Questions to Consider When Setting Policy on Eligibility for Service

This list of questions is designed to help families consider who within the extended family will be eligible for service within the family philanthropy. Questions address issues such as spouse participation, divorce, and the involvement of non-family members.

1. Is eligibility to serve on the board a birthright?

2. Must family members meet specific criteria (age, education, volunteer service, etc.) before becoming eligible to serve on the board?

3. Can spouses serve on the board? In other capacities?

4. Must divorced spouses serving on the board resign immediately or are they expected to finish their terms?

5. Will the foundation consider new spouses of previously divorced family members as potential board members?

6. Do domestic partners have the same status as spouses?

7. Must domestic partners be part of the family for a certain number of years before becoming eligible for board service?

8. In cases of remarriage, must the new spouse be part of the family for a certain number of years before becoming eligible for board service?

9. Can widows/widowers of family members serve on the board?

10. Will adopted children be regarded as lineal descendents?

11. Will stepchildren be eligible to serve on the board? In other capacities?

12. Will “families of the heart” (close friends considered family) be eligible to serve on the board?

13. Must family members live in the geographical region where the foundation funds to be eligible for board service?

14. Will non-family members be invited to serve?

15. Will non-family members and family members have equal voice in making decisions?