Nonprofit Boards:  How to Find a Rewarding Board Position
by Bridgestar, an initiative of the Bridgespan Group



Becoming a member of a nonprofit organization’s board can be a meaningful way to explore how an individual’s experience and expertise can be applied in the nonprofit sector at the governance level, and ultimately, how one’s experience and expertise can help advance a nonprofit organization’s social impact. It also can be a rewarding, high impact way that for-profit executives can do community service while learning new skills that can enhance their own careers.

“When you join a board, what you are really saying is that you agree to put your personal interests and ambitions in the background,” said Linda Crompton, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of BoardSource, a Washington, DC-based organization dedicated to building strong nonprofit boards and encouraging board service. “You are there to best serve the best interests of that organization.”

With serving the best interests of an organization in mind, it’s important to choose social causes you are most passionate about. “I believe the single most important element in being a successful board member and helping to make a board much more effective is your own interest and passion in the work of that group,” Crompton said. “On a board, and a nonprofit board in particular, you are meant to be an ambassador. If you, as an ambassador, don’t feel passionate about the work of this organization, who will?”

To explore your passion for a particular cause, it can help to walk through a series of questions. Jeri Eckhart-Queenan, a partner with the Bridgespan Group, a nonprofit advisor to nonprofits and philanthropy, offers the following questions as guides:
• Is the work of the organization interesting to me?
• Could I imagine making the organization one of my leading philanthropies, in terms of the time, energy, and other personal resources I’m willing to devote to it?
• How willing would I be to introduce others to the work of the organization?
It also can help to volunteer with an organization. Many organizations have fundraising events staffed by volunteer committees, such as “Friends of the Board.” Helping out at one of these events or joining an event committee can provide opportunities to learn more about the organization, its mission, and its board, and in turn, help you better explore your passion for its work.
Determining which opportunities are best
After you’ve determined those causes you’re truly passionate about, you can begin to evaluate specific opportunities. Four fundamental questions can help you determine whether a particular position will be the right fit.
1. Are my goals the same as those of this organization and its board?
2. Can I contribute skills, experience, or expertise that will increase the impact of the organization and help it advance its mission?

Read the entire article at Bridgestar, an initiative of the Bridgespan Group -- a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps nonprofit and philanthropic leaders make strategic decisions and build organizations that inspire and accelerate social change.

News You Can Use

NEW's Board Matching Event
Tuesday, March 29, 5–7:30pm
Kensington Court Hotel, 610 Hilton Blvd., Ann Arbor

Nonprofit organizations need talented and dedicated individuals to serve on their boards and committees. Spring into Service is a fun and lively event that takes some of the mystery out of board matching. Members of the community meet face-to-face with a diverse selection of organizations (see list) in lightning rounds to learn about their missions and the kinds of help they need.

Interested individuals are encouraged to register online for a modest fee of $5. If you match with a board, you are eligible for a free session of Serving on a Nonprofit Board, our workshop on duties and responsibilities of nonprofit board service. 

Keeping Detroit Sustainable
Breakfast and discussion
Tuesday, March 29, 7:30am-10am
FairlaneCenter North Quad E, 19000 Hubbard Dr., Dearborn
UM Dearborn in partnership with Crain’s Detroit Business
Nonprofits have a place in the discussion on how environmental sustainability plays a role in revitalizing Detroit.
More information.

A Celebration of Giving & Volunteering 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 11am-1pm
State Capitol Building, Lawn, Lansing  More information.

6th Annual Nonprofit Management Conference
Wednesday, April 20, 8am-3pm
Troy Chamber, Non-Profit Network
Walsh College, Troy

This affordable, day-long management conference is for nonprofit professionals, board members and volunteers. Network and learn in a wide choice of workshops. Michael J. Brennan, President & CEO, United Way for Southeast Michigan will be the keynote speaker. More information.

Michigan Nonprofit 2011 SuperConference
Tuesday and Wednesday, May 10-11, Lansing Center, Lansing
The Michigan Nonprofit SuperConference is the state's premier conference for nonprofit professionals. Guided by energizing speakers from state and national organizations, the conference features over 30 workshops on fund development, communications, public policy, governance and more. More information.

Changes to Michigan's Solicitation Law
In December, 2010, amendments to the Charitable Organizations and Solicitations Act (COSA) were signed into law; they take affect March 30, 2011.  Major changes in COSA include:
• Charitable organizations are required to register to solicit instead of being licensed to solicit. An organization's registration will be effective upon receipt of all required information.
• The level of contributions at which all-volunteer organizations are required to register has been increased. They may now receive up to $25,000 in a twelve-month period before being required to register with the Charitable Trust Section. If any person who is involved in fundraising is paid, registration to solicit is required regardless of the amount of funds raised.
• Criminal provisions in COSA have been strengthened and certain violations are now felonies.
• Civil fines are authorized up to $10,000.
Learn more.
 

Your Board Members as Ambassadors and Fundraisers
Thursday, March 17, 9am-10:30am
NEW, BoardConnect
NEW Center, 1100 N Main St, Ann Arbor
Cost : $35

Join a seasoned board member in a fast-paced 1.5 hour session about ways to get your board to be better ambassadors. Learn how to jump start their involvement in raising money! More information and registration.

Nonprofit Training: Building Your Board
Wednesday, March 23, 4:30pm-6:30pm
NEW, BoardConnect
Hannan House, 4750 Woodward, Detroit
Cost: $50

Covers important aspects of recruiting new members for a nonprofit’s board of directors including recruitment planning, identifying and cultivating candidates, and electing new members. More information and registration.

Charitable Giving: Effective Strategies for Philanthropy
A workshop sponsored by MetLife & Jewel Heart
Saturday, March 26, 1pm-4pm
1129 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor
Call Nancy Beachum 734-757-9230 for information and registration.

Grant Writing USA 2-Day Workshop
March 31 and April 1, 9am - 4pm each day
Hosted by the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber
Washtenaw Community College
Cost: $425  More information.

Earned Income Strategies: a 3-day Workshop for Nonprofit Organizations
Grantsmanship Center
Monday, April 25 – Wednesday, April 27
University of Michigan-Detroit Center, 3663 Woodward Avenue, Suite 150
Cost: $575 More information.

Get Connected:  Relationship Building for Fundraising
Wednesday, April 27, 9am-10:30am
Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center, 311 E Grant River, Detroit
Cost:  Free; Registration required.

NEW and the Arts League of Michigan invite you to learn from and engage with Terry Axelrod, nationally known founder and CEO of Benevon. More information and registration.

Grant Writing USA 2-Day Workshop
May 5-6, 9am - 4pm each day
Hosted by Southeast Michigan Council of Governments
535 Griswold Street, Suite 300, Detroit
Cost: $425  More information.

See more trainings and events on the Michigan Nonprofit Association website.

Bulletin Board

Good for Business: Rolling out the Welcome Mat in Michigan, released by the Michigan League for Human Services, highlights the benefits of welcoming immigrants to our state. 

The Ann Arbor Thrift Shop Grants
Social service agencies in the Ann Arbor school district are invited to submit proposals for funding (which typically range from $2,000 - $5,000) to the Anne M. Hayes Fund of the Ann Arbor Thrift Shop. Applications must be postmarked or hand-delivered on or before April 4. Learn more.