Nonprofit Board Matching
Connecting business professionals to nonprofit boards.
Match to a Nonprofit Board
Make a Difference for a Local Nonprofit
BVU has worked for 30+ years to train, match, and refer engaged and passionate individuals to nonprofits boards that are striving to make a difference.
BOARD MATCHES
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IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
Business professionals have a crucial role to play in addressing the most pressing challenges of our time.
BVU’s Board Matching Program
Benefits
Tailored Matching
We make a match based on your skills, expertise, and passions, connecting you with a nonprofit board that shares your values.
Professional Development
We offer training and resources to help you excel in your role and grow as a leader.
Community Engagement
We help you collaborate to find innovative solutions to some of society’s most complex challenges.
Networking Opportunities
We provide connections to like-minded professionals who share your passion for giving back.
Next Steps
Business Membership
BVU Business Members nominate participant, BVU meets with nonprofit leadership to understand their needs, candidates are interviewed and referred based on nonprofit needs and candidate interests and expertise, candidates attend Role of the Board training
Minority Pipeline Initiative
Free for professionals of color due to the demand for racial diversification of nonprofit boards, we encourage members. of the community and our business members to nominate participants. to go through Board Connect free of charge. Encouraging business partners to nominate professionals of color to the Board Connect program.
Linking New Leaders
A speed dating style event to connect young professionals and nonprofits , nonprofits recruit for young professional groups, boards, or committee seats
Board Matching Process
1. NOMINATION: Employers nominate stand-out employees to participate in the Board Matching program.
2, MEETING: BVU meets with candidates to learn more about their backgrounds and passions and shares specific nonprofit board opportunities that meet their interests and match their skills.
3. REFERRAL: BVU contacts nonprofit organization to recommend the participant and
4. TRAINING:Board matching candidates attend BVU’s three-hour “Role of the Board” seminar to learn to effectively serve as nonprofit board members.
5. ELECTION: If the participant and the nonprofit agree to match, the participant is elected to a board or committee. matching candidates attend a three-hour seminar to prepare them to effectively serve as nonprofit board members.
Frequently Asked Questions
BVU’s board matching process considers these four commonly asked questions about boaservice:
Uniquely positioned at the intersection of the nonprofit and business sectors, BVU couples the needs of nonprofits with the passions, budget, time commitment, and skills of business professionals.
BVU’s board matching process considers these four commonly asked questions about board service:
What is the mission and organizational structure?
BVU finds nonprofits that fit participants’ passion/impact areas based on:
- Budget size and community impact
- Board, staff, and leadership details
- Mission and impact areas
What is the time commitment?
BVU finds nonprofits that fit participants’ timing & locale:
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- 3 hours over 3-10 months for board matching process
- 4-6 required annual board meetings
- 4-6 annual committee meetings
What is the cost?
BVU finds nonprofits that fit participants’ budgets based on:
- Minimum contribution or “personally significant” amount
- Fundraising events and expected participation
What skills are required?
BVU finds nonprofits that match participants’ skills:
- All business skills have utility in nonprofit governance and board leadership
- Highest needs: sales, HR, finance, legal, logistics, operations, marketing, accounting, etc.
Who is Eligible for Board Matching?
Candidates for board service demonstrate:
– Interest in community
– Achievement in their fields
-Vision, strategic thinking, and teamwork
– Readiness to serve Northeast Ohio nonprofits
How To Get Started
BVU Membership
Become a BVU Business Member to connect your employees to nonprofit boards.
Linking New Leaders
Sign up for “speed-dating” between young professionals and nonprofits for a gaurunteed match.
Minority Pipeline Initiative
Access the board matching program free of charge as a professional of color.