Non-profits are susceptible to conflict on the Board of Directors due to inherent elements of their cultures and structures.  Board members are volunteers that normally rotate off after fulfilling a term of service.  If the board does not have term limits, some board members can become entrenched, creating strong ownership issues to certain programs or processes.  The constant change at the board level can bring a variety of personalities, values, and agendas to the Board of Directors. Conflict among board members can severely damage a non-profit.  A splinter group may emerge, donors may become disenchanted, staff may leave, and lawsuits may be filed.

Mediation can dial down the temperature among members helping to bring resolution to conflict.  In some cases, the organization may need to ask one or more board members to resign.  If mediation is offered early in the process, the greater likelihood of resolution.