Center for Nonprofit Excellence Announces 8th Annual Board Academy

Charlottesville, November 10, 2016 — Through rich content, exploration of the latest research and trends, and active dialogue with the class, the Academy equips board members with the knowledge and tools they need to be strong nonprofit board leaders in the community. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, CNE offers needs-based scholarships every year that greatly offset the cost of tuition. Scholarships are evaluated on an individual basis once participants have been selected. Applications are available through CNE’s website and are due January 15^th, 2017 at midnight.

Board Service is an excellent way to develop leadership skills and build connections within your community. “Through board service you learn as much as you give,” explains Cristine Nardi, Executive Director of CNE. Since its inception an important role of board academy has been to encourage people with little or no board experience to become involved. “Board Academy widens the path to board service to anyone who is motivated to be deeply engaged in our community,” says Nardi. The scholarship program has been an important part in realizing that goal.

The three-month curriculum consists of interactive classes, readings, experiential learning, and network building within the Charlottesville community. Sessions require advanced reading and outside classwork including a group project that spans the entire three-month program. The schedule entails two full-days and five evening workshops. Topics covered include board roles and responsibilities, strategy and evaluation, collaboration, finance, recruitment and retention, philanthropy, and board dynamics.

Board Academy began in 2007 through the work of CNE founder Wendy Brown and former President and CEO of National Arts Strategies, Russell Willis Taylor. To date 162 participants have completed Board Academy.