3 Strategies to Bridge Generational Gaps for a Better Connected Nonprofit Board

Traditionally dominated by the baby boomer generation, nonprofit boards are now beginning to see more millennials and even younger generations stepping into leadership roles. This increase in generational diversity is sparking discussions about inclusivity, communication styles, governance practices and technological adoption within the boardroom. Generational diversity in boardrooms refers to the distinct values, experiences and working styles that each generation brings. As the composition of nonprofit boards changes to include more diverse age groups, boards must adapt to leverage the strengths, values and knowledge of different generations.
The presence of diverse generations brings a treasure trove of perspectives that can improve board governance and drive creative approaches to recurring challenges. Yet with these benefits come unique challenges, particularly in aligning values, priorities and expectations across generations.
1. Find Value Beyond Financial Contributions
One of the most critical factors in a more connected board is ensuring that nonprofit boards reflect the diverse communities they serve. The “Leading with Intent" study shows that 49% of nonprofit CEOs believe they did not have the right board members to connect with the communities they’re serving. Unfortunately, this may be because traditional boards have often prioritized financial contributions, which can create entrance barriers for younger or diverse members, decreasing the overall diversification they need.
It is essential that nonprofit boards adopt creative ways of defining value beyond just financial capital. Examples of this include participating in fundraising and philanthropy efforts, using social media platforms to boost awareness or providing expertise in areas such as technology or community outreach — many of which newer generations are comfortable with supporting.
Each generation brings strengths to the table, and tailoring responsibilities to align with these strengths can create a more inclusive, and thus, effective board. The importance of creating open-ended opportunities that allow younger members to contribute meaningfully cannot be understated. For instance, younger board members who are digitally savvy can be encouraged to lead technology or social media initiatives, while more experienced members might guide strategy or mentor new board members — offering career growth and networking opportunities.
Balancing these contributions requires a collaborative approach, as well as a strong commitment to recognizing the value that each generation brings. By customizing roles, boards can optimize member engagement and ensure that every member contributes in a way that aligns with their strengths.
2. Evaluate the Roles of Communication and Leadership
Effective communication is essential to a functional nonprofit board, but different generations often have varying preferences and approaches. Younger generations, for example, tend to be more comfortable with technology, preferring digital tools for communication and collaboration. Offering a user-friendly board management platform that caters to a range of technical skills can help bridge this gap, fostering more effective and inclusive communication. In addition, creating clear guidelines on communication practices can mitigate misunderstandings and ensure that all voices are heard, regardless of generational differences.
Leadership also plays a crucial role in creating an inclusive board culture that values contributions and active collaboration from all board members. Strong leaders set the tone for collaboration by encouraging open discussions and respecting diverse viewpoints. They must also be willing to have difficult conversations when necessary to address issues of accountability and ensure that all members are aligned with the organization’s mission.
3. Prepare for the Future of Nonprofit Governance
As nonprofit boards continue to evolve with newer members, so too arrives new technology and its many benefits. For example, tools powered by artificial intelligence (AI) have the potential to streamline processes, enhance data-driven decision-making and improve risk management for organizations. However, the adoption of technology can bring challenges, including ethical issues and the potential for generational divides in comfort with tools, as the younger generations will likely have more technological experience than others.
Investing in board education and certification programs can help bridge divides by equipping the board with the knowledge to navigate a growing tech landscape responsibly. Educational resources tailored to boards, including AI ethics and board oversight or cyber risk and strategy certifications, provide insights and practical skills for tackling emerging challenges. By prioritizing ongoing education, boards can foster a culture of informed governance and position their organizations for long-term success.
Ultimately, generational diversity in any type of organization encourages stronger governance by creating a culture of healthy debate and diverse perspectives. Different viewpoints can drive more comprehensive decision-making, helping boards avoid the pitfalls of groupthink. As nonprofit boards continue to evolve, diversity of thought will be increasingly vital for adapting to new challenges and making a long-lasting impact on their organization. This will also support the healthy communication of each board member’s risk tolerance.
In the coming years, I expect nonprofit boards to continue growing more inclusive, with younger members leveraging technology to streamline processes and expand their influence. This shift promises to transform nonprofit board culture, making it more adaptable, creative and representative of the communities these organizations serve.
The preceding post was provided by an individual unaffiliated with NonProfit PRO. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of NonProfit PRO.
Related story: How to Attract, Keep and Engage the Next Generation of Board Members
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Ellen Glasgow serves as general manager, mission-driven organizations for Diligent Corp., a SaaS solution across governance, risk, compliance, audit and ESG. In her role, Ellen oversees the commercial team, which includes new and expansion sales, marketing and sales development for the Diligent Governance solutions that support mission-driven organizations (nonprofits, associations, education institutions, community health care centers and governments).