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A virtual nonprofit board certification and matching program begins March 8

Program helps community leaders leverage their unique skills, to enhance nonprofit boards in an ever-changing world

SAN DIEGO – For anyone who has wondered what it would be like to contribute their skills and talents to a nonprofit board, United Way of San Diego County, in partnership with The Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego, will host a seven-week virtual training cohort for their Board Certification and Matching Program, from March 8 through April 19.

Gain tools to create a more vibrant philanthropic community

A quality nonprofit board combines its individual members’ unique talents, life experiences, and professional expertise. Throughout the course of the program, faculty of The Nonprofit Institute at USD offer a comprehensive curriculum for current and aspiring board members to strengthen the leadership skills needed to build diverse boards, govern effectively, and help nonprofits advance their missions.

Since UWSD focuses on aligning community partners and leveraging its corporate partnerships, the organization is well-positioned to connect certified program participants with organizations working in their area of interest that have a need for their areas of expertise. Once participants complete the program, they are awarded with a Nonprofit Board Service Certificate from the University of San Diego and UWSD will work to match participants with nonprofits in need of board members.

"Participating in the first Board Certification and Matching Program cohort not only opened up a gateway to priceless opportunities, but also reaffirmed my decision in serving others through board service,” said program participant and 25-year National City resident, Silvia Calzada. “The sophisticated understanding of its curriculum and meeting like-minded professionals sparked my curiosity to learn more. I now serve as a Board Member for Community HousingWorks and my confidence has skyrocketed." Calzada was in the inaugural cohort in February 2020, which was sponsored by UWSD’s Women United group and offered to female leaders in the community.

Ensuring the success of effective, diverse boards

Effective, diverse boards can strengthen a nonprofit organization in many ways, including providing valuable advice, resources, community support, and assistance with fundraising. According to BoardSource, 80% of nonprofit board members are White although 80% of executives report that diversity is very important to “enhancing the organization’s standing with the general public.” In addition, women comprise only 43% of the membership of nonprofit boards, but that statistic drops to 33% when considering boards of nonprofits with incomes of $25 million or more.

“For more than 100 years, our organization has successfully partnered with a wide range of individuals in the private and public sectors, leveraging the time, talent, and treasure of our corporate partners to advance social impact,” said Nancy L. Sasaki, president and CEO, United Way of San Diego County. “We continue to support education and family stability to reduce inequities and ensure all have the same opportunities to succeed. It’s no secret that dedicated, diverse community members can provide value and long-lasting change to a nonprofit organization. We are excited to work with local devoted and passionate professionals looking to move nonprofit boards forward.”

The most effective organizations invest in a well-developed board with leaders who are diverse in ethnicity, professional backgrounds, subject matter expertise, and cause area interests. Establishing a board like this shows that the nonprofit values creating an environment of trust, diversity, inclusion, and innovation.

“This innovative program not only helps aspiring board members seeking to advance their nonprofit governance knowledge and leadership skills, but also local organizations looking to recruit dedicated, certified volunteers,” says Lyn Corbett, Ph.D., director of governance and community programs at The Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego. “We’re proud to work alongside United Way of San Diego County to connect our program participants with nonprofits working in their area of interest that are also in need of diverse and engaged board members.”

How to participate in the next cohort

The next Nonprofit Board Certification and Matching Program cohort will be held from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday morning, and requires a commitment of 2.5 hours per week “in class,” with additional discussions and readings assigned.

The registration deadline for the March cohort is Feb. 22. To participate in the upcoming cohort, apply at https://uwsd.org/get-involved/companies/nonprofit-board-service-certification/. UWSD offers a 10% discount on the program fee to LEAD San Diego participants and alumni, as well as employees of 501(c)3 organizations.

Potential participants can contact Alicia Quinn Kitagawa at [email protected] for more information on the Nonprofit Board Certification and Matching Program.

Submitted by United Way of San Diego County.

 

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