Governance outlook 2027 for mission‑driven organizations

As mission-driven organizations face growing financial, strategic and technology pressures, boards are being asked to do more than ever. Drawing on a survey of 230 leaders, this Diligent Institute research report explores the risks, priorities and governance trends shaping the future of board oversight for mission-driven organizations. Discover:

• What remains the number one concern for mission-driven organizations.
• How boards are rethinking risk oversight.
• The surprising gap between investment in AI and use of AI in board oversight and decision-making.
• What boards believe would most improve meeting effectiveness, governance processes and strategic oversight.
• How leading organizations are preparing for a future defined by ongoing disruption, greater scrutiny and increased accountability.

“Boards do want AI support, but they appear to view it as useful only inside a stronger governance operating model. In other words, technology is not a substitute for disciplined agenda design, role clarity, effective reporting and board education. AI is more likely to create value when those fundamentals are already in place.” - Dottie Schindlinger, Executive Director of the Diligent Institute and Founding Member, BoardEffect

Download the governance outlook 2027 and see how your board compares.