Center for Social Innovation

Become acquainted with nonprofit board governance

Boards are not only for accomplished people at the height of their career. As a GSB student, our Board Fellows program gives you early access to a boardroom. As much as it is a valuable introduction for participants who opt to pursue a career in the social sector, board exposure helps you identify ways you can contribute your management expertise to the causes you care about, whether or not you plan on working in the nonprofit or philanthropic sector.

What does a Board Fellow do?

As a Board Fellow, you will serve as a nonvoting board member with a San Francisco Bay Area nonprofit organization. Often in partnership with a classmate, you will work closely with trustees and executive directors, attending board meetings, serving on committees, and working on special projects with the board and staff.

How do Board Fellows prepare for board service?

In addition to receiving guidance from a mentor at your host organization, the school supports you by offering training workshops and connecting you with classmates also serving on boards:

• Events featuring nonprofit leaders
• Informal student meetings to share challenges and explore solutions
• Advice from Board Fellows’ student leaders and former Board Fellows

What is a Board Fellow’s commitment to the organization?

You will serve for a six-month period during the academic calendar. Expect a time commitment of about four to six hours per month for committee meetings and approximately 20-30 hours throughout the year on a project to benefit the host organization.

What are the key benefits of the program?

You will apply classroom knowledge to real-world organizational challenges, prepare yourself to be an effective board member in the future, and develop the tools for community leadership throughout your career.

As part of the Board Fellows experience, you will:

• Observe a board in action
• Gain in-depth understanding of the role of business leaders on nonprofit boards
• Get a sense of the challenges and rewards of nonprofit board participation
• Discover that boards can be accessible early in your career and provide powerful ways to have impact

What is the selection process?

Successful applicants:

• Submit a written application in fall quarter
• Rank order their preference among the organizations seeking a fellow that year
• Attend the orientation session
• Have a history of professional excellence
• Demonstrate an interest in the organization’s field and work
• Are committed to service