If a family foundation decides to limit board membership to family members, what are the ways it can include a diversity of viewpoints in its decision-making process? What are effective approaches that have been used by other family foundations?

Speakers at Board Meetings
Include a variety of perspectives in discussions or speakers for Board meetings.

The Springs Foundation

Needs Assessment/Community Studies
Commission or participate in community needs assessment that provides an opportunity for community members to identify priorities and needs.

No Agenda Lunches
Invite community leaders in for lunch to discuss current issues with trustees and staff.

Focus Groups on Program Areas
Invite community leaders to a focus group to discuss a new or changing program area or to comment on a current one.

Marshall Fund, Arizona.
Focus groups were held in each of five program areas to find out what programs already existed as well as concerns and needs in each area. A wide range of community people were invited to each group.

Membership on Board Committees
For instance nonboard members might be added to the investment committee or the grants committee.

Advisory Committees
Establish Advisory Committees for key program areas to offer direction as the program begins and to continue to assess and make recommendations for change.

Zellerbach Family Foundation, California.
A group of advisory committees initiate most of the fund’s projects.

Self Study/Assessment
Commission an independent assessment of the foundation, with community leaders and others asked to provide information on how they see the foundation and its programs.

The Frey Foundation has done two assessments, one in 1992 and one in 1995. The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation did an assessment as part of an overall planning process.

Program Staff
Take deliberate steps to diversify staff, including people who differ from board members in their cultural, racial, or religious characteristics.

Bader Foundation, Wisconsin.
This family foundation has a staff with a variety of religious and racial backgrounds.

Consultants
Look for consultants, particularly in strategic program areas who bring experience with other cultures and backgrounds.

Two-Tiered Board Structure
Some family foundations use a two tiered structure to include others. Some functions are held by family members and other functions delegated to a larger board that includes nonfamily members.

Bert and Mary Meyer Foundation, Florida.
Three family members elect the board and amend the articles and bylaws. Four outsiders each serve one-year terms. All seven make decisions about policy and grantmaking.

Material summarized by Alice BuhI, BuhI & Associates, 892 Fearrington Post, Pittsboro, NC  27312, fax 919/545-0850.