CHNRI Foundation Board is CHNRI's highest policy-and decision-making body. The Foundation Board establishes the over arching policies and principles that guide the Foundation. Its main duty is to ensure the efficient execution of CHNRI objectives. CHNRI Board is selected from the various constituencies relevant to the work of the Foundation which included the following constituencies: non-governmental organizations and/or groups interested in Child Health and Nutrition, Donors (governments, foundations and private donors)Academia or Research Organizations South, Academia or Research Organizations North, Public Sector / Policy Makers, Multilateral and International development agencies.

In addition, the Board of the Foundation can request an organization to nominate an individual as an ex-officio member who is non-voting. Board members serve a three-year term. They take an active part in specific activities such as the peer review process of project selection. A Chair, appointed by the Board, provides leadership. The Secretariat of CHNRI coordinates the implementation of strategies and manages the day-to-day activities of CHNRI. It is responsible for maintaining the technical and financial integrity of CHNRI's work plan and reports to the Board and Chair of the Board on a regular basis.