BVU’s Nonprofit Services

Take your impact to the next level with BVU.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

About Us

BVU’s range of nonprofit programs and services foster rewarding partnerships that empower Northeast Ohio organizations to make a bigger difference in their communities.

Our expert staff is here to:

  • Connect your organization with volunteers and board members whose skills, passions, and availability match your needs.
  • Educate your team on leading practices in the sector.
  • Consult with your staff and board on important projects.

Join the network of 1,000+ local nonprofits making a bigger difference with BVU.

GET IN TOUCH

BVU Nonprofit Member Benefits

Comprehensive Skills-Based Volunteer Support:

  • BVU Fellow Projects (up to 1,000 hours)*
  • Operational Projects (up to 20 hours)

Free or Discounted Event Tickets:

  • Role of the Board (FREE)
  • Advanced Board Trainings (FREE)
  • Nonprofit Seminars (50% off)
  • Civic Leadership Summit (>25% off)
  • Nonprofit Leadership Advancement Program (~20% off)

Eligibility for Consulting Services*

Display on BVU Member Directory

In-Office Access to Exclusive Salary/Benefits Reports

*Additional fees apply. Limited foundation funding available for Fellow stipends.

CONNECT

BOARD MEMBERS

BVU’s Board Matching Program recruits, trains, and refers professionals with diverse experiences and qualifications to serve on nonprofit boards and committees.

Get in touch about current board needs, or check out our Linking New Leaders event to network with young professionals. (Membership not required.)

LEARN MORE

SKILLS-BASED VOLUNTEERS

BVU’s network of skills-based volunteers provide expertise in HR, tech, finance, marketing, and more.

Get 1:1 guidance during our free virtual Ask the Expert sessions, or become a member for more extensive support through Operational Projects or the BVU Fellows Program.

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DIRECT SERVICE VOLUNTEERS

From corporate teams to individual community members, BVU’s network of helping hands are here to support your day-to-day volunteer needs.

Get in touch to host a one-time team volunteer project, or post opportunities in our online Volunteer Center to recruit a variety of helpers! (Membership not required.)

CONTACT US
VOLUNTEER CENTER

EDUCATE

BVU’s seminars and events are packed with practical knowledge on nonprofit governance and management. Tickets are discounted or FREE for members!

Role of the Board

MEMBERS FREE (2 SEATS/YEAR)
Flagship training covering the roles and expectations of nonprofit board members
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Advanced Board Trainings

MEMBERS FREE
Virtual sessions for continued board education covering topics like committee structures
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Nonprofit Seminars

50% MEMBER DISCOUNT
Expert-led sessions designed to build capacity and address timely concerns.
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Nonprofit Leadership Advancement Program

~20% MEMBER DISCOUNT
A five-part, cohort-based professional development series for nonprofit leaders
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UPCOMING EVENTS

Role of the Board

Role of the Board

July 16, 20258:30 am-11:45 am Tucker Ellis LLP Free – $120

Join us for The Role of the Board, a nonprofit leadership development event featuring an expert panel discussing roles, responsibilities, challenges & more in regard to nonprofit board membership.

REGISTER

Ask the Expert

Ask the Expert

August 11, 2025 - August 14, 2025 Virtual Free

These 60-minute one-on-one meetings provide an opportunity for nonprofits to receive assistance, answers, and suggestions from a skills-based volunteer in a particular subject area.

REGISTER

Role of the Board

Role of the Board

October 22, 20258:30 am-11:45 am Tucker Ellis LLP Free – $120

Join us for The Role of the Board, a nonprofit leadership development event featuring an expert panel discussing roles, responsibilities, challenges & more in regard to nonprofit board membership.

REGISTER

We are also proud to amplify multiple partner events each year.

CONSULT

BVU Members: Advance your organization’s mission and board with custom consulting designed and delivered by our experienced team to meet your unique needs.

BOARD GOVERNANCE

SUCCESSION PLANNING & EXECUTIVE TRANSITIONS

STRATEGIC PLANNING

STRATEGIC ALLIANCES & MERGER FEASIBILITY

CUSTOM BOARD TRAINING

ORGANIZATIONAL ASSESSMENTS

BVU'S CONSULTING SERVICES

Resources

Want more useful tips, templates, and updates? Check out BVU’s array of nonprofit resources below.

