Only a Quarter of Nonprofit Boards Have Tried to Increase Diversity, Study Says

Ninety-six percent of nonprofit leaders say that diversifying their board of directors is important, but only 24 percent of boards have taken steps to do so, according to a study by an executive search firm.

The report says boards of directors are “not taking proactive steps to increase diversity because a gap exists between understanding and action,” a sentiment that jibes with other studies on diversity in the nonprofit world.

The study was released by Koya Leadership Partners, an executive search firm that works with nonprofits and other “mission-driven clients.”

Molly Brennan, founding partner of Koya and lead author of the study, said in a news release that diversity “is more than a quota or a numbers game.” It requires “inclusive policies, practices, and behaviors that nurture and value different perspectives and experiences when conducting board business and discussing strategy.”

Several survey participants mentioned that their boards prioritized fundraising responsibilities over working on strategies to increase diversity. One respondent said access to wealth from a mostly white pool of donors was the most important priority for board members, “which, unfortunately, precluded adding board members of color.” That finding is similar to another report on why nonprofits struggle to find wealthy minority donors.

Koya recommends being more blunt about intentions to increase diversity. Instead of asking a generic question like “Do you know of any people of color who might serve on our board of directors?” they recommend this: “Our board is looking for people with financial skills from the human-resources arena. We’re also seeking to increase our diversity. Do you know any people of color with experience in finance or HR whom I could contact about serving on our board?”