How many board members must a charitable corporation have? A charitable corporation formed in New York must have at least three board members.State law generally requires a minimum number of board members (also referred to as "directors" in Connecticut and New York and "trustees" in New Jersey). The Board's principal function is to oversee senior management, provide the Chief Executive with guidance in developing corporate strategy and policies. Submit actions to shareholders that require shareholder approval under the NYBCL. These Guidelines set forth the governance policies and procedures of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (the "Corporation"). The Office of the New York City Comptroller, Corporate Governance Principles and Proxy Voting Guidelines.