Offered each year in the Spring, On BOARD is a new board member development and placement program for business professionals interested in serving on boards of non-profit arts organizations in metro Chicago. Since 1999, this unique program has made a significant impact on the arts community – placing more than 150 individuals from the corporate sector on non-profit arts boards.
ENROLLMENT CLOSING SOON! CLASSES START THIS MARCH.Click here for an On BOARD flyerClick here to download the On BOARD applicationAbout On BOARD
On BOARD is a high-touch program that trains business professionals about effective board participation and helps them identify arts organizations that best suit their interests, and facilitates board selection and final placement. Held at a different arts venue over five sessions, the program prepares participants for board membership by bringing in board governance experts and non-profit arts leaders who discuss board roles and responsibilities and present first-hand accounts of the critical challenges faced by arts groups. Topics include: Legal & Fiduciary Responsibilities; Organizational Structure; Fundraising; and The Generative Board. Participants are personally introduced to a wide variety of arts groups and are involved in selecting their board placement. Upon graduation, they enter an apprentice period, after which they are nominated to join their chosen boards.
Benefits of On BOARDServing on the board of a non-profit arts organization can be a very fulfilling experience. Not only does board service allow professionals to make a difference within an arts organization, but also allows them to expand their organization’s sphere of influence in the community. Finding the right organization, however, is difficult and time-consuming, and making a board commitment requires due diligence. The On BOARD program takes the mystery out of board service by:
- Exposing participants to a dynamic network of other business and cultural professionals passionate about the arts and committed to making a difference in the community;
- Personally introducing business professionals to arts leaders from a myriad of organizations, including theater and dance companies, music groups, art galleries and museums, and arts education organizations;
- Giving participants a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of arts groups in metro Chicago;
- Making sure participants fully understand what to expect when their accept a board position;
- Highlighting the critical issues facing non-profit arts organizations.
Upon completion of the program, participants are energized, inspired, and ready to make meaningful, informed contributions to the boards of their choice. In fact, many On BOARD graduates move quickly into board leadership positions where they see their efforts make a difference.
Cost
$1,500 per participant. Many companies sponsor one or more candidates per year because they recognize board service as a professional development opportunity and a great way to gain visibility in the community.
Application Criteria
- At least 10 years of professional experience
- Willingness and ability to dedicate time to be an effective board member
- Willingness and ability to make a personally significant financial contribution to the arts organization you serve (amount varies depending on the organization)
- Appreciation and affinity for the arts
All sessions are held from 9am-1pm on Saturday Mornings
March 8, March 29, April 26, May 17 and June 7
To inquire about sponsoring On BOARD or making the program available to your employees, please contact A&BC-Chicago’s Director of Programs at amicheli@artsbiz-chicago.org
Generous Support for On BOARD is provided by: