Nonprofit Board Fellowship Program

For Students

Are you interested in learning what it takes to run a nonprofit from the boardroom? Do you want to work on high-level strategic issues in a functioning nonprofit organization?

The Nonprofit Board Fellows program that works with graduate students like you gives you project management experience and develops your executive skills as a board member of a nonprofit organization in Southeast Michigan.

This multidisciplinary program will provide you with real-world insight into the workings and procedures of a nonprofit board, and enable you to contribute to the organization’s success while building on your tools for social impact.

Timeline for Students

Aug. – Student applications posted
Aug.- Sept. – Student info sessions held | Recorded Info Session | Slides
Early Sept. – Student applications due
Mid Sept. – Select applicant interviews
Late Sept. – Board Fellows announced
Early Oct. – Kickoff for accepted Board Fellows and nonprofits
Oct.- Apr. – Students serve as Board Fellows

300+

ORGANIZATIONS SINCE 1999

700+

BOARD FELLOWS PLACED

U-M SCHOOLS REPRESENTED

YEARS OF PROGRAM EXPERIENCES

Applications

The 2023-24 Student Application for the program closed in mid-September 2023. Applications will reopen in August 2024.

The program is open to all U-M graduate students. You must apply to participate in this competitive program, and you are matched to organizations based on your experience and interest. In order to participate, you must have:

A record of academic and professional excellence
Knowledge and skills relevant to the particular nonprofit organization and/or project area
Sensitivity and commitment to issues of community needs, financial concerns, and confidentiality
A commitment to serving the nonprofit sector, whether in a professional or personal capacity

Board Fellow Responsibilities

If you are selected as a Board Fellow, you are expected to serve as a non-voting board member for one academic year, from mid-October through April.

In addition, you should:

Attend all board meetings and serve on a board committee
Help with and attend special events, similar to other board members of the hosting organizations
Complete a board-level project which tackles complex organizational challenges
Commit approximately the same amount of time to the board as a full board member (6-10 hours a month)
Attend trainings and workshops hosted by B+I, as well as maintain program commitments

"Being a Board Fellow was by far and away the most rewarding decision I have made in graduate school!"

Zach Nerod, 2022-23 Board Fellow

"I really appreciated the ability to learn more about board membership, practice the assessment skills I learned in coursework, and make a meaningful impact."

Rebecca Barabas, 2022-23 Board Fellow