on Foundations"