A strong board is the cornerstone of a thriving foundation. But finding the right members isn’t easy. From identifying key skills to managing generational shifts, foundations face challenges in building a sustainable board pipeline. Some foundations have developed successful strategies. Others are struggling to find enough qualified candidates. Here’s what funders are doing to strengthen their board pipelines, and where they’re running into roadblocks.
The State of Board Pipelines
Board pipeline and succession planning are crucial for maintaining stability and ensuring leadership continuity. In our 2024 survey, we asked funders to rate their board pipeline strength on a scale from 1 to 10. A rating of 1 meant there were no prospects, while a rating of 10 meant there were more candidates than available seats.
On average, foundations rated their board pipeline a 4, with a median score of 4, indicating moderate strength.
Certain factors made a difference. Foundations with paid staff and term limits reported stronger pipelines. Term limits create natural openings for new members. Paid staff provide the time and focus needed for recruitment and succession planning. Both structures ensure board development is ongoing and strategic.
Keys to a Thriving Board Pipeline
Many foundations rely on proactive planning to maintain a strong board pipeline. Funders shared several successful strategies:
- Using Committees as Training Grounds: Some invite community members to serve on committees for renewable one-year terms. This helps assess potential board members while giving candidates a preview of board service.
- Maintaining a Candidate Database: Foundations track board demographics, skills, and gaps to ensure they recruit the right expertise.
- Open Calls for Applications: Some foundations invite applications publicly. This attracts diverse candidates who align with their mission but may not have been on their radar.
- Engaging Emerging Generations: Family foundations invest in associate trustee roles and Next Gen boards. These programs develop leadership skills and encourage long-term engagement.
Challenges in Board Recruitment
While some foundations have a steady stream of candidates, others struggle with:
- Limited Engagement in Recruitment: Some boards rely too heavily on staff or a few members to identify and nominate candidates.
- Unclear Expectations: Without a defined skill set or criteria, recruitment becomes challenging.
- Specialized Expertise Gaps: Finance, investments, and fundraising experts are often in high demand, making recruitment more competitive.
- Generational Differences: Family foundations must balance engaging younger members while respecting the roles of older generations. Some are testing new onboarding and communication strategies to ease the transition.
Creative Approaches to Pipeline Development
Foundations are exploring new ways to strengthen board recruitment:
- Community Partnerships: Some identify board candidates from local leaders, nonprofit professionals, and former scholarship recipients.
- Governance Committees: Dedicated committees keep recruitment efforts focused and aligned with long-term goals.
- Networking and Events: Engaging with community leaders and sector experts helps uncover potential board members who may not be actively seeking board roles.
A Broader Vision for Boards
Diversity is a priority for many foundations. Some are actively recruiting younger board members. Others seek candidates with different backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences. One foundation shared its goal of finding “younger prospects interested in serving on the board” while intentionally recruiting people who “don’t just look and think like existing members.”
A strong board pipeline doesn’t happen overnight. It takes intentional effort, ongoing cultivation, and a clear vision for the foundation’s future. Whether through leadership programs, networking, or refining recruitment strategies, foundations have many tools to build sustainable, effective boards.
Explore the Full 2025 Foundation Operations & Management Report »
Additional Resources
Recruiting Foundation Board Members: How to Find the Right People
A strong foundation starts with the right board. This primer walks you through key steps for recruiting members who align with your mission and bring valuable expertise. Get your copy now.
The Trustee Handbook: Essentials for Effective Foundation Board Members
This guide is made for board members and key staff at foundations with few or no staff. It covers the basics of foundation work. like governance, grantmaking, legal rules, and financial responsibilities, to help you lead with confidence.
Deepen Your Knowledge of Boards & Governance
Join us in Columbus, OH — November 11–13, 2025 — for our Annual Conference. Come early for the 990‑PF Pre‑Conference Tax Seminar, a focused, expert-led session that offers practical guidance on navigating private foundation tax filings.
Sessions Focused on Board Leadership & Governance
- Elevating Your Impact by Building an Effective Board
- Shifting to Strategic Board Leadership
- Foundations 101: Governance Basics
- Redesigning Board Time for Purpose, Fulfillment, and Impact
👉 Check out the full agenda for all sessions »
About the Author
Brendan McCormick is the director of research and publications at Exponent Philanthropy. He works with members, partners, and staff to develop resources and research on our funder community.