UNC Kenan-Flagler Nonprofit Board Fellows Program

UNC Kenan-Flagler Nonprofit Board Fellows Program

The Nonprofit Board Fellows program will place MBA students on nonprofit Boards of Directors as non-voting members for six months.  The nonprofit organization benefits from the program by gaining access to talented business leaders who offer new insights and have a wide range of business skills.  Additionally, through the program, participating nonprofits will join a larger network, which includes the UNC community, other nonprofits in the area, and a pool of candidates for future Board and staff positions.  The program benefits students by providing them with exposure to high-level strategy and leadership experiences, the opportunity to interact with experienced mentors, the chance to serve the local community, and the training and tools necessary to serve on a Board post-graduation. 

Overview of the Program:

•  Nonprofits submit a request highlighting how an MBA student board member would be beneficial to their organization.
•  MBA student fellows are selected by the Kenan-Flagler Community Service Committee through a competitive application process and then matched with a nonprofit organization.
•  Program Timeline (6 month duration)
  •  September:  Recruiting of nonprofit organizations and promotion of program to students.
  • October:  Nonprofit and student applications received and reviewed. Matching process begins.
    •  Students attend eight-hour training session on nonprofit board participation.
  •  November:  Board Fellows are placed with their respective organizations and program begins.
  •  November 1-April 30:  Term of engagement for board fellows with their respective nonprofits
  • End of April:  Board Fellows present capstone strategic recommendations to nonprofit’s executive director and board as applicable.
    • Nonprofit board and student complete evaluation surveys.

Nonprofit Board Commitment:

• Agree to place an MBA student on Board for six months in a non-voting role.
•  Designate a point of contact (Executive Director or another Board member) for the MBA student.
• Provide a welcoming environment for the MBA student at monthly Board meetings.
• Discuss with the MBA student one strategic focus area for capstone recommendation presentation.
• Maintain  bi-weekly communication with the MBA student.

Student Commitment:

• Take Nonprofit Board Leadership course prior to commencing Board Fellows Program.
• Utilize executive director and board members to research/understand the organization’s mission, goals, day-to-day operations and challenges.
• Participate in Board meetings and strategy sessions as a non-voting member.
• Help with nonprofit events/fundraising as a Board member would (one-hour/week).
• Create capstone recommendation to be presented to the Executive Director or Board, on either a topic requested by the nonprofit or on a topic the MBA student realizes needs improvement.

Questions? Please contact Meng Li: Meng_Li@kenan-flagler.unc.edu