Golub Capital Nonprofit Board Fellows Program

       • Board Service: Fellows engage in board activities as ex officio members. Two Fellows serve on each board.

       • Curated Projects: Fellows lead a strategic project designed to hone their skills and further the mission of their nonprofit partner. The two Fellows may collaborate on one project or lead two separate projects.

       • Mentorship: A seasoned board member meets with Fellows monthly to provide guidance and feedback. Dedicated program staff, faculty, and peer mentors offer wraparound support.

       • Educational Workshops: Fellows participate in comprehensive governance and leadership training to build their knowledge and skills.

       • Community Building: Regular events bring Fellows together to share experiences and develop a community of practice.

The U-M Golub Capital Nonprofit Board Fellows Program provides a real-world opportunity to hone your leadership and project management skills. In addition to gaining experience as a nonprofit board member, you will collaborate with your board on a project that supports the priorities of the organization, developing your strategy and assessment skills. Additionally, you will build your network of impact-oriented professionals, including your Board Mentor and Co-Fellow. All students who effectively complete the activities of the Nonprofit Board Fellowship will earn the Michigan Ross Nonprofit Governance Endorsement (see more below).

Board Fellows are eligible to earn the Michigan Ross Nonprofit Governance Endorsement by completing the core activities of the Fellowship. The goals of the endorsement are (1) to equip U-M graduate students with the knowledge and experience to become effective future nonprofit board members and (2) to provide the nonprofit sector with an accessible method of identifying and recruiting board members. 

Key focuses: 

       • The nonprofit organization as an entity and its role in society

       • The role of the board of directors

       • The legal duties of board members

       • Governance and governing documents

       • The role of the board in fundraising

       • Community-centered leadership

       • Sector innovations

Completion of the endorsement provides students with the foundations of nonprofit board governance through research-based best practices, action-based experience, and mentorship. Fulfillment of the endorsement requires attendance at multiple Board Fellowship events throughout the year,  including orientation, educational workshops, and cohort social events. Endorsed Board Fellows receive a LinkedIn badge and graduation cords to honor their learning journey.

You are expected to commit 7-10 hours per month to the program activities:

       • Attend all board meetings (barring preexisting academic commitments)

       • Engage in board committees that are relevant to your project

       • Connect with your assigned Board Mentor at least monthly

       • Complete the project deliverables as described

       • Actively participate in the Board Fellows cohort experience, including workshops and community-building events

       • Board Mentor: Board mentors are seasoned professionals who offer project guidance, organizational history and knowledge, and mentorship to Fellows throughout the program.

       • Co-Fellow: Two Board Fellows are matched to each board, enhancing collaboration and project impact.

       • Workshops: Program staff and expert facilitators host curated workshops on nonprofit governance and leadership topics, supporting students’ project work and board service.

       • Weiss Senior Fellows: Three students who served as Board Fellows the year prior return to support the incoming cohort. They build community among the Fellows and are available to connect with students throughout the application process. You can reach all three of them at weissseniorfellows@umich.edu. See more below under “Our Staff & Student Team”.

       • Cohort Community: With wraparound support from staff, faculty, and board members, Board Fellows also engage in social events aimed at community building. Becoming a Board Fellow means joining a community of business leaders dedicated to building a better world!

       • Staff Support: Board Fellowship staff connect with you throughout the year to serve as thought partners on your project, provide resources, and support your board experience overall. 

       • Transportation Support: We are proud to provide full financial support to students as they travel to board meetings, fundraisers, and events across Southeast Michigan. 

You do not need to have prior knowledge of nonprofit governance to become a Board Fellow. Program staff, faculty, and mentors will provide you with ample training, support, and resources. Board Fellowship projects almost always fall into one of three categories:

       • Governance (i.e., bylaw review, board governance manual)

       • Assessment (i.e., program effectiveness evaluation, community needs assessment)

       • Strategy (i.e., marketing plan, fund development plan)

The types of projects available vary each year based on the priorities of the nonprofit partner organizations at the time. Generally, two Board Fellows are paired with each board. The two Board Fellows at each organization may work together on one larger project or two separate, smaller projects. Board Fellows should spend approximately 5 hours per month on their project work.

To ensure an effective and mutually beneficial working relationship, the nonprofit partner will:

       • Assign a responsive and experienced board member to serve as the Board Fellow’s primary mentor

       • Provide a formal introduction to the organization and the expectations of board members

       • Complete a mid-year and final evaluation of the Board Fellow’s progress 

Golub Capital is a market-leading, award-winning direct lender and experienced private credit manager. Early in 2025, U-M Ross was selected to receive significant funding and become part of the Golub Capital Nonprofit Board Fellows Network. This network brings together students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community partners from leading Board Fellows programs across the country. With their generous support, we are increasing the size of the student cohort, establishing innovative alumni programming, and enhancing research to assess the program’s impact.