Nonprofit Boards Clearinghouse
Leadership Through Governance:
Training Volunteers for Nonprofit Board Membership
The Nonprofit Boards Clearinghouse trains course participants to be effective Board Members and introduces them to dynamic New York City nonprofit agencies through a structured placement process. Since 1991, over 1,000 women and men have successfully completed the New York Junior League’s (NYJL’s) training course designed to build leadership skills and increase knowledge about nonprofit board governance.
Governance by a knowledgeable and responsible Board of Directors is a critical success factor in achieving a nonprofit’s mission. NYJL works with over ninety nonprofits who are looking for qualified candidates for their Board of Directors who can commit their time, energy and resources to help fulfill their mission.The Training Series
Participants in the trainings gain competence and confidence in board leadership skills through workshops on topics which include board roles and responsibilities, monitoring financial policies, understanding legal responsibilities of Board members, developing strategic plans and effective leadership skills.
The course materials are presented through interactive and engaging case studies, lectures, group exercises and a panel discussions. The detailed training manual covers course information, but also provides invaluable articles and support materials.
Attendance at all five sessions in the Five-Night training is encouraged to maximize the benefit of the nonprofit board training. Two or more absences precludes participants from the board placement process following the course.
Participating Nonprofit Agencies
The Nonprofit Boards Clearinghouse committee has relationships with more than 90 nonprofit organizations in New York City, including many NYJL community partners, who recruit candidates for their boards from Nonprofit Board Clearinghouse course alumni. These nonprofits focus on a variety of substantive areas, including arts and culture; children, youth, and families; community development; and health and human services.
The Nonprofit Boards Clearinghouse committee engages with agency partners twice each year to assess each organization’s current need for additional board members, as well as to collect information about the nonprofit’s recent activities, transitions or other issues that might be important to potential board member candidates.
During the course, participants will receive a roster of nonprofit organizations that are seeking board members, and will have an opportunity to speak with Nonprofit Boards Clearinghouse committee volunteers about possible placement opportunities at those organizations. If you are a nonprofit agency that would like to be considered for the NPBC Course Roster, please complete the NPBC New Agency Application.
The Nonprofit Board Placement Process
For those participants interested in pursuing a nonprofit board placement and who have completed the training series, volunteers from the Nonprofit Boards Clearinghouse committee will assist the candidate by facilitating an introduction to one or two qualifying agencies currently on our roster. Matches are suggested based on mutual interests and needs. The Clearinghouse volunteers are available to counsel both candidates and agencies throughout the process. The Clearinghouse has facilitated the placement of dozens of course graduates on nonprofit boards since initiating its placement service in 1994.
Thank you for your interest. The Spring 2013 course is already in progress. Please check back in September for information about the Fall 2013 course.
