Creating Opportunities for Family Involvement Outside of Board Service

List of options from Families in Flux for involving family members who may not be able to serve on the foundation board. Particularly useful for larger families, and for foundations with strict criteria for board participation.

  • Serve on advisory committee
  • Serve on short-term committee addressing specific issue
  • Observe board meetings
  • Attend briefings by guest speakers or grantees
  • Attend annual briefings on the work of the foundation
  • Research a specific topic regarding funding areas
  • Join a study group to learn about program areas
  • Accompany a board member to professional meetings
  • Accompany a board member on a site visit
  • Contribute articles to a family newsletter
  • Receive annual reports
  • Participate in distributing discretionary funds allocated to family branches