The Hendricks County Community Foundation (HCCF) launched a Nonprofit Census earlier this year to better understand the board demographics of organizations serving Hendricks County and expand their reach to more nonprofits in the community.
HCCF had 113 Hendricks County nonprofits respond to the survey. Here are the findings:
- Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Asian, Hispanic or Latinx: 67% of nonprofits report less than 10% BIPOC representation on their boards. According to the US Census, 20% of County residents describe themselves as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Asian, Hispanic or Latinx.
- Gender: 14% of nonprofits report less than 20% female representation; while 28% report that less than 25% of their board are men. Men or women are considered extremely underrepresented in 42% of our nonprofit Boards as the US Census shows 50% of County residents are men and 50% are women.
- Disabilities: 56% of nonprofits report less than 10% of their Board have a disability. The Annual Disability Statistics Compendium estimates 10% of County residents have a disability.
- LGBTQ+: 70% of nonprofits report less than 10% LGBTQ+ representation. According to the US Census 10% of County residents describe themselves at LGBTQ+.
This information is to better inform Hendricks County Community Foundation, Hendricks County nonprofits, and the community at large where opportunities exist to strengthen nonprofit boards.
Diversity can show up in many ways including, but not limited to, age, race, residency, career, gender, sexuality, veteran status and many more. The impact that a diverse board can have on a nonprofit is immeasurable. The benefits of a diverse board include:
- the ability to identify the full range of opportunities and risks when facing a major decision;
- less risk of becoming stagnant due to new perspectives and strengths; and,
- attracting additional diversity in staff and volunteers.
Every organization in Hendricks County needs qualified and motivated individuals to serve and strengthen their boards. The Community Foundation is partnering with Leadership Hendricks County to provide an eight-part webinar series called Lead With Purpose.
The Lead with Purpose training series is an opportunity for current board members or those who have never served on a board. The learning objectives are practical tips and helpful insights that will guide participants to the right role in the right organization. Anyone in the community is welcome to participate. Scholarships are available for those where cost may be a burden. Register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/667612235167 or scan the QR Code.
