BVU Fellows

Connecting Experienced Professionals to Nonprofits

 

 

 

We connect passionate people with opportunities to serve.

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What is the BVU Fellows Program?

The BVU Fellows program is an impactful initiative designed to connect experienced professionals with nonprofit organizations for long-term, strategic projects. The program leverages the expertise and career-long experience of these professionals, referred to as Fellows, to help nonprofits build capacity, grow strategically, and ultimately, make a broader impact on the community.

Fellows undertake significant projects that address key strategic needs within nonprofits. These projects can range from improving operational efficiency and developing strategic plans to implementing new programs and enhancing fundraising strategies. In doing so, Fellows help nonprofits build their capacity to serve their communities more effectively and sustainably.

How the BVU Fellows Program Works

Fellows help nonprofits build capacity, grow strategically and ultimately, have a broader impact on the community.

Assessment
With BVU’s guidance, the nonprofit identifies and outlines the strategic project and the specific skills required through a project request form.

Recruitment
BVU recruits, screens, and interviews potential Fellows to learn about their backgrounds, skills, and suitability for the project.

Selection
The nonprofit interviews the candidates presented by BVU and selects the Fellow who best fits their needs.

Engagement
BVU facilitates the initial meeting between the nonprofit and the selected Fellow to review project details and finalize the engagement.

Who are Fellows?

Encore program fellows discuss ideas

Business Volunteers Unlimited (BVU) has successfully recruited and engaged 67 Encore Fellows, who have been placed in meaningful engagements with 59 different nonprofit organizations. The Achievement Centers for Children informed BVU that due to the work of their Fellow, they were able to increase the number of clients they served annually by 20 percent. These Fellows are typically retired or nearing retirement from their primary careers and are eager to continue contributing to society in a significant way. By joining the BVU Fellows Program, they can apply their vast knowledge and skills to critical projects within the nonprofit sector.

All Fellows receive a $20 per hour stipend for their work. This stipend allows Fellows to commit to their projects fully, knowing their time and expertise are valued.

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Why Become a Fellow?

For BVU Fellows, the program offers an opportunity to remain active and engaged in their communities, providing personal fulfillment and a sense of purpose post-retirement. Not only do Fellows benefit, but nonprofits gain access to highly skilled professionals who bring dedication, expertise, and a fresh perspective to their organizations. This collaboration helps nonprofits achieve their strategic goals more efficiently and effectively.

The program fosters intergenerational collaboration and networking, enriching the community as a whole. It ensures that the wealth of knowledge and experience of seasoned professionals is utilized to address pressing social issues and enhance community well-being.

The BVU Fellows Program is a vital initiative that not only supports nonprofits in achieving their missions but also provides fulfilling and impactful opportunities for experienced professionals. Through strategic projects and the support of the Skill CONNECT Program, BVU Fellows help to create lasting positive change in the community.

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BVU’s Skills-Based Volunteering Program

BVU’s skills-based volunteering program, Skill CONNECT, includes the BVU Fellows program as well as shorter term pro bono consulting services. Initially, BVU charged a program fee to cover administrative costs, but in response to the financial strains exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, BVU has suspended these fees since 2020. This adjustment ensures that BVU’s Skill CONNECT programs are accessible, and that nonprofits can continue to benefit from the program without additional financial burden.

Skill CONNECT
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Encore Careers: A Second Act Can Be More Meaningful

 

 

DEVELOPING NEW PROGRAM: Dennis Kucler took his experience in global technology sales and sales management to creates a workforce development program for at-risk youth for Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland .

 

 

FACILITATING CHANGE MANAGEMENT: Leonard Young, a retired corporate lawyer, with experience in a wide variety of complex business transactions, implements a human resources growth plan for Care Alliance Health Center.

 

 

 

INCREASING ORGANIZATION CAPACITY: Dr. Elisa Ross (pictured left), a board-certified OB/GYN with an interest in medical writing and patient communication improves health outcomes for low-income residents at Neighborhood Family Practice .
IMPLEMENTING NEW PROGRAM: Stephanie Allen , utilizing her strong background in nonprofit management and marketing helps implement a new program to build brand awareness in Gordon Square Arts District.
DEVELOPING NEW PROGRAM: Christine Stadler applied her experience in the development and implementation of growth strategies to create earned income opportunities for The Centers for Families and Children.

Expanding Nonprofits: Access to Knowledge, Experience and Skills

“We had somebody who could dedicate their time and energy to an initiative that we just weren’t ready for from an internal standpoint.” — Ron Soeder, Former President, Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland

“We get someone of exceptional quality at an amount that we can afford. We can focus on projects that are high priority that we don’t have the professional resources to complete.” —Jean Polster, Former President and CEO of Neighborhood Family Practice

“I wouldn’t have been able to fill the position, hire somebody who had the depth and breadth of knowledge and have the ability to truly be an independent and functioning person. I wouldn’t have been able to afford that level of person.” — Melanie Hogan, executive director of LEAP