Experienced leaders for non-profit boards
Purpose and Performance Start at the Board
BoardCompanions brings experienced executives, most of them INSEAD alumni, onto the boards of non-profits, foundations and social enterprises as independent, pro-bono supervisory or advisory board members. Driven by impact, not profit.
An effective non-profit sector is essential in today's society
Non-profits, foundations and social enterprises take on work that neither markets nor governments fully cover. To do it well, they need a clear purpose and a track record of tangible results, and both start at the board.
As funding becomes harder to secure, funders look closely at how an organisation is run, and good governance is often what earns their trust. It helps an organisation secure the resources it needs, pursue its mission more effectively, and stay resilient enough for its impact to last.
BoardCompanions connects these organisations with experienced executives who serve on their boards pro bono, and across our chapters we help those board members keep developing through knowledge sharing, mentoring and peer support. Together they strengthen the organisation's governance, help it professionalise and increase its societal impact.
BoardCompanions international
250+
Board mandates
200+
Organisations
400+
Companions
2018
Since
How it works
From first contact to a stronger board.
Interview
The country team speaks with both sides to understand needs and fit.
Match
Via matching events or direct introduction, we find the right pairing.
Support
We stay involved after the placement.
Learn more
Who We Are
An INSEAD-alumni initiative since 2018, now active in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Italy.
What We Do
We match experienced senior leaders to non-profit boards — supervisory or advisory, always pro-bono.
Companionship in Action
Over 250 placements so far — meet the Companions, the organisations, and the partners behind them.
Join Us
Two ways in: apply as a Companion, or bring your organisation forward for a board match.
"By getting in touch with Vluchtelingenwerk, I got to know a very different world, populated by tremendously young, capable people who are committed to human rights and equality, rather than career or profit making. They are all people who work for refugees of all origins with an incomprehensible fighting spirit and dedication. I have tremendous respect and admiration for that."
"Half an hour sufficed to know the fit was there, that we agreed on the fundamental principles. A process very close to BoardCompanions' speed-dating!"
"I get much more back than I give."
Where our Companions serve
Organisations with a BoardCompanion on their board.
Choose your country
BoardCompanions is an international initiative with country chapters — locally run, internationally coordinated.
Select your country to see the team, partners, and how to get involved.
As Companion
Two ways in: apply as a Companion, or bring your organisation forward for a board match.
As Organisation
We match experienced senior leaders to non-profit boards — supervisory or advisory, always pro-bono.