Minority Pipeline Initiative
Connecting professionals of color to nonprofit boards
The Program
Since 2008, BVU’s Minority Pipeline Initiative has empowered professionals of color to play crucial decision-making roles in our communities by offering FREE access to our nationally recognized Board CONNECT program.
Through Board CONNECT, professionals work with BVU’s dedicated staff to identify nonprofit board opportunities that fit their unique passions, skills, and goals. Participants also receive training and one-on-one mentorship throughout the process to help them excel in their new positions.
By connecting nonprofits to board members with diverse backgrounds, BVU strengthens the impact of the nonprofit sector while creating accessible leadership and networking opportunities for professionals of color.
The Issue
Nonprofit boards make critical decisions around strategic direction, resources, ethical issues, and more. Research shows that board diversity increases not only an organization’s connection to the community, but its fundraising success and overall performance.
Despite this, recent Candid research found that even within the largest organizations, the average nonprofit board includes fewer than three Black/African American members, and no more than one Hispanic/Latino, Asian American/Pacific Islander, or Native American member.
Get Started
To learn more about joining a board, diversifying your own board recruitment efforts, or sponsoring the program, please contact us.