Net Impact Boston

The Board Fellows program places Net Impact members on non-profit boards (as non-voting members) for one-year fellowships. Board Fellows will be active participants on their non-profit boards, getting involved with committees and relevant projects. The program brings valuable business skills to non-profits and allows non-profits to cultivate potential new board members, while exposing Net Impact members to non-profit management and governance in practice.

Net Impact Boston professionals represent a variety of business sectors and are committed to practicing and promoting the principles of social responsibility throughout the local community and beyond. By combining our members’ talent, energy, and commitment with the wealth of business, educational, and other resources in the Greater Boston area, the Board Fellows program fits Net Impact Boston’s goal of striving to make the city a vibrant center of socially responsible business activity.

Non-profit organizations participate to…

• Bring new perspectives into their organization
• Receive high-quality assistance on projects requiring business skills
• Support the professional development of emerging non-profit leaders
• Engage volunteers in their organization’s work
• Cultivate potential new board members

Net Impact members participate to…

• Engage with a non-profit on a strategic level
• Learn about nonprofit management and governance through first-hand experience
• Develop deeper knowledge of specific social issues related to the work of the non-profit
• Put Net Impact ideals into practice
• Develop stronger ties to their community

Program Overview

The Board Fellows program places Net Impact Boston members on non-profit boards (as non-voting members) for one-year fellowships. Board Fellows are active participants on non-profit boards, attending board sessions and getting involved with committees and relevant projects under the mentorship of a current board member. The program brings valuable business skills to non-profits and allows non-profits to cultivate potential new board members, while exposing Net Impact members to non-profit management and governance in practice.

Many organizations have their Board Fellows participate on board-level projects relevant to the needs of the organization. For example, a Board Fellow can assist in preparing a strategic plan to help an organization analyze its program offerings and expansion potential. A Board Fellow can also help an organization develop a strategy to increase board participation.

Expectations of a Board Fellow

• Commit to/contribute 10-15 hours per month to non-profit organization and attend each general board and committee meetings
• Honest and professional interactions with sponsor organizations
• Experience and success in leadership positions
• Sincere interest in or passion for cause of organization

Expectations of a Participating Non-profit

• Need to dedicate a board mentor to help Board Fellow navigate organization
• Need to be willing to establish term goal in conjunction with Board Fellow – program should be of interest to Board Fellow and of need to the organization for mutual benefit

Selection Process

The applications of non-profit organizations are evaluated on organization mission, community impact, and ability to benefit from the Board Fellows model. We also take into consideration the nature and scope of the project(s).

Non-profits and Board Fellows are matched through a selection process conducted by NIB Board Fellows program coordinators, based on the interests and needs of the organizations and the interest and expertise of Board Fellows. After the NIB Board Fellows program coordinators match a Board Fellow with an organization, the coordinators present the Board Fellow’s profile to the organization for final approval.

Program Coordination and Support

NIB Board Fellows program coordinators oversee the program and are committed to providing a valuable experience to both the organization and the Board Fellow. Each organization and Board Fellow will be assigned to a program coordinator who will serve as the primary contact for providing feedback, requesting assistance, and addressing issues that arise. Board Fellows receive training led by professors and/or business consultants with expertise in non-profit management. In addition, a variety of non-profit capacity building resources are available to Board Fellows here.

About Net Impact Boston

Net Impact Boston (NIB), the local professional chapter of Net Impact, a non-profit organization dedicated to using business to make a difference in the world. Spanning six continents, the Net Impact network includes over 200 chapters in cities throughout the world and a central office in San Francisco. NIB represents almost three hundred professionals in Boston and offers a wide portfolio of programs and initiatives to educate, equip, and inspire our members to achieve a positive impact in our community.

Getting Involved

To learn more about Board Fellows, please contact boardfellows@netimpactboston.org.

If you are a non-profit that is interested in participating in the 2009-2010 Board Fellows program, please download and complete the NIB Board Fellows Non-Profit Application and send it to Danielle Lemack.

If you are a Net Impact member who is serving in the 2009-2010 the Board Fellows program, please download and complete the NIB Board Fellows Volunteer Application and send it to boardfellows@netimpactboston.org.

To connect with your fellow Net Impact Board Fellows, join our the Board Fellows group with our online community.

Thank you for your interest in the NIB Board Fellows program!