Launching this year: Arts Board Match

 

Click here to visit our capital campaign
to develop ArtsBoardMatch.com on  

The Arts & Business Council has a new project to IGNITE arts boards with new members and new vitality. Imagine hundreds of business professionals channeled onto arts boards to LIGHT THEM UP with new ideas. Visualize the opportunity for each person to find a board of trustees where they feel a personal passion and commitment. 

Arts Board Match is an innovative resource that will close the crisis gap in the number and diversity of board candidates accessible to arts organizations in South Florida.  With over 1,000 non-profit cultural groups competing for board members the need to expand the pool of interested prospects is great. 

Using modern technology, the internet and social media we will get business involved, one board member at a time. This board development platform will circumvent archaic board recruitment strategies - They are so passé. Arts Board Match will revolutionize the way in which potential board members, interested in getting involved with arts, find their perfect MATCH.

This program has received a development grant from the John S. & James L. Knight Foundation through the 2011 Knight Arts Challenge. To stay updated on the progress of this project follow the Knight Arts Miami Blog.  

Top 5 reasons to join a board

1. 1. Build valuable networks and relationships for business development and outreach with fellow board members and the organization’s donors and members
2. 2. Arts board members work directly with artists and the creative class impacting their own vision and creativity. Learn to look at the world and your business in a different way. Given the stresses and distractions of the job market, board members value their experiences now more than ever.
3. 3. Business professionals broaden their leadership skills by serving as consultants to nonprofit organizations and gain first-hand knowledge of the region's cultural landscape. Grow as a leader the only way you can – through experience!
4. 4. Dynamic partnerships that bridge the arts and business sectors strengthen the cultural and economic vitality of the Greater Miami Region.
5. 5. Develop new skills and new contacts that will increase your value to your company by working directly with artists and arts executives and contribute in a meaningful way to strengthening an important organization.

What Does an Arts Board Do?

A nonprofit's board has several important responsibilities to fulfill as the governing body of a non-profit organization. Board members work directly with artists and arts executives and contribute in a meaningful way to strengthening an important organization by: 1. Setting the policy for the organization:

•  Creating or updating the mission and vision statements.
•  Determining the organization's programs and services.
•  Developing and approving the strategic plan at annual board planning retreat.

2. Developing Resources for the organization:  •  Developing and approving the annual budget.
 •  Fundraising, by directly donating to the non-profit and soliciting donations from others.
 •  Raising sufficient funds for the organization.
 •  Having a written giving policy for the board.

3. Monitoring the organization's operations:

•  Soliciting and reviewing program evaluations.
•  Working with and providing support to the executive.
•  Troubleshooting as necessary.

4. Serving as a public figure for the organization:

•  Advocating for the organization.
•  Doing outreach with your clients, colleagues and with other organizations on behalf of the group.

5. Fulfilling other board responsibilities:

•  Documenting policies and decisions to create an organizational memory.
•  Preparing for and attending board meetings.
•  Researching and discussing issues before decisions are made.
•  Replacing and orienting board members when a vacancy arises.

What does a Board Member Do?

•  Takes the time to understand and learn about the organization
•  Makes a financial donation or in-kind donation
•  Shares their business skills with the group
•  Is prepared for board meetings
•  Gets involved with board committees
•  Commits themselves to the cause
•  Is collaborative
•  Is willing to fund raise 
•  Is willing to help the organization be more visible with your circle of influence
•  Is a fair person, with a strong motivation to help the organization

Joining a board is an important decision. To learn more about if you qualify for a board match complete the short form below.