Nonprofit Board Exchange
A Free Community Resource for San Diegans
SAN DIEGO–Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego, a leader in nonprofit leadership development, announces the launch of the Nonprofit Board Exchange™, a community resource which seeks to aid nonprofit’s in recruiting board members and diversify nonprofit governing boards. The Nonprofit Board Exchange is a free, public, online platform that publicizes openings on local nonprofit boards and is available to those interested in serving in a volunteer governing role with a nonprofit organization.
The idea was born out of a desire to democratize and expand the process of becoming a nonprofit board member, which historically, has not been inclusive. “How we serve the world requires diverse and well-trained boards of directors, so we need to be intentional about this effort,” commented Janine Mason, Founding Director of Fieldstone Leadership Network and the creator of the Exchange. A recent study conducted by The Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego shows that in terms of racial diversity of San Diego’s nonprofit board members, only 36% identify as Black, Indigious, person of color– and the percentage is even less for those serving as board chairs. In the nonprofit sector, it is the job of the board to govern their organizations so the need to recruit, develop and retain a skilled, diverse board is vital. “The Nonprofit Board Exchange serves as a new access point for San Diegans,” continued Mason. “By making opportunities more transparent and accessible, it allows for a broader pool of applicants interested in serving as a nonprofit board member.” The Exchange also provides information on available board leadership training and other resources for those who serve in this important role.
Any nonprofit organization in San Diego may list a board opening to share with the broader community while any community member can peruse all offerings to find alignment with their interests and experience and contact the nonprofit organization directly.
“As a mission-driven leader, I wanted to grow my influence and impact on my community by serving on a board but I wasn’t sure where to start,” said Angel Ibarra, a manager with Episcopal Community Services who used the platform to match his interests with a local nonprofit. “Through the Nonprofit Board Exchange I was able to connect with like-minded leaders and grow my understanding of what it takes to be an impactful board member.”
The Nonprofit Board Exchange is supported by 14 community partners, including Alliance for Regional Solutions, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Athena, BIPOC Support Foundation, Cal State University San Marcos’ North County Leadership, Catalyst, Clare Rose Foundation, Impact Cubed, Kim Center for Social Balance, LEAD San Diego, North County Philanthropy Council, Rise San Diego, San Diego County Imperial Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, San Diego Workforce Partnership, Social Venture Partners, United Way of San Diego and The Nonprofit Institute at University of San Diego.
- If you are a nonprofit organization and have a board opening that you would like to share, please create an account to post your board listing.
- If you are a prospective or current board member, please visit the site to look for new board openings and for training opportunities in San Diego County.