FOCUS BoardBridge

Connecting nonprofits and leaders.

Are you a nonprofit looking to expand your pool of potential board members? Are you an individual interested in giving back to your community by serving on a board? Then FOCUS BoardBridge can help!

Since its launch in 2023, FOCUS BoardBridge has successfully matched more than 150 candidates to nonprofit boards.

Applications are now being accepted from both nonprofits and candidates for our fall 2026 round. Space is limited, and applications will close on Monday, Oct. 5, or earlier if capacity is reached.

Be sure to review the information below for important details before applying.

Candidate Application

Nonprofit Application

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.

Apply Now

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.

Apply Now

This is one of THE most significant and effective programs we have been a part of. The need for interested board members is always present and this process was truly exemplary ... not complicated, not a ton of time and 100% effective in introducing our organization to future board members.

Tami Timmer

Flance Early Learning Center

FOCUS BoardBridge helped us break the cycle so many nonprofit boards get stuck in: relying on our existing networks for recruitment. Over three application periods, we've added five board members who each bring different skills, perspectives and backgrounds, and every one of them has added real value. We highly recommend the program.

Jennifer Gadsky

ALIVE

This is a fantastic program. Nowhere in the region can a nonprofit connect with such a broad perspective of knowledgeable and civic-minded citizens interested in serving this community.

Karen Ganschaw

Leadership St. Louis 2020-21

This is such an incredible program providing opportunities to people like me trying to get introduced to reputable, mission-driven organizations.

Karen Ganschaw

Leadership St. Louis 2020-21

This was such a positive way to connect professionals to our mission. It also helped validate that our organization can attract new board members excited to offer their skills and leadership.

Karen Ganschaw

Leadership St. Louis 2020-21

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding FOCUS BoardBridge, please contact Becky Rasmussen.