Understanding the structure and key individuals behind a foundation is essential for appreciating how such organizations function and make an impact. Foundations rely not just on visionary leaders but also on boards, directors, and a dedicated team of volunteers to drive their mission forward.
The Core Structure of Foundation Leadership
A foundation typically operates with a three-tier leadership and governance structure, composed of the Board of Directors, Executive Directors/Officers, and a network of volunteers who support their programs and outreach.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is the main governing body of a foundation. This group holds the ultimate responsibility for setting the strategic direction, financial oversight, and policy formulation for the organization. Board members are elected or appointed based on their expertise, commitment to the mission, and sometimes their network and fundraising capacity. Their chief responsibilities include:
- Shaping the foundation’s mission and vision.
- Setting strategic goals and priorities.
- Reviewing and approving budgets and financial reports.
- Ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
- Hiring and evaluating the performance of the foundation’s executive leadership.
- Acting as stewards of the foundation’s assets and reputation.
Key Board Member Positions
Officers within the board have clearly defined roles, often including:
| Position | Role Description |
|---|---|
| President | Leads the board, oversees meetings, ensures the board’s directives are followed. |
| Secretary | Maintains records, manages communications, and ensures compliance with bylaws. |
| Treasurer | Oversees financial reporting, budgeting, and stewardship of assets. |
| Committee Chairs | Lead specific committees such as fundraising, governance, or programming. |
Other board members often serve on subcommittees, lending their particular expertise to specific operational or strategic areas.
Executive Directors/Officers
The Executive Director or CEO is responsible for managing the foundation’s daily operations, executing the board’s vision, and overseeing program implementation. This role serves as the link between the board and the foundation’s staff/volunteers.
Volunteers
Volunteers are the backbone of many foundations. They contribute time, expertise, and energy to events, administrative work, community outreach, and more. Motivated by a shared passion for the foundation’s mission, volunteers are essential for many grassroots and large-scale initiatives.
Typical Volunteer Contributions:
- Supporting fundraising events.
- Providing administrative assistance.
- Contributing to program delivery.
- Offering expertise (legal, accounting, marketing, etc.).
Characteristics of Effective Board Members and Volunteers
- Mission-Driven: A profound commitment to the foundation’s mission, vision, and impact.
- Engaged: Regularly attends and participates in board meetings and committee work.
- Team-Oriented: Works collaboratively, respects diverse perspectives, and champions foundation staff and volunteers.
- Diligent: Prepares for meetings, completes assigned tasks, and advocates thoughtfully for the foundation.
- Experienced: Often brings prior board or volunteer experience and relevant industry expertise.
Case Study: Recent Updates from Prominent Foundations (2025)
Example: AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada (2025 Board)
The AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada is a leading example of a modern, impact-focused board with clear leadership and a blend of new and returning members.
Executive Officers and Board Members (2025):
- Co-Chairs: Amanda Fritz, CFRE; Muneeb Syed, CFRE
Focus: Restoring trust, expanding fundraising, creating new partnerships. - Immediate Past Chair: Vincent Duckworth, CFRE
- Chair-Elect: Niambi Martin-John
- Treasurer: Jacklyn Lewis
- Secretary: Kirstin Ling
New Board Members Welcomed in 2025:
- Jenny Lynn Mitchell
- Ouida Loeffelholz
- Tara Monks, CFRE
Additional Board Members:
- Catherine M. Connolly, CFRE, MBA
- Evan Maydaniuk, CFRE
- Fiona Valverde, CFRE
- Jennifer Johnstone (Ex-officio, AFP Canada Board Chair)
- Lindsay Sweeney-Hockin, CFRE
- Margaret E. Miller, MBA
- Marla Smith, CFRE, BA
Key Priorities for 2025:
- Rebuilding trust within the philanthropic community.
- Growing fundraising capacity.
- Forming new institutional partnerships.
Example: Wikimedia Endowment Board (2025 Update)
In July 2025, the Wikimedia Endowment welcomed two new at-large board members—Ike Kier and Kevin Bonebrake. Their expertise strengthens governance, financial oversight, and strategic planning.
Brief Profile Highlights:
- Kevin Bonebrake: Extensive nonprofit and financial sector experience, including service on audit committees and philanthropy.
- Ike Kier: Known for commitment to the Wikimedia mission, with notable achievements in governance and philanthropy leadership.
Board Selection, Terms, and Accountability
Foundations typically define board member selection, officer appointment, terms, and succession in their bylaws. Recent trends emphasize transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in board appointments, with regular elections and opportunities for new members to bring fresh perspectives.
Board Accountability Practices:
- Regular board and committee meetings.
- Annual reviews of effectiveness.
- Conflict of interest disclosures.
- Publicly available annual reports and impact statements.
The Evolving Role of Volunteers
Volunteer engagement has evolved with foundations increasingly leveraging digital tools for remote volunteering, skills-based projects, and internationally coordinated campaigns.
Notable Innovations (2025 Trends):
- Growth in skills-based volunteering, especially for IT, communications, and data analysis.
- More structured volunteer onboarding and training programs.
- Volunteers serving in advisory roles or as board members to inject grassroots perspectives into governance.
Summary Table
| Role | Typical Responsibilities | 2025 Trends |
|---|---|---|
| Board Members | Governance, strategy, financial oversight | Diversity, transparency, active community engagement |
| Executive Directors | Day-to-day operations, program oversight, staff management | Strategic partnerships, digital transformation, accountability |
| Officers | Specific leadership (e.g., President, Treasurer, Secretary) | Regular rotations, higher standards for fiduciary oversight |
| Volunteers | Support programs, events, operations | Remote volunteering, skills-based roles, more training |
Concluding
The success and impact of a foundation depend on the dedication and expertise of its board members, officers, directors, and volunteers. In 2025, transparency, accountability, diversity, and a deep commitment to mission continue to be the hallmarks of effective foundation leadership. Regular board renewals and the involvement of skilled volunteers are shaping foundations into agile, innovative, and resilient organizations ready to address contemporary challenges.
