C3 Nonprofit Consulting Group, a division of SullivanCotter, has released the results of its 2025-2026 Foundation Board Practices Survey, offering new insights into how foundation boards are evolving to meet increasing expectations for governance, accountability, and strategic oversight.
The survey, which includes responses from 63 private and community foundations of varying size and structure across the United States, highlights several emerging trends shaping the modern foundation board. This includes insight into governance practices, board structure and composition, evaluation methods, compensation approaches, and more.
“As the philanthropic landscape grows more complex, foundation boards are becoming more intentional and strategic about how they engage,” said Nanci Hibschman, President, C3 Nonprofit Consulting Group. “Foundation leaders continue to prioritize governance practices that support accountability, strategic focus, and long-term impact.”
The key findings from this year’s survey show that:
1. Board Renewal Remains a Priority
The majority (75%) of foundations now utilize board term limits, with the most common structure being three consecutive three-year terms. This suggests that many organizations are prioritizing planned board refreshment and opportunities to introduce new expertise and perspectives.
2. Foundations are Expanding How They Measure Board Effectiveness
Board self-assessment practices are now widespread among responding organizations. These findings demonstrate a growing emphasis on performance, accountability, and continuous improvement:
- 92% measure the overall effectiveness of the board
- 79% evaluate committee effectiveness
- 63% assess board culture and group dynamics
These findings reflect a broader shift toward more intentional governance practices, where boards are expected not only to provide oversight, but also to regularly evaluate how effectively they operate as a leadership body. As expectations around governance continue to evolve, many foundations are treating board assessment as an ongoing strategic tool rather than a periodic compliance exercise.
3. Board Composition Reflects Experienced Leadership Demographics
There is growing attention to board composition and demographic tracking as foundations seek balanced governance structures that combine institutional knowledge with evolving perspectives and expertise.
While foundation boards continue to be composed primarily of experienced senior leaders, almost half are composed of working professionals.
The data shows that foundations continue to value extensive leadership and governance experience but also recognize the importance of building pipelines for future board leadership.
4. Compensation for Board Service is Increasingly Common
The survey found that 60% of foundations compensate board members for their service, with that figure rising to 71% among foundations with assets greater than $3 billion.
The trend reflects increasing expectations placed on board members and the growing need for specialized expertise in areas such as investment oversight, finance, governance, and community leadership. Compensation can also make board service more accessible to qualified leaders who may otherwise be unable to commit the necessary time.
Supporting Foundations Through Governance Transformation
The survey findings reinforce broader shifts occurring across the nonprofit sector, where boards are being asked to play very intentional and strategic roles in areas where they can create the most lasting impact.
“High-performing boards are built through intentional governance practices, clear expectations, and ongoing evaluation,” said Hibschman. “Our findings offer practical, data-informed guidance to help boards strengthen oversight, decision-making, and overall effectiveness.”
For additional information on our surveys, insights, and expertise, visit us online at c3nonprofitconsulting.com or contact us via email.
About C3 Nonprofit Consulting Services
The world’s most impactful organizations require best-in-class strategies, resources and insights. C3 Nonprofit Consulting Group, a division of SullivanCotter, works exclusively with mission-driven organizations to navigate people, cultural and operational issues to optimize their workforce and accelerate their impact.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260603710657/en/
Media gallery
