Learn what boards are prioritizing in 2027

Learn what boards are prioritizing in 2027

We're excited to launch the new Governance outlook 2027 for mission-driven organizations from Diligent Institute.

More than 230 leaders took the time to share their perspectives on the challenges, priorities and opportunities facing mission-driven boards today. Their collective insights provide a unique snapshot of where boards are focusing their attention and investment as they prepare for the year ahead.

Check out a podcast discussion unpacking the highlights of the report here.

One finding that stood out: Boards are looking for ways to spend less time looking backward and more time looking ahead. Nearly half of respondents said they want more time for strategic planning, while many also called for more structured and proactive risk oversight.

Make more room for strategic planning

One finding stands out: boards are looking for ways to spend less time looking backward and more time looking ahead. Nearly half of respondents said they want more time for strategic planning.

For boards, that means making more room to discuss the decisions that shape mission delivery, organizational resilience and long-term impact. It also means ensuring that routine preparation, reporting and document management do not crowd out the conversations only the board can have.

When materials are organized, secure and ready to review, directors can spend more meeting time asking the right questions, weighing options and setting direction.

Pair strategic planning with proactive risk oversight

Strategic planning is strongest when it is connected to a clear view of risk. Many leaders in the Governance Outlook survey also called for more structured and proactive risk oversight.

The Financial oversight and risk management guide offers a practical framework for improving visibility, strengthening controls and identifying risks earlier. The volunteer board playbook for financial and risk oversight provides additional questions and approaches for boards working through uncertainty.

Together, these resources can help boards move from reviewing what has happened to considering what could happen next, and what action the organization should take now.

How Wespath strengthened governance and continuity

Wespath was managing a 40-member board with outdated processes that made it harder to keep materials organized, accessible and ready for new members. After moving to BoardEffect, the organization gained secure, searchable access to board materials, simpler archiving and documentation, faster onboarding and more engaged, better-prepared trustees.

As Mary Figueredo, Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO and General Secretary at Wespath, explains:

“BoardEffect has been a lifesaver. It’s given us the ability to be more flexible, to send out more information in a format that’s easy to find and centrally located.”

Read the full Wespath story.

Listen to our latest Leading with Purpose episodes

Unpacking the Governance outlook for 2027

In this Leading with Purpose podcast episode, Kira Ciccarelli, Senior Research & Programs Manager, Diligent Institute and Ellen Glasgow, Senior Vice President for Mission Driven Organizations for Diligent, unpack the Governance outlook 2027 for mission-driven organization research findings and what they mean for nonprofit boards. They discuss redesigning board agendas, strengthening risk oversight, using scenario planning and preparing for the year ahead. explore those big challenges that are facing organizations today and discuss practical steps that boards can take to become more strategic, resilient and future ready. And do listen to the end to hear Ellen and Kira's top advice for boards preparing for 2027.

Protecting your mission through stronger financial oversight

Ryan Alexander, founder of RA Partners and author of Protect Your Mission: The Finance Framework for Nonprofit Leaders, and Hannah Romick, co-founder and CEO of Conscient Strategies discuss how stronger financial oversight can help to protect the mission. They explore the questions board members should be asking, how organizations can build a culture of transparency and trust, why governance and internal controls matter, and how leaders can prepare for uncertainty before it becomes a crisis. And do listen to the end to hear Ryan and Hannah's top piece of advice for boards looking to strengthen financial oversight and better protect the mission..

This month’s Community Champion

Congratulations to Breanne Johnson, Executive Assistant and Board Liaison at Red Canoe Credit Union.

Breanne is being recognised this month as one of our Community Champions, find out more about Breanne, her role and what she enjoys doing outside of governance work!

Would you like to nominate someone for ourDiligent Community Champions? Nominate your champion here.

People of Purpose

Grant Lavac, is this month's Person of Purpose! Based in Melbourne, Australia, Grant is a Customer Success Manager covering BoardEffect's APAC region, splitting his time between onboarding new clients and supporting existing customers. Wondering what Grant's favorite BoardEffect feature is? Find out more about Grant and his amazing hobby outside work too!

News and events

Seasonal moments to plan around

The weeks ahead offer useful moments for boards to connect governance with mission delivery. Giving Tuesday is a timely prompt to review fundraising roles, campaign oversight and the information trustees need before year-end activity accelerates. This Giving Tuesday guide offers practical ways to involve your board.

• Trustees Week: A timely reminder of the vital role trustees play in guiding strategy, managing risk and ensuring organizations stay focused on their mission and long-term impact.
• Compliance & Ethics Week: Good governance starts with trust. Compliance & Ethics Week is an opportunity for boards to reinforce a culture of accountability, integrity and responsible oversight.
• World Kindness Day: Strong boards shape culture as well as strategy. World Kindness Day highlights the importance of empathy, respect and purpose-driven leadership in creating healthier, more effective organizations.

What’s trending

• Fiduciary responsibility: A complete guide with examples
• Policies and procedures to get your nonprofit’s finances in order
• One place, one workflow, minutes done: How BoardEffect connects your meeting records

Share your perspective

Take this month’s quick survey on AI in your organization for your chance to win a $50 gift card.