We’re reconsidering our foundation’s policy on board compensation. What’s common among Exponent Philanthropy members?

Most foundations do not compensate board members for routine board service, but some do. Our 2024 Foundation Operations and Management Report shows that roughly one-third (33%) of foundations compensated board members for routine board and committee service distinct from any compensation for advisory or staff services.

Board compensation varied by foundation type: Forty-eight percent of independent foundations compensated board members for routine board services compared to 24% of family foundations and 19% of other foundations.

Amount of Compensation for Routine Board Service

Among the 119 foundations that compensated board members for routine service, the average annual compensation was $22,432, and the median annual amount was $8,700. These amounts have increased compared with findings in past years. Higher foundation asset sizes averaged higher average annual compensations. Average compensation for foundations with assets between $100 million and $199.9 million was $35,218. When assets increased to $200 million or more, the average was $55,006.

For more on this topic, see Board Compensation: What Is the Right Answer for Your Foundation?

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