Executive Service Corps of the Triangle (ESC), a local nonprofit that helps other area nonprofits achieve their missions, has developed and launched Build a Better Board (BaBB), a unique web-based service that matches Triangle area nonprofits with talented individuals who would like to serve in vital positions on nonprofit boards. It is easy to use and completely free of charge for both nonprofits and individuals. Similar to a dating service where you can see profiles and make contact with people you find of interest, the system matches nonprofit organizations with professionals and community leaders who may want to serve on boards in their area.
After only a few months of operation, the website already has 88 active nonprofits, 110 active individual candidates and 77 open board seats. The site is off to a fast start and is building momentum. More importantly, the site has already recorded five matching successes, with many more in the works.
One of those matches was for Steven Worsham, a Credit Suisse assistant vice president. “I knew I wanted to join the board of a nonprofit but had no idea where to start. BaBB made it easy to connect with the local nonprofit community and find the right opportunity for me,” said Worsham. Steven found the Wade Edwards Learning Lab (WELL) to be a good fit with his interests, and, after meeting with the executive director, Betsey McFarland, WELL invited him to join their board. “Board recruitment is an essential task. Finding the right people with the right skills and with the necessary available time is sometimes frustrating. BaBB is a great time saver and obviously attracts well-qualified people,” said McFarland.
The system works by having nonprofits and individuals fill out a simple online profile accessed through the website, www.buildabetterboard.com, listing their needs, backgrounds and preferences. Then the nonprofit, or the individual, can perform a variety of searches. There are over 2,000 nonprofits in the greater Triangle area with most looking for good people to serve on their boards.
ESC is supported in this effort by a generous grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. Our partners in this program include: Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, North Carolina Center for Nonprofits, Triangle Community Foundation, The Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center and Young Nonprofit Professionals Network Triangle NC.
About Executive Service Corps of the Triangle (ESC)
Executive Service Corps of the Triangle (ESC) (www.esctriangle.org) provides professional, affordable consulting to Triangle nonprofits to help them achieve their missions. ESC provides capacity building to nonprofits in Orange, Wake, Durham and Chatham counties. Services include board development, retreat facilitation, guided organizational assessment, strategic planning, executive coaching, communications/marketing, financial assessment, collaboration opportunities, board matching and fundraising planning. These services are provided by dedicated and experienced former executives who are committed to making a difference in their communities through pro bono work. Nonprofit agencies are charged a nominal fee for services based on their operating budget and contracted scope of work. ESC’s consultants donate their time and expertise, so the fees are only to cover overhead expenses. ESC has been serving Triangle nonprofits since 1987.
