BVU’s Nonprofit Services
Take your impact to the next level with BVU.
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.
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.)
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.
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.)
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)Advanced Board Trainings
MEMBERS FREENonprofit Seminars
50% MEMBER DISCOUNTNonprofit Leadership Advancement Program
~20% MEMBER DISCOUNTUPCOMING EVENTS
Linking New Leaders
Linking New Leaders
Linking New Leaders is a fun, fast paced "speed dating" style event that brings together community-minded young professionals with local nonprofit organizations.
Role of the Board
Role of the Board
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.
Board & CEO Assessment Tools (Advanced Board Training)
Board & CEO Assessment Tools (Advanced Board Training)
In this 90-minute virtual session, our governance experts will share board and CEO assessment tools to help you lead with intention and foster meaningful improvement.
Ask the Expert
Ask the Expert
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.
Role of the Board
Role of the Board
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.
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
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.
EXCLUSIVE RESEARCH
BVU MEMBERS: Access benefits/salary reports.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Connect with us on LinkedIn to join the conversation.
NONPROFIT NEWS
Get our monthly email with sector trends, upcoming events, and more.
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 |
Click HERE for a printable version of this page.
What Nonprofits Say
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.