Does the presence of member assemblies in grant-giving foundations affect levels of stakeholder engagement in mission reporting? Evidence from Italian banking foundations.

Stakeholders play a fundamental role in the governance systems of non-profit organizations. Their participation in decision-making processes— especially with in governing bodies and in terms of mission reporting—is an essential element for effective and coherent organization management. The present study carries out empirical research into Italian Banking Foundations (IBFs), a particular kind of grant-giving foundation with specific statutory obligations towards their stakeholders, including local communities and the beneficiaries of contributions. These types of foundations are unique, featuring characteristics that could contribute to a better understanding of the role played by governing bodies among third-sector organizations in creating a system of stakeholder engagement, participation, and dialogue. Using content analysis, we studied the Annual Reports and statutes of 88 IBFs in order to verify whether the presence of a member assembly in this particular type of grant-giving foundation affects the degree of stakeholder engagement in mission reporting. The results of our study reveal a greater presence of stakeholder engagement policies and practices among foundations with member assemblies, as well as a tendency towards stakeholder management in foundations without this type of governing body.