“Why do people join a board?”
A close colleague asked me this several years ago and, on its surface, it doesn’t seem like a deep probe. But my answer to his question and our discussion that followed stick with me years later. It wasn’t as easy of an answer as I imagined.
I would give a different answer today than I did then- and I have found that it does reveal a more personal and insightful look into one’s philanthropy. That question is now one of many lines of inquiry that I use to help break down assumptions, identify learning areas, and discover key influences and motivations with new clients.
When I left Bethany House to start QCI it was important to find a way to stay actively engaged in the issues I am passionate about. As a board member for two years with UpSpring, the Fatherhood Project and the Ken Anderson Alliance- I wanted to share a bit about why I joined each of these great organizations and reflect on the impact my philanthropy has had on me.
UpSpring first came on my radar as one of Bethany House’s partners providing a summer camp and afterschool programs. The organization serves over 4,000 children experiencing homelessness a year in the Tri-State with academic enrichment, social activities, and other wraparound services. The staff are incredibly talented, creative, and motivated to continue to deepen their impact and expand their programmatic reach. Their commitment to collaborating with other organizations is not out of necessity or efficiency but with a clear understanding that it improves the quality of their work.
The organization could not have been more highly recommended to me when I began asking my network about opportunities to join a board and my experience already surpassed all expectations I had. Witnessing Upspring add a new summer camp location, introduce a new career readiness program, surpass an enormous annual revenue goal, are just a few of the incredible returns I have enjoyed as a Trustee.
I am proud to be affiliated with an organization of this caliber and be able to continue to be a part of the work to eliminate the number of families experiencing homelessness.
The Fatherhood Project, a Talbert House Affiliate
My dad joined Talbert House’s board of trustees some thirty years ago and to this day holds the agency in the highest regard. After I graduated from Centre College and was looking for a job in the non-profit sector, my dad took it upon himself to schedule a meeting for me with Neil Tilow, the then CEO. I grew up hearing that Talbert House was like the Los Angeles Lakers of local nonprofits- and in my head my dad just signed me up for a training session with Kobe.
The organization’s presence in my family and impact in our community, headquartered a couple of miles from my parent’s home, is something I always felt and saw growing up. As a new father, the connection to “The Fatherhood Project” and Talbert House was a natural entry point for joining this board, but there is a deeper appreciation for this organization that drives my commitment to it as a board member.
My career in the nonprofit sector gave me a profound appreciation for the organizations that identify real gaps in services available to different sub-groups of people. The Fatherhood Project’s mission to support men to become better fathers and strengthen families is a great example of how to directly and effectively fill an underserved need. The legal, financial, and holistic services provided to any father needing help overcoming a barrier build tangibly stronger relationships and sustainable futures for hundreds of local families. The board and staff have a great partnership that encourages us as a board to continue to look for opportunities to innovate and invest in this mission.
It is a bonus that I get to carry on the family legacy with the Talbert House.
KAA stood out to me for a couple of reasons when I was asked to join the board last summer. Their recruitment process is personal and professional- each board member naturally demonstrated their own passion, commitment, and big dreams for the organization. The quality of leadership amongst the board was evident with the level of transparency and honesty around where they needed help, the changes already made, and the plan to invest in the great work this organization does. Upon learning that the board was working with Kobe, or Neil Tilow, and his new firm on finding the next CEO- I knew the future would be bright. I have learned a lot and built meaningful relationships in the past year through KAA- but the opportunity to help shape the vision, enhance operational capabilities, and contribute to the strategic planning of an organization that is growing and serving more people is invigorating.
KAA’s mission is to provide adults with disabilities with opportunities to live, work, and engage in the world with dignity and dreams. The organization’s pillars of service are a great example of a catalytic approach- housing, employment, and community- to meet the needs of a community as they identify them. This is an organization that embodies the entrepreneurial mindset needed to move the needle on complex community challenges.
Through each of these experiences I have personally developed in ways I did not expect, felt appreciated for my time, talent, and financial support, and contributed to initiatives that make me proud of my hometown.
If you know where and what you want to do but need an introduction or second opinion- or you are ready to start but not sure of how, reach out to QCI and see if we can help.
