Many foundation and nonprofit boards have worked hard in recent years, after the Covid crisis and the national racial reckoning, to better connect and reflect the communities they serve. They’ve recruited board directors, such as grassroots leaders or program alumni, who have personal experience with the problems their organizations aspire to solve.

These positive steps, however, will only lead to better board decisions when followed by the authentic inclusion of new voices. Without thoughtful changes, valuable community voices can get lost in “business-as-usual” agendas.

Through our work in philanthropic advising, serving on foundation and nonprofit boards, and interviewing practitioners and experts, we’ve identified five fundamental questions board leaders should consider as they build meeting agendas and create cultures grounded in inclusive values.