MEMBER DIRECTORY

BVU MEMBERS: Promote your nonprofit in our directory.

DIRECTORY

EXCLUSIVE RESEARCH

BVU MEMBERS: Access benefits/salary reports.

CONTACT

SOCIAL MEDIA

Connect with us on LinkedIn to join the conversation.

CONNECT

NONPROFIT NEWS

Get our monthly email with sector trends, upcoming events, and more.

SUBSCRIBE
BROWSE OUR RESOURCE CENTER

Membership Fees & Criteria

Membership Fees are based on organization size and budget. BVU Membership is available to 501(c)(3) organizations, municipal, county, state, and/or federal agencies, certain 501(c)(6) organizations (e.g. Chambers of Commerce) that are compliant with federal policies and regulations, operate out of a non-residential office, and employ the equivalent of one full-time paid staff member.

Nonprofit Budget Size Annual Membership Fees
<$200K $200
$200K – $600K $400
$600K – $800K $600
$800K – $1M $800
$1M – $1.5M $1,000
$1.5M – $5M $1,200
$5M – $10M $1,400
$10M – $20M $1,700
>$20M $2,000

CONTACT US TO GET STARTED

Click HERE for a printable version of this page.

What Nonprofits Say

{Thank you for your ongoing support! It has made a huge difference to me as a new CEO. What you have provided has significantly shaped my relationship with my board and their ability to be intentional in their work. It’s a journey and we are travelling in a great direction. BVU is making a difference.
Kirsti Mouncey
President & CEO, Collaborative to End Human Trafficking
{We are so much better as a board as a result of the work BVU did, and the supporting materials they provided were a great follow-up for our board.
Tami Honkala
President & CEO, HELP Foundation
{We worked with BVU to establish a few advisory boards at Cleveland Metropolitan School District Schools… I found myself going to BVU in terms of helping us set up the structure and the framework for these boards. They’ve done it in the past, they continuously do it, and they bring a high-level of professionalism to the initiative.
Shana Marbury
(Formerly) General Counsel and Senior Vice President, Greater Cleveland Partnership
{The Akron Community Foundation remains grateful for BVU's leadership. Your work and counsel with our team and board has made us better, stronger, and more effective in our role in our community. Thank you.
John Petures, Jr.
Retired President & CEO, Akron Community Foundation
{I have been with my organization for 34 years and this was one of the best presentations on volunteers and board governance that I have ever attended. I appreciated the refreshing and concise approach and am looking forward to the next training!
Amy Dell
Program Officer, Licking County Foundation
{
BVU has been an integral component of Food Strong's growth. We now have 4 rockstar board members who were connected to us by BVU. The trainings and consultations we receive through this incredible organization have assisted us tremendously. Being a part of BVU is a no-brainer for any organization that seeks to grow and develop capacity.
Sara Continenza
Food Strong
{First, and foremost, a huge THANK YOU! I personally thought the day was exceptional - great discussion, great ideas, openness, honesty, and active participation. I really was very pleased with the entire day and its outcomes. And much of that is thanks to your leadership and expertise! We definitely chose the right facilitator for this effort, and I want to extend a very genuine and heartfelt thank you for your hard work! I had several calls the weekend afterward from board members who spoke very positively about the day and very highly about BVU and your team's facilitation skills. It was definitely time well spent - thank you!
Tim Gleason
Executive Director, Community Service Alliance
{Best strategic planning session we have ever done. BVU was spot on. They love their work and it shows. I was hesitant to do a strategic plan over Zoom, but they made the virtual format comfortable and efficient.
Tony Thomas
Executive Director, Welcome House, Inc.
{
BVU is as good a partner as you could find. Their work elevating governance and sustainability has benefited many organizations in our region, including Neighborhood Family Practice.
Fred DeGrandis
Board Member, Neighborhood Family Practice
{For the past few years, we have been doing the best that we can, but I feel like someone has sent in the rescue team since partnering with BVU. Their nonprofit consultants helped us break down and prioritize our needs versus just running on the wheel.
Zulma Zabala
(Formerly) Chief Executive Officer, East End Neighborhood House

Note: BVU reserves the right to suspend or revoke a nonprofit’s membership if the conduct of the organization (including its board, staff, volunteers, or other associates) is in conflict with BVU’s mission or guidelines. Reasonable notice will be provided whenever possible, and a refund may be issued at BVU’s discretion.