FOCUS BoardBridge

Launched in fall 2023, BoardBridge is an initiative of FOCUS St. Louis designed to help connect nonprofit organizations with potential board candidates through a matching process.

For nonprofits, the program offers the benefit of expanding your leadership pipeline and connecting with potential new board members.

For individuals, serving on a nonprofit board offers the opportunity to support causes you're passionate about, give back to your community, strengthen your leadership skills and make new connections.

The program is currently offered at no cost for 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations and individuals interested in serving on boards, with matching rounds held in the spring and fall.

Based on their experience, 97% of past participants would recommend the program.

FOCUS BoardBridge aims to complement other St. Louis board recruitment initiatives, not replace them.

FOCUS BoardBridge is for professionals from all sectors and industries who:

• Desire greater civic and community leadership involvement
• Are looking to contribute their time, treasure and talents to causes they are passionate about
• Have the time to commit to serving on a nonprofit board or committee

After completing your application, you will need to participate in our virtual Orientation Session on Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 12-1 p.m.. (If you've previously participated in BoardBridge, this is not required.) The orientation covers best practices and tips for selecting and serving on a board, as well as details and next steps in the BoardBridge process. You can sign up for this orientation here, or details will be provided after you submit your application.

As a candidate, you will be matched with 3-4 nonprofit boards, taking into consideration your interests, experience and availability, as well as the needs of the nonprofits. You will then be connected to these nonprofits to explore whether there is a mutual fit. You are not required to accept a board position, and a match is not a guarantee that a board position will be offered.

FOCUS BoardBridge is for nonprofit organizations who:

• Desire to expand their circle of potential board candidates
• Are looking to welcome new board members within the next six months

After completing the application, each nonprofit must have a staff or board member participate in our virtual Orientation Session on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 12-1 p.m.. (If your organization has previously participated in BoardBridge, this is not required.) The orientation provides an overview of the board matching process, along with best practices and tips for selecting and onboarding new members. You can sign up for this session here, or details will be sent after you submit your application.

As a nonprofit, you will be matched with 3-4 candidates, taking into consideration your board's needs, as well as the interests, experience and availability of candidates. You will then be connected to these candidates to explore whether there is a mutual fit. You are not obligated to offer a board position to any candidate, and likewise, it is up to the candidates to choose which, if any, board positions they accept.