Finding Agreement on Family Boards: The Belle Trust

When the three-member board of the Belle Trust discusses the wisdom of releasing the next installment of a multi-year grant to a struggling arts organization, trustee Sophie Ramos accuses her sister and cousin of ganging up on her and questioning her loyalty.

Family members frequently have different viewpoints, lifestyles, and priorities. Left unresolved, disagreements like this one threaten a foundation’s effectiveness and undermine the donor’s intent.