On BOARD is A&BC’s unique training and matching program that equips business leaders with the knowledge, strategies and tools they will need to serve effectively on the governing board of a nonprofit arts organization. After completing the program, each candidate is placed on a board apprenticeship with a nonprofit arts organization in the Chicago area, after which they are elected to the board of directors. Since 1999, the Arts & Business Council of Chicago has successfully placed more than 170 business professionals on nonprofit arts boards.
"Encouraging and supporting board service is a tool Blue Cross uses to develop its next generation of leaders. Blue Cross is particularly fond of On BOARD because it prepares candidates for board service…and builds camaraderie and personal and professional networks.”
– Paul Boulis, Former President of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and former A&BC Board Member
Are You Board-Ready?
Participants graduate from On BOARD with concrete tools to help make decisions about the strategic, legal, financial, and operational direction of an arts organization. By the end of the program, participants report a high level of preparedness for board governance, and arts groups report the swift transition of On BOARD members in their new role as arts leaders. In fact, almost 50% of On BOARD graduates have been promoted to Executive Committee positions, often more rapidly than board members nominated through other processes.
Training Sessions
The program consists of 5 five-hour training sessions, coupled with evening and weekend exposure to a broad range of participating arts groups. The training sessions provide extensive instruction in the legal, ethical, and financial responsibilities of serving on a nonprofit arts board. Board governance experts, nonprofit arts leaders, and current board members offer varied and interactive coursework including experiential workshops, group discussions and case studies.
Concurrently, trainees become familiar with a variety of arts groups through two formal “meet-and-greet” sessions with participating arts organizations, site visits, attendance at performances and other organizational events, plus invitations to meetings in order to observe boards in action.
The four-month On BOARD program is offered twice a year, commencing in February and September, respectively. The On BOARD Fall 2010 course dates are below:
Saturday Aug 28 9am-2pm Session 1: Chicago Arts and the Business of Board Governance
Wednesday Sep 8, 5:30‐7:30pm Meet & Greet with On BOARD Arts Organizations (Part I)
Wednesday Sep 15, 5:30‐7:30pm Meet & Greet with On BOARD Arts Organizations (Part II)
Saturday Oct 2, 9‐1:30pm Session 2: The Structure and Lifecycle of Arts Organizations
Saturday Oct 23, 9‐1:30pm Session 3: Legal & Fiduciary Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards
Saturday Nov 13, 9‐1:30pm Session 4: Funding and Fundraising
Thursday Dec 9, 4:30‐7:30pm Session 5: The Generative Board: Leading Organizations from Good to Great
Attention Employers
Employees participating in the On BOARD program help to expand their company’s sphere of influence in the community, while gaining exposure to a dynamic network of business and cultural professionals. Trainees are immersed in an enriching environment of individuals passionate about the arts and committed to making a difference in the community. They are able to translate the positive impact of this experience back to their professional duties.
Graduates unanimously report that their broadened exposure enriches both their business and personal lives. Participants often find themselves sitting beside classmates who, by day, are business leaders and potential clients or customers. Many class participants are referrals from prior‐year trainees and from companies that see the value this program brings over time to the leadership of their organization. Please consider adding On BOARD to your list of employee leadership development options.
On BOARD Program Fees
The total fee for the 4‐month program is $2,000.
Many companies sponsor employee candidates because they recognize board service as a professional leadership development opportunity and a great way to gain corporate visibility in the community. There are a limited number of scholarships available for individuals working in the civic sector, including educational institutions, community‐based organizations, healthcare, and government, as well as for those who are unable to obtain sponsorship from their employer. On BOARD recommends pursuing sponsorship before applying to the program and can provide documents to assist with this process.
For more information about the On BOARD program or to apply, please email Program Manager, Kristen Romans or call (312)372‐1876 ext. 221 .
Generous Support for On BOARD is provided by:
