Pulse of Philanthropy: The Incredible Importance of an Independent Board of Directors


credit:

When it comes to determining a charity's effectiveness, "a terrific indicator of an organization's effectiveness is its ability to constitute an independent board of directors comprised of highly respected volunteer leaders," writes the president of the Door County Community Foundation in a post at Pulse of Philanthropy.

But many charities, he writes, assume this is because of conflicts of interest, like when a paid CEO sits on the same board as the CEO's family.

"The lack of competition can result in complacency where charities continue to operate with outdated practices simply because there is no direct consequence for failing to improve."

An independent board does, in fact, serve as a "substitute for the competitive pressures that drive efficiency in the for-profit world," writes the foundation's president.

"Further, one of the greatest strengths of an independent board is the diversity of thought and experience it brings," he continues.

"This is why an independent board of directors is so essential to the health of a charity.

In this way, the board serves as a substitute for the competitive pressures that drive efficiency in the for-profit world."

Read the Entire Article


Selected Grant News Headlines

A customized collection of grant news from foundations and the federal government from around the Web.

State Grant Helps Support Clean Energy Jobs For Disadvantaged Young Adults

State grant helps support clean energy jobs for disadvantaged young adults.An award of $500,000 was given to the Social Enterprise and Training Center, also known as the SEAT center.The program helps...more

The Weeknd Receives Big Honour From the Toronto City

The Weeknd was awarded the Key to the City and honoured with The Weeknd Weekend by the City of Toronto.The ceremony was attended by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, youth from the Boys & Girls Club of West...more

Zte Launches Children Care Charity Campaign in Thailand

The initiative saw ZTE donate essential supplies and digital connectivity solutions worth 1 million THB to a Public charity organization, Baan Nokkamin Foundation.This foundation provides foster...more

How One Brave Boy's Journey Is Being Carried by Compassion, Innovation, and Hope

13-year-old Ricky was diagnosed with leukemia for the second time in his young life.Traditional medications were failing, and Ricky's doctor dismissed the recently approved stem cell treatments...more

Hatch Fest 2025 Boosts Local Economy While Celebrating Art &Amp; Innovation

Notably, this was the first Children's Entrepreneur Market event held in the country.HATCH Fest honored Juneteenth with three public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation by local community...more

Children-Focused Salon Experiences : Sit Still Kids

Sit Still Kids Salon Opens in Atlanta's Peachtree Battle neighborhood.Salons specifically designed for children are evolving to provide tailored services for kids with diverse needs.Businesses are...more

Debit Cards Issued by Nyc's Summer Youth Job Program Tied to $17 M Atm Fraud Scam

Debit cards issued by NYC's summer youth job program tied to $17 M ATM fraud scam: sources.The scam led to ATMS across the Big Apple being banged for big bucks from July 11-13.The cash ended up in...more

Paul Petruska

The passing of my father was a transformative moment for me.This perspective shift is why I now dedicate much of my energy to youth programs and community development.I've leaned heavily on...more

Compassionate Contact Corps in Need of Arkansas Volunteers

Dobbs announced the need for volunteers at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System for Compassionate Contact Corps.Volunteers are matched with veterans that are experiencing loneliness or are...more

Jefferson Parish Young Marines Receive Honors At National Leadership Academy

Jefferson Parish Young Marines receive national honors.Sgt.Taylor Science and Technology Academy, was named the Honor Graduate for the Young Marines 2025 National Leadership Academy-Senior Leadership...more


In the world of social enterprises, failure is a cringe-worthy moment nobody wants to talk about. But, social entrepreneurs can benefit from their failures.



Federal Government Grant and Assistance Programs


Water Protection Grants to the States | Mine Health and Safety Education and Training | Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, Susan Harwood Training Grants | Emergency Food Assistance Program (Food Commodities) | Affordable Care Act (ACA) Nurse-Managed Health Clinics | Blood Diseases and Resources Research | Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants | Livestock Forage Disaster Program | | Site Style by YAML | Grants.gov | Grants | Grants News | Sitemap | Privacy Policy

Edited by: Michael Saunders

© 2008-2025 Copyright Michael Saunders