Call for Board Nominations

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Dear ABFE member and supporter,

The Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE) is now seeking candidates to serve on its Board of Directors. This is an opportunity for ABFE members to contribute to ABFE and the field of philanthropy.

Board members are elected for two-year terms. The Board seeks gender, racial, and geographic diversity, and grantmakers committed to advancing strategies that improve conditions in Black communities are strongly encouraged to apply. Additionally, the Board endeavors to continuously expand the expertise and perspectives represented on the Board. Candidates should have demonstrated leadership and an understanding of ABFE’s mission and its work to strengthen philanthropic investments in Black communities.

The Board is particularly interested in recruiting foundation trustees, attorneys with partner-level law firm experience, leaders from community foundations, and investment managers.

Nominations for positions on the ABFE Board of Directors will be accepted through January 6, 2014. A slate of candidates will be presented to the membership for election at the annual meeting during the ABFE Annual Conference in Washington, DC in June 2014.

See below for board service overview and current Board of Directors, as well as a link to the nomination form. With your input and recommendations, we are able to identify our future leaders – please participate in the important process by nominating a fellow member (or yourself) for board service.

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Board of Directors Nominations Process:

  • It’s simple and easy. All ABFE members are encouraged and eligible to self-nominate or nominate another ABFE member for consideration.
  • To nominate yourself or a colleague, click here to download the application form for completion. Please note that only current ABFE members may nominate someone for board service and if voted to the Board, the nominee must be, or become, an ABFE member prior to joining the Board.

Nomination Timeline:

  • November 4, 2013 / Call for nominations.
  • January 6, 2014 / Deadline for all nominations.
  • February 2014 / Interviews of board candidates.
  • Late February – Early March 2014 / Candidates notified of their status.
  • June 2014 / Election at ABFE’s annual meeting in Washington, DC.

General Information about ABFE Board Service

MEMBERSHIP STATUS:
Maintain ABFE membership at the individual or institutional level on an annual basis.

MEETINGS:
Attend 75% of all board meetings (at least three per year);
Serve on at least one committee;
Prepare for and actively participate in board and committee meetings, as well as ABFE events and programs;
Maintain confidentiality of the Board’s sessions; and
Contribute to the content and process of board and committee meetings.

RESPONSIBILITY TO STAFF:
Disclose possible conflicts of interest that might compromise the Board or ABFE, and disclose any possible conflicts to the Board in a timely fashion;
Maintain a professional relationship with staff members; and
Counsel the President of ABFE, as appropriate.

FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Pay membership dues on an annual basis;
Make a personal contribution to ABFE of no less than $500 annually;
Faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements and otherwise help the Board fulfill its fiduciary responsibility; and
Exercise fiduciary oversight consistent with non-profit law, established standards and organizational policy.

FUNDRAISING:
Solicit from their institutions support for ABFE at the level of $5,000 or more; or help raise a minimum of $5,000 from another source.
Active participation in fundraising for events and general support of ABFE by soliciting contributions from individuals and foundations; and
Participate in skill building activities to develop personal capacity for fundraising responsibilities.

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