BoardStrong Overview
BoardStrong assists nonprofits of all missions and sizes in achieving the highest standards of board leadership, governance and oversight. Core services include nonprofit board training, consultation and providing educational resources. . Our free online board recruitment and matching program, BoardStrong Connections, offers nonprofits unparalleled access to a diverse pool of thousands of board-seeking candidates.
The Program
BoardStrong, in partnership with the Altman Foundation, is launching a five session NYC Nonprofit CEO/Board Chair Leadership (“BoardStrong CBL”) program.
A strong partnership between the chief executive and board chair is essential to leading an effective organization. A productive working relationship can motivate the board and staff, set a tone for the entire organization and result in a healthy organization that maximizes the achievement of its mission. The BoardStrong CBL program will bring together a group of up to 15 CEO/Board Chair pairs for group learning and discussion, as well as individual consultations. The cohort will participate in a series of virtual sessions with similarly situated nonprofit leaders.
The program will draw from both theory and practice and specific topics. Each session will consist of a learning presentation and an opportunity to learn from peers. Participants will receive practical tools for good governance, including sample policies and assessment tools; learn how to advance their organizations by applying governance best practices; and strengthen networks of support among nonprofit leadership across NYC.
As participants in the program, you will improve your knowledge of good governance practices, including:
– Successful committee structures
– Balancing management and governance
– Engaging board members
– Creating successful committees
– Strategic governance
– Board Fundraising
Programming will be virtual sessions via Zoom.
The first session will be mandatory and you must participate in three of the remaining five sessions. There will be sessions for the entire group, as well as one individual session for each CEO and Board Chair.
Requirements:
– Participate in one two-hour virtual introductory and three of five two-hour virtual experiential, workshop-style sessions; both the Board Chair and CEO must attend all joint sessions.
– Participants must have their video cameras on, so that the group can build strong connections with each other and engage in meaningful discussions.
– Attendees must complete an initial survey to identify needs, and a post-survey.
Those who complete the program will receive a free three-hour board training or retreat facilitation, scheduled at the organization’s convenience, before June 30, 2026.
Session Schedule:
Tuesday, November 18th, 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Virtual Introductory session; Chair/CEO – Building a Working Partnership
Tuesday, December 2nd, 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Building Board Member Engagement
Tuesday, December 16th, 5:00 – 700 pm, Recruiting and Retaining a Diverse Board
Tuesday January 6th, 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Executive Directors – Open Conversation/Peer discussion
Tuesday, January 13th, 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Board Chairs – Open Conversation/Peer discussion
Tuesday, January 20th, 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Building Successful Committees/Leadership Succession Planning
Tuesday, February 3rd, 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Wrap up; The Board’s Role in Fundraising
Please apply here by October 31st. We expect to notify participants November 7th. If you have questions, please reach out to Barbara Paxton, bpaxton@boardstrong.org.