Motivations for Board Service

Why many family members want in and some don’t want to leave

Of all the governance questions I get and stories I hear, none come more frequently and with more urgency than those related to preparing the next generation of trustee leaders. Now those of you who have read these columns or heard me speak know that my concern in raising future philanthropic generations goes far beyond preparing them for board service. I believe the parents and extended family members I meet want to raise charitable children, ensuring that they grow to be charitable, community-service oriented adults. Not every child will get to sit on a family foundation board, nor will every child wish to, but all can grow to make a world of difference in a world that desperately needs their commitment.