United Horizons Board Training Program

Applications are now open! 

 

Have you thought about serving on a nonprofit board but are unsure where to start? Or maybe you have some board experience but want to broaden your skills with training from experts in board leadership? Serve Wisconsin and AmeriCorps logo

United Horizons Board Training Program helps to prepare community members to serve on nonprofit boards, with an emphasis on increasing the number of individuals from populations historically underrepresented on boards (racially and ethnically diverse, LGBTQIA+, and young professionals). The program is available to Racine County residents and FREE to all participants.

United Horizons offers two tracks to choose from:

  • 6 sessions for individuals looking to gain leadership and nonprofit board experience and knowledge. 
  • 3 sessions geared towards representatives from nonprofit organizations who would like to further develop best practices in board management and creating safe spaces.

Both tracks will conclude in a matchmaking session that brings together individual participants and the nonprofit representatives to connect and begin to build nonprofit boards that are representative of the community we live in, with a goal of matching each individual participant to a nonprofit board. 

Who can apply?
  • Anyone can apply to join the individual program, but preference will be given to those from historically under-represented communities, including people of color, people in the LGBTQIA+ community, people with lived experience in poverty and people in rural communities.
  • Representatives from Racine County nonprofit organizations can apply for the organizational track. 

United Horizons Board Training Program is made possible by a grant from the Volunteer Generation Fund in partnership with AmeriCorps and Serve Wisconsin.

Individual Application
Organization Application

Classes will be offered again in May 2025. If you are interested in these sessions, please complete this survey and you will be notified when applications open.

Session Topics: For Individuals Seeking Board Training

Program Kick off and Orientation: Tuesday, March 18 - 4:30-6:30 p.m.

  • Opportunity to engage and network with fellow cohorts and representatives from local nonprofit boards
  • Current nonprofit board members from under-represented populations will share their experiences and answer questions
    diverse group talking
  • An in-depth look at data for the city and county, allowing participants to understand the issues and the nonprofits in the community

Nonprofit Boards 101: Tuesday, March 25 - 4:30-6:30 p.m.

  • Participants will learn the basics and best practices of general nonprofit board mechanics, role and responsibilities 

Fundraising and Finance 101: Tuesday, April 1 - 4:30-6:30 p.m.

  • Participants will gain a basic understanding of nonprofit financial management, fundraising, and compliance to prepare them for board service 

Governance and Advocacy: Tuesday, April 8 - 4:30-6:30 p.m.

  • Participants will leave this session being able to effectively advocate for an organization, policy, or position within the nonprofit context

Being an Ethical Board Member: Tuesday, April 15 - 4:30-6:30 p.m.

  • Participants will learn how to identify their legal, ethical and fiduciary responsibilities as a member of a nonprofit board

Finding a Fit and Using Your Voice to Make an Impact: Wednesday, April 30 - 4:00-7:00 p.m.

  • Participants will complete and analyze the Clifton Strengths assessment

Matchmaking and Graduation: Time and Date TBD 

  • Individual participants and organizational participants will meet and identify possible matches

 

Session Topics: For Organizations Building a Diverse Board

Program Kickoff and Orientation: Tuesday, March 18 - 4:30-6:30 p.m.

  • Opportunity to engage and network with fellow representatives from nonprofit board and individuals in search of board placement opportunities

Best Practices in Board Management: Thursday, April 3 - 9:00- 11:00 a.m.people at a table

  • Facilitators will discuss best practices for an inclusive board, including recruiting, training and engaging board members

Creating Safe Spaces: Thursday, May 1 - 9:00-12:00 a.m.

  • Participants will hear from current board members from underrepresented populations, facilitated by Kimberly Payne from Payne Consulting

Matchmaking and Graduation: Date and Time TBD

  • Individual participants and organizational participants will meet and identify possible matches

United Horizons Q&A

Here are some additional questions and answers you may have about United Horizons. If you have questions that are unanswered, please contact Special Projects Manager Katie Tuttle via email at ktuttle@unitedwayracine.org.

Q: How much does this program cost?

A: United Horizons is presented with a grant from Serve Wisconsin and United Way of Racine and is free to all individual and organization participants.

Q: What can I tell my employer if I need to ask for time off for the training sessions?

A: We can help provide information about the program and the benefits to you and to your employer, as well as verify attendance at the sessions. Please indicate on the application form if you will need information to provide to your employer.

Q: How will I meet representatives of nonprofits after the training sessions? 

A: The graduation and matchmaking session held after the completion of the program is designed to ensure representatives of nonprofits enrolled in the program meet the individuals in the program. The goal is to help both individuals and organizations find a good match for future members of nonprofit boards. 

Q: Will there be follow-up to document the results of the program? 

A: There is a 60-day tracking period following the conclusion of the training sessions. United Way of Racine County Special Projects Manager Katie Tuttle will follow up with individuals and organizations to track the number of matches made by individuals who completed the training program. Organizations will be asked to complete an organizational assessment to further understand the impact the training program has on the board. 

Q: Can my organization help promote this training program?

A: Yes. We have one-page posters in color and black and white that can be printed and/or shared electronically. 

Additional Resources

Want to learn more about nonprofit board diversity and equity? Check out these links.