United Way of Central Ohio is pleased to release a new 12-page report, Voices at the Table: Perspectives Shaping Nonprofit Boards in Central Ohio, along with a concise front-and-back summary designed to make the data more accessible to community members.
Based on responses from more than half of board members at 75 local nonprofit partners and United Way’s own board, the report shows there has been progress in racial and ethnic diversity since 2019 while spotlighting ongoing gaps in representation by age, income, disability status and LGBTQ identity. It also highlights that most board members report their boards prioritize representation and have created cultures where open, robust discussion is encouraged and all voices are heard.
The report, which will be shared with nonprofit leaders, donors and community partners across Franklin County, lifts up key findings that show who is currently at the table and who is still missing. It outlines community-informed recommendations to broaden board recruitment, foster more inclusive board cultures, increase transparency around board composition and strengthen the pipeline for diverse leaders.
United Way of Central Ohio invites partners and community members to use the report and summary as tools for reflection and action, with the goal of building boards that more fully reflect the people and neighborhoods they serve.
United Way extends its thanks to CHRR at The Ohio State University for preparing the survey and collecting the results, and to the following sponsors for their support: Columbus Partnership, COTA, Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, GBQ, RAMA, Mollard Consulting, Marlon Moore Consulting and Grange Insurance.
