Nonprofit Board Matching
Connecting business professionals to nonprofit boards.
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.
WHY BVU’S PROGRAM?
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.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
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.
Board Matching is available to…
1) Business Member Employees
Number of available seats vary with business membership level.
2) Individual Community Members
Fees apply. Scholarships may be available.
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
Nonprofit Board Matching Team
Tricia Stevenson
Director, Leadership DevelopmentTricia Stevenson manages BVU's Board CONNECT program, where she prepares and matches business professionals to nonprofit board opportunities. She also provides guidance and consult...Read More
Darnell D. Davis Jr.
Director, Leadership and Strategic InitiativesDarnell D. Davis Jr works cross-functionally to achieve strategic priorities, develops strategic partnerships, participates in the DEI@BVU Task Force, and is on the Board CONNECT t...Read More
Sarah Castle
Senior Coordinator, Leadership DevelopmentSarah supports the Skill and Board CONNECT teams with board matching, facilitation of networking events, coordination of pro-bono volunteering and overall administrative help.
...Read More
Board Matching Alumni Network
Participants in the Board Matching Class of 2024 prior to the Role of the Board seminar.
By participating on the program, join over 4,000 professionals in the BVU Board Matching Network, many of whom have risen to board leadership positions and have served more than 1,000 Northeast Ohio nonprofits.
BVU takes pride in working to understand your unique skills and passions to match you with a nonprofit board that shares your values. We are also proud to connect you with like-minded professionals who share your passion for giving back.
Please know you can rely on BVU for help every step of the way. Whether the nonprofit you are matched to might benefit from volunteers, education, board training/development, or governance assistance, BVU is here for you on your journey to uplift the nonprofit sector.
Class of 2024
Class of 2023
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.
The 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.
Take the Next Steps
SCHEDULE WELCOME MEETING
Briefly meet with BVU to provide your experience, skills, and interests and ask any questions.
SCHEDULE MEETING TO REVIEW OPTIONS
Review and discuss your customized nonprofit board options.
REGISTER FOR ROLE OF THE BOARD
Join your class prior to the seminar to network and get to know each other.
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.