How Nonprofits Are Using Junior Boards to Engage Millennials

Younger and smaller versions of governing boards for not-for-profits are becoming a strong force at Indianapolis-area nonprofits, despite having no voting power.

Young professional boards, usually consisting of members ages 21 to 40, vary in size and responsibilities, but the groups are seen as a way to engage Millennials—an age group nonprofit leaders believe they need to attract to stay relevant. The groups also groom future board members and act as a focus group for new ideas.

“What we looked at was kind of long term, bringing some diversity to our donor base and our volunteer base,” Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana Inc. President and CEO Kent Kramer said about the Young Leaders group Goodwill established three years ago. “At first I was not sure how this might work, but it’s been a real blessing to Goodwill to have the Young Leaders.”