Project Blueprint Board Leadership Training
Project Blueprint Board Leadership Training is a program designed to prepare black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) to serve on local nonprofit boards and committees. For years, nonprofit boards have not reflected the diversity of the communities they serve. While the importance of diversity is acknowledged, a 2017 BoardSource report, Leading With Intent, concluded that nonprofit boards “are no more diverse than they were two years ago and current recruitment priorities indicate this is unlikely to change.” According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, approximately 60% of all nonprofits report serving Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC,) yet 84% of board members identify as White and 27% of boards had no BIPOC.
The goal of Project Blueprint Board Leadership Training is to increase board diversity by providing a pool of qualified candidates who are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively serve on a nonprofit board or board committee. The program closely follows the Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards, published by BoardSource, a nationally recognized organization dedicated to increasing nonprofit board governance. The program also helps match participants to a board or board committee through a nonprofit speed dating event at the end of the training.
Applications are accepted through the deadline of April 23, 2021. Class size is limited to ensure a high quality experience and more meaningful networking. Classes will meet online for five consecutive Tuesdays from May 4 – June 1, from 9-12 pm. Participants are expected to attend all classes. Check your calendar to make sure the dates and times do not conflict with other commitments.
Cost. $75/person and is due by May 4 2021. If payment is a barrier to this program, please contact us. This particularly applies to small, grassroots organizations and those led by people of color.
2021 Curriculum and Schedule
Nonprofit Overview and Legal Responsibilities; Advocacy May 4, 9-12 pm
Selecting, Supporting and Evaluating the Chief Executive; Strategic Planning May 11, 9-12 pm
Fiscal Responsibility; Board Development and Operations May 18, 9-12 pm
Program Evaluation; Philanthropy May 25, 9-12 pm
Nonprofit Board Speed Dating June 1, 9-12 pm
- “This class, along with the rest of the series, provided me with a wealth of knowledge to use for my future board opportunities.”
- “There was a lot of information given in a short period of time. All of it was beneficial to my choice about choosing to participate in an organization.”
- “The program was structured very well and the lunches were so thoughtful…”
For more information, contact the Program Director.