Nonprofit Organizations – Apply to become a partner organization!
This program places graduate students from the Fowler College of Business and the School of Social Work on nonprofit boards as non-voting member. In addition to their board service, students work with a board member and/ or the executive director to complete a strategic project that aligns with their graduate studies. Nonprofit boards will benefit from the fresh perspective of a graduate student. They also gain a valuable opportunity to mentor the next generation of board leaders.
Minimum Requirements
The following are minimum requirements for and NPO to apply for a Board Fellow:
- Budget of at least $250,000
- At least 2 staff members
- Has to have been in existence for at least 2 years
- Have a tax exemption (or in the application process) from the Internal Revenue Service
The following areas must be considered prior to partnering with a local nonprofit organization:
- Project
- Mentorship
- Feedback
- Time Commitment
Project
The partnering organization must understand that this is not an opportunity for a pro bona consulting project. The partnering organization must assign a project that will directly benefit the board while expose the student to a real world board project. Example project include:
- Building financial models for planning purposes
- Benchmarking a certain program
- Participate in the development of a strategic plan
Mentorship
A critical asset for the success of a Board Fellow is a having a Board member mentor. Mentors are expected to work closely with the Fellow to onboard them to the NPO, answer questions and serve as the bridge between the Fellows and organization. Each NPO must commit to having a mentor who can meet the following exceptions
- Work with the Fellow for at least 2 hours a month
- Serve as an advisor on the student’s board project
- Prepare the student for board meetings
- Ensure the student feels welcome and supported during their service
Time Commitment
Nonprofits should expect to spend about 2 additional hours a month mentoring the student.
Application Process
Fellows are selected each year through a competitive, application process that will begin during the spring semester. The two-part application process includes a written section and is followed by a group case interview, by invitation only.
last updated: 3/15/2019
