Nonprofit Board Matching

Connecting business professionals to nonprofit boards.

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Match to a Nonprofit Board

BVU’s Board CONNECT program helps you 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.

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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​

Self Nomination

Access BVU’s Board Matching program as an individual. Scholarships may be available. 

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

Receive welcome information and schedule a brief meeting 

5. REFERRAL 

BVU sends referral to nonprofit, and participant meets with nonprofit

2. WELCOME

Meet with BVU to review process, answer questions, fill out form

6. TRAINING

Attend Role of the Board and network with your board matching class

3. RESEARCH

BVU researches and prepares customized nonprofit options 

7. ELECTION

Participant is formally elected to the nonprofit board or committee

4. MEETING

BVU presents and discusses specific nonprofits with participant 

8. CELEBRATION

Attend end-of-year Board Matching Class Celebration to learn and network

How to Get Started

Candidates for board service demonstrate an interest in the community, achievement in their fields, vision/strategic thinking/teamwork, and readiness to serve Northeast Ohio nonprofits. BVU offers three access points to our board matching program through membership, our Minority Pipeline Initiative, or Linking New Leaders. Individuals may also enter the board matching program for a fee. 

3 ACCESS POINTS TO BOARD MATCHING

BVU Membership

Become a BVU Business Member to connect your employees to nonprofit boards.

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Self Nomination

Access the board matching program as a community member. Scholarships may be available.

Contact Us

Linking New Leaders

Attend our bi-annual “speed-networking” event connecting young professionals and nonprofits.

Learn More
{I'm deeply grateful for the support of BVU along this journey. You have been an invaluable resource in connecting me with an organization that matches my interests and requires my skills. The process was easy, quick, and resulted in a board match within 90 days. I took advantage of an opportunity to attend the board training with BVU this fall and it helped me prepare for this experience even more. I also appreciated the networking at the event! Thank you and your team for the work you do for our community.
5
Dawn Williams
Board Matching Participant
{BVU is like college for preparing to be a good board member.
5
Anthony Hill-McShepard
Minority Pipeline Initiative Participant
{
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.
5
Sara Continenza
Food Strong
{BVU has been a foundational partner with Providence House for 30 years. We have partnered to match 53 Board Directors, enhanced our nonprofit expertise through every BVU program offered, and advanced our staff through hundreds of BVU led training opportunities. BVU is the vital link to help nonprofits build successful mission-driven businesses.
5
Natalie A. Leek
President & CEO, Providence House

Frequently Asked Questions

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 CONNECT 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​:

    • 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.

Get Started

Match to a nonprofit board or recruit board members for your nonprofit.

Please designate in the “other” box that you are interested in BVU’s Board Matching program.