Civic Matchmaking Resources
Our three-year strategic plan calls us to convene, connect and mobilize as a Fellowship to lead bold, transformative change across Chicago and beyond. The mobilize arm of the plan focuses specifically on taking ACTION together to promote positive and active civic service and engagement.
Below you will find materials and resources to help build connections, further develop your nonprofit and for profit board service skills, recruit board members, and more.
Nonprofit Board Training Programs/Conferences
University of Chicago | On Board Conference (April 3, 2020)
Too many organizations that are focused on solving social and environmental problems lack resources and talent. Meanwhile, those working in the for-profit sector often seek meaningful opportunities to give back. The Rustandy Center’s On Board conferences—in Chicago, Hong Kong, and New York—bring both sides together for a day of learning and connecting. Read more here.
University of Chicago | Nonprofit Board Toolkit
Serving on a nonprofit board of directors can be a rewarding way to work for a cause that's important to you. With the Nonprofit Board Toolkit, you can access step-by-step guides, videos, PDFs, and more—all designed to help you find and thrive on a nonprofit board. Resources in the toolkit are organized around different levels of board experience. To figure our where to start, click here.
Erikson Institute | Board Training Program
Our program develops and prepares leaders who are serving on boards of organizations with a focus on early childhood. Participants benefit from a rich learning experience that deepens their understanding of child development research, field-specific terminology, programs, and challenges unique to the early childhood system. Our goal is to provide effective and informed support for organizations with missions to create improved outcomes for children and families across Illinois. Organizations are encouraged to send more than one board member to maximize the learning impact. Read more here.
Arts & Business Council of Chicago | Board Training Program
On BOARD® is a training program preparing Chicagoans for effective board leadership within arts, cultural, and creative organizations. We equip you with the knowledge, strategies, and tools needed to effectively lead our city’s nonprofits! Participants learn the fundamentals of nonprofit board roles and responsibilities; board-staff relations; legal and fiduciary responsibilities; and a board’s role in fundraising. Individuals who successfully complete the full program demonstrate an understanding and commitment to upholding high standards of nonprofit board governance. Read more here.
Chicago Foundation for Women | Board Training Progam
Board Member Boot Camp is a comprehensive, interactive, two-and-a-half day training and evening networking event for individuals interested in nonprofit board service. Participants will gain skills in topics such as board roles and responsibilities, understanding nonprofit financials, and fundraising basics through workshops, activities and panel discussions with current nonprofit board members. In addition to learning about board roles, Board Member Boot Camp participants will engage in conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion in board development. Read more here.
Nonprofit Board Recruitment Services
Cause Strategy Partners and BoardLead
Cause Strategy Partner helps social good organizations achieve their missions fueled by great leadership, great strategy and, most importantly, great results. BoardLead is a service provided by CSP to elevate and transform leadership in the social good sector by partnering with top companies, professional services firms and foundations to recruit, place, train and support talented professionals for high impact board service. Read more here.
For Profit Board Service Guides
Egon Zender
Drawing on its work with 600+ boards annually, Egon Zender has created a real-world guide to help you find your first corporate directorship. From starting your seach, to interviewing for a directorship, to getting off to a good start as a new board member, this guide will prepare you to confidently take a seat at the boardroom table. Read more here.
Research
Spencer Stuart
U.S. boardrooms are reshaping themselves with fresh skills, qualifications, and perspectives. The U.S. Spencer Stuart Board Index examines the latest data and trends in board composition, board governance practices, and director compensation among S&P 500 companies. Read more here.
