BoardServeNYC

For Nonprofits Seeking Board Members

It is vital that nonprofit organizations recruit board members who have the dedication and skills to help them develop and achieve their mission goals, as well as meet and overcome various challenges. It is also important that those individuals reflect the diversity and interests of the community the organization serves. The guidance, experience, and input provided by an effective board is an integral part of the nonprofit capacity building process and helps to ensure an organization’s long-term sustainability.

BoardServeNYC is eager to help you strengthen and diversify your board. We want to help you successfully recruit new board members to take your board to the next level and make your nonprofit organization more effective. Benefits of the program:

• The service is free-of-charge to participating nonprofits
• Board candidates are pre-screened and have received relevant training
• Live recruitment events provide an opportunity for face-to-face interviews with multiple candidates, as well as networking opportunities with other nonprofits
• Referrals and support to facilitate matching

Who's eligibile:

Any registered 501(c)(3) organization located in the five boroughs of New York city is welcome to participate in BoardServeNYC, as long as they have the capacity to make board service rewarding, the commitment of the Executive Director or Board Chair to participate in our “Nonprofit Board Recruitment Orientation”, and the ability to actively engage in, and follow through with, the matching process.

Here’s how to get started:

• Apply: Submit the BoardServeNYC online application.
• Attend Training: Once your organization has completed the initial application form and has been notified of acceptance into BoardServeNYC, you will be provided with upcoming dates for a 3-hour BoardServeNYC “Nonprofit Board Recruitment Orientation.” The orientation session provides a brief overview of the roles and responsibilities of nonprofit boards, and prepares organizations to identify, meet and elect new board members. To ensure that board and staff are committed to the BoardServeNYC matching process, the Executive Director and Board Chair, or another board member, are required to attend the workshop. Any additional board members or staff are also welcome to attend.
• Create a Profile and Start Matching: After you complete your orientation, your organization will be invited to create an online profile which will facilitate matching. The matches are based on mutual compatibility between individuals and organizations based on criteria, such as mission, client population served, skills, time requirements, and geographic location. Once you complete your online profile, the matching process can begin.

PLEASE NOTE:

Due to the special role that board members play as directors or trustees of a nonprofit organization, and the fact that board membership requires formal nomination and generally entails a tenure of several years, BoardServeNYC requires engaged nonprofits and dedicated volunteers who are willing to commit to a process that demands active participation throughout all stages – from initial interest and application, to training, mutual contact, conversations and cultivation, through the decision to nominate a new member onto the board. This time horizon typically measures five to eight months, from the completion of volunteer training to actual placement onto a board.

BoardServeNYC does not verify background information provided by prospective board candidates and participating nonprofit organizations. All participants are encouraged and expected to engage in their own due diligence throughout the matching process.