It all starts with numbers.
We can’t gauge our progress unless we assess where we stand. To that end, please see the data that’s been collected in the field so far. This is what we know.
IN THE UNITED STATES
Research shows that nonprofit boards across the country are still overwhelmingly homogenous, comprised of mostly white trustees. (Board Source’s 2015 Leading with Intent Report)
90% of board chairs in the U.S. are white
The dominant profile of a large organization’s board chair in the U.S. is a white male between the ages of 40-64.
80% of board membership in the U.S. is white
The dominant profile of a board member in the U.S. is a white male (52%) or female (48%) between the ages of 40-64.
25% of boards in the U.S. remain all white.
50% of boards in 2014 in the U.S. reported having a formal diversity policy.
17% percent of boards in the U.S. report having conducted diversity training for board members.
35% of CEOs in the U.S. gave their boards an A or B on increasing board diversity. 19% indicate that the board has developed an action plan to increase diversity.