Board members often have conflicts of interest with their agencies, such as purchasing goods from their companies. Studies of board member motivation report the most common is a sincere desire to do good. For medical agencies, it is almost always tied to personal or family illness. Other motives are prestige, socializing with other members, and networking. An original motivation for social and status may evolve into sincere desire, for example, Nancy Reagan on drug treatment.
Volunteers are a unique feature of nonprofits.
They rarely are used in government, except perhaps for tours of Metroparks or interns for students. Businesses do not use volunteers and, indeed, it is illegal under New Deal wage and hour legislation. The volunteers are predominantly women and often housewives. Volunteer duties are typically low level, but may evolve into positions of influence. They sometimes move to board or paid employment.