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

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

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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Minority Pipeline Initiative

Access the board matching program free of charge as a professional of color.

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Linking New Leaders

Sign up for “speed-dating” between young professionals and nonprofits for a gaurunteed match.

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{I was very inspired by the commitment and positive contribution that everyone showed at BVU. As a distribution supporter, I got to meet new people who share my passion for giving back to the community. It was a great experience and I look forward to volunteering again!

5

Gigi Jackson

Homeless Stand Down Volunteer

{I attended the Role of the Board session and was energized by the stories of fulfilling board experiences the panelists shared. I’m excited for the opportunity to share my experience to support a nonprofit organization!

5

Jen Pannell

Swagelok

{The BVU staff really took into consideration my interests and goals for joining a board. The matching suggestions were intentional, thoughtful and exciting. When reviewing the options, they took time to discuss each organization and how it related to my objectives. Such a great experience!

5

Deena M. Rini

Oswald Companies

{The MPI provided me with the confidence, knowledge, and structure to understand my role as a potential board member and facilitated the connection to do so. This is such an impactful program both for potential board members and for nonprofits. I will be encouraging others to participate. The process was easy to follow, well organized, and I appreciated the responsive communication and follow up. The role of the board training was also excellent. Thank you for making this program available!

5

Elaine Suarez

Minority Pipeline Initiative Participant

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.

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