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Successful family foundation board chairs are able to both drive action and manage egos — and are often the difference between a foundation deftly navigating challenging situations and being tripped up by them. It’s a role that needs careful consideration. Those serving in this capacity need the leadership skills needed to run smooth, productive board meetings as well as a nuanced set of interpersonal skills. This Content Collection provides a variety of tips and perspectives from current board chairs about how to manage this vital role in family philanthropy.
Are you a board chair or do you know someone in this role who might be interested in learning alongside peers? Consider signing up for NCFP’s Board Chairs Peer Network.
Top Resources: Start Here!
![Two white women sit at a table, looking off camera to illustrate the Passages issue brief on Board Chairs](https://www.ncfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/passages-board-chair-317x177.png)
![](https://www.ncfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Job-description-why-your-board-chair-needs-a-job-description.png)
Why Your Board Chair Needs a Job Description
Article![](https://www.ncfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/leadership-leading-through-change-advice-from-and-for-seasoned-ceos.jpg)
Advice for a New Board Chair
Article![](https://www.ncfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/strategy-ideas-wordle-317x177-good-governance-how-should-family-foundation-boards-spend-their-time.jpg)
Good Governance: How Should Family Foundation Boards Spend Their Time?
Article![](https://www.ncfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/samples-1.jpg)
Ten Essential Responsibilities of Foundation Board Chairs
SampleNCFP Webinars
![Board Chair Transition Family Philanthropy](https://www.ncfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Board-Chair-Transition-Family-Philantrhopy-317x177.jpg)
Preparing for and Managing a Productive Board Chair Transition
![](https://www.ncfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/boardroom-room-e1553197420267-317x177.jpg)
Relationship Between the Board Chair and CEO
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Becoming a Successful Board Chair: Tips and Advice from Your Peers
![](https://www.ncfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/feature-leadership-man-holding-rock-the-critical-role-of-the-board-chair-in-family-philanthropy.jpg)
The Critical Role of the Board Chair in Family Philanthropy
Board Chair Job Descriptions
![](https://www.ncfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/roles-and-responsibilities-george-family-foundation-responsibilities-of-the-board-chair.jpg)
George Family Foundation: Responsibilities of the Board Chair
Sample![](https://www.ncfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/feature-governance-pillars-policy-central-board-meetings-job-descriptions-and-rotation-policies-317x177.jpg)
Policy Central: Board Meetings, Roles, and Qualifications
SampleAdditional Tips and Tools for Board Chairs
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How Does the Role of a Family Foundation Chair Differ from That of Other Non-Profit Entities?
Ask the Center![](https://www.ncfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Trends-2020-Board-Learning-317x177.jpg)
Unconscious Bias on a Family Foundation Board: Questions to Ask Yourselves
Tool![](https://www.ncfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/helpful-tips-2-e1660825297821-300x167.jpg)
10 Tips & Tools to Improve Meetings & Navigate Uncomfortable Conversations
Tool![](https://www.ncfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/article-1.jpg)
Tips and tools for effective family board meetings
Article![](https://www.ncfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/we-can-help-does-ncfp-have-any-resources-to-help-my-board-chair-prepare-their-successor.png)
Does NCFP have any resources to help my board chair prepare their successor?
Article![](https://www.ncfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/conflict-or-compromise-sign-boardroom-battles-5-ways-to-move-beyond-conflict-e1554767546836-222x124.jpg)
Boardroom Battles: 5 Ways to Move Beyond Conflict
Article![](https://www.ncfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/balancing-interests-recusals-when-should-board-members-excuse-themselves.jpg)