Outside advice on managing conflict and on mediating during conflict can be essential to bringing successful resolution and healing. Group process skills constitute a particular kind of expertise that many board members will not have. In keeping, an experienced external facilitator who possesses those skills (and who does not have a stake in the outcome) can be extremely helpful in guiding the discussion process.

• As noted earlier, a key funder who is close to the organization can be invaluable in a conflict situation. Having a funder encourage a board to resolve the issues and refocus on the mission and goals of the organization carries a lot of weight.

• It is important to note that not every funder is a close enough partner to trust with confidential or insider information about conflicts, but those who are can be invaluable.

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