Nonprofit boards often uphold outdated power structures, prioritizing elite control over true community accountability. In this three-part series, based on the NPQ webinar, “A New Framework for Boards,” Ananda Valenzuela challenges traditional governance models and offers a new vision for boards that empower rather than constrain. By shifting from power-hoarding to power-sharing, nonprofits can create governance structures that truly align with their mission.

Beginning with the history of nonprofit boards, Valenzuela reveals how they evolved to protect wealth and maintain control rather than foster meaningful social change. Understanding this legacy helps nonprofit leaders critically examine current governance practices. The second article introduces three key mindset shifts that can transform how boards function, moving from rigid, top-down decision-making to a model centered on accountability, collaboration, and shared leadership. The final installment provides practical strategies for change, helping organizations redefine board roles, build trust between staff and governance, and explore alternative board structures that distribute power more equitably.