2011 Policies, Practices, and Composition of Institutionally Related Foundation Boards

Based on a 2011 survey, this report is intended to provide foundation staff and boards, as well as administrators and boards of public colleges, universities, and university systems, with an understanding of common foundation governance practices and board composition.

Among other things, this report demonstrates the enormous heterogeneity of foundations. Optimal board composition and governance practices vary widely depending on the specific role of the foundation, available resources, state legislative and regulatory contexts, and other factors specific to the institution or system supported, but these data provide foundation boards with a starting point to assess their own practices and identify ways to enhance their effectiveness and their ability to support their affiliated institutions.

Download the executive summary here.

(Composition surveys for either public or independent institutions are also available.)