A five-month series for nonprofit board members, including Executive Directors, who desire connection, partnership and content revolved around board leadership. The program will meet monthly fall 2026 through winter of 2027 and is open and offered at no cost to nonprofit grantees of the Summit Foundation.

Dates, Syllabus and Presenters to be announced 

please keep me updated about the nonprofit board lab

Topics include: Governance, Recruitment, Engagement and Succession Planning, the Board-ED Relationship, Financial Management, Fundraising, Risk Management and Strategic Planning

Time:  TBD

Presenters: TBD

Location: TBD

Dates: TBD

Location: TBD

Overview of the Nonprofit Board Lab

Who Should Attend

  • Current nonprofit board members of Summit Foundation nonprofit grantees, including executive directors.

Description

Strong boards build strong nonprofits. This five‑month series equips board members with the network, knowledge, and confidence to govern effectively, support organizational leadership, and steward community resources responsibly. Each lab blends expert instruction, peer learning, and hands‑on practice. Participants will develop a strong network of fellow board member leaders. Registration for each session is first-come, first-served and has limited capacity.

Each 3‑hour session includes:

  • Welcome, Introductions & Framing (15 min)
  • Core Presentation (75 min)
  • Small Group Work (30 min)
  • Applied Learning / Case Studies (45 min)
  • Wrap‑Up & Next Steps (15 min)

Nonprofit Board Lab Goals

To strengthen and elevate board leadership across Summit County by equipping board members with the skills, confidence, and clarity needed to guide their organizations' mission forward. Through this series, participants will also join a supportive cohort of nonprofit board leaders, building meaningful relationships and a lasting network that will continue well beyond the program.

By the end of the series, participants will:

  • Have a broad network of support from nonprofit board members in Summit County
  • Understand the full scope of board responsibilities
  • Strengthen their ability to provide strategic leadership
  • Build confidence in financial and risk oversight
  • Improve board recruitment, engagement, and succession practices
  • Enhance collaboration with executive leadership
  • Increase comfort and effectiveness in fundraising and community engagement
  • Be comfortable leading a strategic planning process            

Questions or Support

For more information about the series or registration, please contact Kathryn Califf, Community Impact Officer Grants and Nonprofits