Volume XXIV, Number 4 (Issue 1165) January 26, 2026
Three D’s, Four W’s – Part I
Doers. Donors. Door Openers.
Wealth. Work. Witness. Wisdom.
Both ideal blends.
During my career I have had the incredible honor and distinct pleasure of serving on a variety of boards of directors ranging from business startups to long established charitable organizations to hyper rule-bound governmental agencies. I have also been privileged to serve as a consultant to countless boards of directors. Again, those client organizations have covered the gamut of possible entities. In every instance, regardless of the nature of the organization, I was able to add to my store of knowledge and understanding of the challenges different entities encounter as well as the nature of board dynamics.
One of the many important lessons that came my way occurred not long after we moved to San Antonio in 1990, when I was invited to join the board of my alma mater’s alumni association. I readily accepted, knowing that though it would require I make regular trips to Houston for the meetings and functions, I would make some important business connections while my service on that board would also enable me to pay something forward to future generations of students. But, after attending a few meetings, I began to notice that several of the most prominent members of the board rarely, if ever, made the meetings. Those same individuals missed the majority of alumni functions we were routinely invited to attend. Further adding to my budding frustration was the fact that most of those absentees lived and worked in the Houston area while I was traveling to and from Houston on a regular basis on my own nickel. When I could no longer ignore what struck me as a lack of commitment on the part of some board members, I asked for a private meeting with the CEO of the alumni association so I could voice
my concerns. It was during that meeting that I was introduced to the three D’s of non-profit board composition.
As Steve, the CEO, explained to me, one of the fundamental principles that must guide the composition of a non-profit board is that it needs a blend of three groups: Doers, Donors, and Door Openers. The Doers, he told me, tended to be younger, highly passionate supporters who, while short on money, gladly donate their time and effort in support of the cause. In contrast, the Donors tended to be well established in their careers. Moreover, their success affords them the sort of financial resources that enables them to write sizable checks to the organization. The downside can be the demands on their time can make it hard for them to attend the non-profit’s board meetings. The final group known as Door Openers almost never make the organization’s board meetings; however, their circle of influence gives them ready access to individuals who control vast sums of money – think major charitable foundations and endowments. It is those connections that your typical development officer salivates over since their largess can most move the needle when it comes to fundraising. As was evident to me as I listened to Steve that day, I was still in the Doer category though we both hoped I would find my way into the Donor group before too long.
That is the three D’s rule of thumb for non-profit board composition. Next week, the plan is to explore the four W’s of successful for-profit boards.
Soli Deo Gloria
“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2:17
J. Keith Hughey
Mobile: (210) 260-0955
E-mail: keith@jkeithhughey.com
Website: www.jkeithhughey.com
Transforming Potential into Unmatched Performance
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