Board Fellows Program
Board Fellows Spring Application Deadline April. 7th, 2012
| The spring application cycle has wrapped up. If you are an individual or nonprofit organization interested in participating in the Board Fellows program, please read further and check back here for future updates. |
Net Impact Boston professionals work in a variety of sectors and possess a wide range of talents, skills, and interests. What ties them together, however, is a deep commitment to practicing and promoting the principles of social responsibility throughout the local community. Likewise, Boston’s vibrant nonprofit sector consists of an incredibly diverse group of organizations that vary by stage of growth, size, issue area focus, program delivery, and business model.
The Net Impact Boston Board Fellows program aims to match talented, energetic, and committed Boston area professionals with local nonprofit organizations in an effort to increase capacity in the nonprofit sector while providing members with an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. At its highest level, 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 “real life” non-profit management and governance.
Non-profit organizations participate to…
- Bring new perspectives into their organization
- Receive high-quality assistance on projects requiring advanced business skills in a particular area
- 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 for one-year fellowships. Board Fellows actively participate as full time (non-voting) members of the Board of Directors. Fellows attend meetings, join committees, and work on relevant projects—all under the mentorship of a current board member.
In addition, organizations typically develop one (or more) specific board level projects for Fellows to lead and/or participate in across the year. For example, a Board Fellow could be ask to play a major role in preparing a strategic plan to help an organization analyze its program offerings and expansion potential, or could be asked to help an organization develop a strategy to increase board participation.
Expectations of a Board Fellow
- Commit to/contribute 10-15 hours per month to the non-profit organization and attend each general board and relevant committee meetings
- Maintain honest and professional interactions with sponsor organizations at all times
- Have demonstrated past experience and success in leadership positions
- Demonstrate a sincere interest in (or passion for) cause of organization
Expectations of a Participating Non-profit
- Assign a dedicated Board mentor to help Board Fellow navigate the organization
- Invite Board Fellow to participate in all Board activities and decision-making (with understanding that the Fellow is a non voting member)
- In conjunction with the Board Fellow, develop a clear and reasonable project to be completed across the year
- Establish norms and expectations for Board participation
Selection Process
Non-profit organization applications 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 proposed project(s). Board Fellow applications are evaluated on experience (work or otherwise), skills/expertise, education, and areas of interest. Applications periods occur in the spring and fall of each year.
Once Non-profits and Board Fellows applications have been received and reviewed, a matching process takes place. Selected Fellows are asked to rank the available organizations and projects based on their level of interest, expertise, etc. Once the initial ranking process has been completed, Net Impact facilitates the matching process and works with each side to ensure a strong fit and successful partnership. Above all else, Net Impact Boston strives to make high quality, mutually beneficial matches based on complementary skills, interests, and needs. Thus, even for those organizations and individuals who meet all of the requirements for the program, a match is not guaranteed.
Apply Now
If you are a non-profit that is interested in participating in the 2011-2012 Board Fellows program, please click below to complete the online application form.
If you are an individual interested in serving in the Board Fellows program, please click the link below to complete the online application form.
Questions?
Please email boardfellows@netimpactboston.org with any additional questions or concerns.
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