All NYC nonprofit boards are eligible.
*Applications are now closed. Thank you to all organizations who have expressed an interest in our program. Those who submitted an application will be notified of their status by August 27, 2021.*
Through grant support received from the New York Community Trust and the Altman Foundation, BoardStrong is offering intensive board capacity-building assistance for the second year for up to 20 selected charitable nonprofits. Nonprofits that are selected will receive our board-building consulting and training services, as well as recruitment and placement consultation. A continuum of BoardStrong’s technical assistance resources will be available to provide direct and impactful services that are customized to the particular needs of each nonprofit. The goal will be to strengthen the governing effectiveness of participating nonprofits by improving their knowledge of their roles, strengthening their policies, structures and practices, and preparing them for board recruitment ensuring that these new board members are positioned to have agency and impact from the beginning of their service.
To be effective, BoardStrong requires that board member commitment and participation be integral to the process. In addition, as part of this program BoardStrong is committed to measure the impact of our work on board culture, board effectiveness and systems. Participating organizations must commit to the following components:
- Full board support of your organization’s participation in this program [finalists will be required to secure a board resolution to that effect],
- The appointment of a small working group of 2-4 board members, who will meet 2-4 times during the course of our work to provide input from a board member perspective,
- Engage all board members in taking a self-assessment survey, to provide baseline information about board members’ view of their board service, board members’ relation to each other and the effectiveness of board governance,
- A special board meeting (or “mini retreat”) to review the strengths and areas for further work revealed by the cabinet and survey, and
- Report on the program’s impact on your organization when requested. We envision that these reports will be required annually for three years.
Eligibility
To be eligible, your organization must be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in New York City. Applications are welcome from organizations of all budget sizes, relatively new or well-established organizations, and any type of operating 501(c)3 nonprofit, regardless of its mission. Organizations operating under a fiscal sponsor, whether incorporated or not, are not eligible. *Preference is given to current grantees of the New York Community Trust or the Altman Foundation.*
Selection Process
Awardees are selected through a competitive application process. Awardees must be highly motivated and enthused to engage in this process and be willing to commit the time and effort necessary for success.
Applications are due on July 16, 2021. Interviews of finalists being considered will take place in late July and early August. Please note that these interviews must include both the CEO/ED and Board Chair. Awardees will be notified by August 27, with services to commence shortly thereafter.