Nonprofit Board Composition, Engagement, and Leadership in Central Indiana

Abstract

Nonprofit organizations in central Indiana strengthen local communities and provide opportunities for engaged citizens to volunteer to serve on nonprofit boards. The extent to which demographic factors and board composition affect the board’s performance is a growing area of interest and research. Building on previous work about board engagement and diversity on a national level, this study examines nonprofit board composition, engagement, and leadership especially as they relate to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) among nonprofits in central Indiana. The findings in this study align with other research about board diversity and its impact on organizational performance. Results for central Indiana indicate that boards with a higher percentage of non-White members and women strengthen board governance. Moreover, organizations that have embraced cultural diversity across several measures are more likely to have more engaged board members. Yet, for many nonprofits there seems to be a disconnect between attitudes about diversity and action.