Maximize Your Board's Capacity & Impact Workshop-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In a recent webinar aimed at strengthening board engagement for educational foundations, presenters John Wolfkill and Diana Pollard shared insights on diverse topics including board responsibilities, strategic planning, and committee structures. They emphasized the importance of having an MOU between foundations and their affiliated institutions to clearly define roles and responsibilities, especially when leadership changes occur. They discussed the need for an engaged board that aligns with the institution's mission, highlighting characteristics such as being community-driven and student-focused.<br /><br />The session also covered the necessity of having diverse boards that reflect the demographics and expertise needed to fulfill their mission effectively. Pollard and Wolfkill illustrated strategies for recruiting and onboarding new board members, advocating for using tools like a competency matrix to assess potential members' skills and diversity.<br /><br />Moreover, they stressed the role of strategic planning and how to ensure these plans align with the institution's goals. Tools for tracking strategic initiatives, including setting annual priorities and integrating them into the performance goals of staff members, were also discussed.<br /><br />They concluded by focusing on the donor-centered fundraising cycle, urging board members to engage in stewardship and cultivation before solicitation, thus ensuring more effective and meaningful fundraising efforts. The session was interactive, encouraging attendees to share experiences and strategies in breakout groups, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Keywords

board engagement

educational foundations

John Wolfkill

Diana Pollard

board responsibilities

strategic planning

committee structures

MOU

leadership changes

community-driven

student-focused

diverse boards

competency matrix

donor-centered fundraising

collaborative learning