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Greater Cabarrus Foundation Launches Board Services for Cabarrus County Nonprofit Agencies
By Avalin Inman
The Greater Cabarrus Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its Board Services program, designed to empower nonprofit organizations across Cabarrus County with robust board support and training. This initiative includes two key services: the Board Matching Service and the Board Education Service, both of which aim to strengthen the capacity of local nonprofits by equipping their boards with the tools and connections necessary for effective leadership and governance.
Nonprofit organizations often rely on their boards of directors to drive strategic decisions, ensure accountability, and secure resources for their mission. However, finding the right board members and providing them with adequate training can be significant challenges. Recognizing this need, the Greater Cabarrus Foundation developed this program to bridge the gap between individuals who want to contribute to their community and organizations that need effective leadership.
Board Matching Service: Connecting Talent with Passion
The Board Matching Service is designed to bridge the gap between individuals eager to serve and nonprofits seeking skilled and committed board members. Participants in the program will attend a comprehensive two-hour training session in cohorts of 4-8 people. This session is carefully structured to provide both foundational knowledge and personalized guidance. The training covers the essentials of effective board membership, including:
- Basics of being an effective board member
- Types of nonprofit boards
- Legal duties of board members
- Roles and responsibilities
The interactive nature of the session allows participants to engage in discussions, share experiences, and ask questions. A key component of this training is the completion of a skills inventory, which identifies each participant’s strengths in areas like finance, grant writing, legal expertise, and human resources. Participants also take an interest inventory to highlight their passions, such as education, food insecurity, human trafficking, or homelessness. This dual approach ensures that prospective board members are not only well-equipped but also matched with organizations whose missions resonate with them.
“This service is about creating meaningful matches,” said Cam Cruickshank, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Greater Cabarrus Foundation. “By equipping individuals with the knowledge they need to succeed as board members and connecting them to causes they care about, we’re fostering a stronger, more resilient nonprofit community.”
After the training, the Foundation takes an active role in connecting participants with nonprofit organizations. Using the insights gained from the skills and interest inventories, the Foundation reaches out to agencies to identify opportunities that align with the unique profiles of the participants. This tailored approach not only benefits the nonprofit agencies but also ensures that board members find their roles fulfilling and impactful.
Board Education Service: Enhancing Board Effectiveness
The Board Education Service is tailored for existing board members who want to enhance their governance skills and knowledge. This service is initiated at the invitation of a nonprofit’s Executive Director or Board Chair and is designed to address specific organizational needs. The service offers two flexible options:
- One-Hour Presentations at Board Meetings: The Foundation provides targeted training based on the nonprofit’s unique challenges or opportunities. These sessions are highly interactive and designed to address the board’s immediate needs.
- Training at Board Retreats: For organizations planning retreats, the Foundation offers in-depth workshops that delve into broader topics, such as strategic planning, financial oversight, or resource development.
Both formats are designed to foster collaboration and provide actionable insights that boards can implement immediately. Topics can be customized to address areas like board roles and responsibilities, fundraising strategies, or how to build a more diverse and inclusive board.
Barbi Jones, President and CEO of the Cabarrus Chamber, expressed her excitement about the Foundation’s efforts, saying, “Cabarrus County is very blessed to be served by many nonprofits that do tremendous work. For a noprofit organization to be successful, they need an engaged board that understands the mission, vision and strategic direction of the organizations they serve, and the training that the Foundation is offering will help these boards develop the skills they need to even more successfully support the organizations and thus, our community.”
Types of Nonprofit Boards Covered in Training
Participants will gain insights into the different types of boards they may encounter, including:
- Working Boards: Hands-on boards typically found in smaller nonprofits. These boards are deeply involved in day-to-day operations and may take on tasks like event planning or volunteer coordination.
- Governing Boards: Focused on strategic oversight and policy. These boards establish the organization’s mission, monitor progress, and ensure financial accountability.
- Fundraising Boards: Dedicated to resource development and donor engagement. Members of these boards leverage their networks to secure funding and support for the organization.
Understanding these distinctions helps prospective and current board members navigate their roles more effectively. For example, a member who excels in networking may be better suited to a fundraising board, while someone with a legal background might thrive on a governing board.
Legal Duties and Core Responsibilities
A significant focus of the training is on the three fundamental legal duties of board members:
- Duty of Care: Actively participating in decision-making and oversight. This includes attending meetings, reviewing materials, and making informed decisions.
- Duty of Loyalty: Prioritizing the nonprofit’s interests and avoiding conflicts of interest. Transparency and ethical behavior are key to fulfilling this duty.
- Duty of Obedience: Ensuring compliance with laws and alignment with the nonprofit’s mission. This duty underscores the importance of upholding the organization’s values and purpose.
In addition to legal duties, the training emphasizes core responsibilities such as governance, financial oversight, resource development, and ambassadorship. Participants learn how to contribute strategically, whether it’s through policy-making, fundraising, or community advocacy.
Strengthening Nonprofit Agency Capacity in Cabarrus County
The Greater Cabarrus Foundation’s Board Services program is a natural extension of its mission to support local nonprofit agencies by capacity building through collaboration. By addressing the critical need for skilled and passionate board members, this initiative ensures that agencies can focus on delivering impactful programs and services.
“The Greater Cabarrus Foundation is deeply committed to helping to support the capacity building of our agency partners,” added Cruickshank. “Strong boards lead to strong organizations, and strong organizations lead to vibrant communities.”
This sentiment is echoed by agency leaders across Cabarrus County, who recognize the importance of strong governance in achieving their missions. By providing both foundational training and ongoing education, the Board Services program empowers boards to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and drive meaningful change.
Get Involved
The Greater Cabarrus Foundation invites individuals and organizations to participate in the Board Services program. Whether you are a professional looking to give back to your community or a nonprofit leader seeking to strengthen your board, the program offers resources and support tailored to your needs.
To learn more about the Board Matching Service or Board Education Service, visit our website or contact the Foundation directly. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected Cabarrus County through collaboration and shared purpose.
For media inquires, please contact us.
Cam Cruickshank, Ph.D.
President and CEO, Greater Cabarrus Foundation
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