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Golub Capital Nonprofit Board Fellows Program

Golub Capital Nonprofit Board Fellows Program

An Action-Based Impact Leadership Experience

Serve on a nonprofit board. Lead a strategic project. Earn a credential. Join an interdisciplinary community.

Program Summary

Since 1999, the Golub Capital Nonprofit Board Fellows Program has connected U-M graduate students with nonprofit boards addressing critical community needs. Board Fellows serve as non-voting board members for one academic year (October-April) while leading curated projects.

Each Fellow commits 7-10 hours monthly and receives dedicated mentorship from a seasoned board member. As an interdisciplinary cohort, Fellows engage in a series of educational workshops and are eligible to earn the Michigan Ross Nonprofit Governance Endorsement.

See Program Details

Eligibility

  • Current graduate student at the University of Michigan
  • Must not graduate before April 2027
  • Interest in nonprofits, impact leadership, and/or civic engagement

From Board Fellow to Ross Professor & Culture Scholar: Marcus Collins

2026-27 Timeline

  • Sep. 9 | Student applications due
  • Oct. 2 | Program Orientation
  • October–April | Students serve as Board Fellows

Interested?

You must attend an info session to receive application information.

Register for Info Session

If you are unavailable for all of the info sessions, request the recording here.

Board Fellows in Action

300+
ORGANIZATIONS SINCE 1999
800+
BOARD FELLOWS
11+
U-M SCHOOLS & DISCIPLINES
25+
YEARS OF PROGRAM HISTORY

Student Testimonials

Aline Louise de Souza, MBA '27

“[The Board Fellows Program] was the perfect hands-on environment to practice the theory I’ve learned in my MBA, challenging me to think like a strategic consultant while navigating the real-world complexities of high-level board governance.” 

Jamal Shaheen, MBA '28

“[I gained] the ability to think at the governance level while still appreciating how strategy turns into action… That experience has made me more confident in recruiting, more prepared for leadership roles, and more committed to service beyond my career.”

Dani Levy, MPP/MS '26

“The opportunity to see board governance firsthand, plus fantastic workshops covering a range of relevant topics, is truly priceless… students are fortunate to have the opportunity to receive first-hand experience and world-class nonprofit education.”

Apply

Attend an information session to receive application information. U-M graduate students of any discipline or degree program who are not graduating before May 2027 may apply. Not all applicants are selected. If selected, you are matched to a nonprofit partner based on your experience and interest.

Application process:

  1. Info session: Register here for one of three upcoming sessions. Attendance is required to receive application materials.
  2. Prepare to apply: Review the list of nonprofit partners and project opportunities, taking note of your top 5 preferences.
  3. Application: The application deadline is Wednesday, Sep. 9th at 11:59pm.
  4. Student/Nonprofit Meet & Greet: Finalists are proposed as matches to our nonprofit partners. Students and nonprofit partners will coordinate a time to “meet and greet” to ensure the placement is a good fit.
  5. Final Match: Matches are officially confirmed by late September, and a program orientation for all nonprofit partners and Board Fellows takes place on Oct. 2nd.

Young woman of color smiling at another woman facing away, at a six-top table
Jerry Davis, Janet Weiss, Annalies Fowler, Maricella Reyes and two male and two female students in Chicago
Full Board Fellows Cohort from 2025-26, over 60 students, standing in front of a screen that says Golub Capital Board Fellows

Team

LinkedIn
Annaliese Fowler, CNP

Program & Strategic Initiatives Manager
[email protected]

Annaliese manages the Golub Capital Nonprofit Board Fellows Program and other strategic initiatives central to the work of B+I. With a background in both the nonprofit and higher education sectors, she is dedicated to designing impactful experiences and building meaningful partnerships.
Portrait of Maricella Reyes, outdoors
Maricella Reyes, MA

Board Fellows Program Specialist
[email protected]

Maricella coordinates student programming and supports additional initiatives that advance social impact. She brings experience in higher education programming, event and project coordination, and communications, grounded in a student-centered approach and a commitment to equity and belonging.
Weiss Senior Fellows

Karl Schultz, EMBA '27; Ellie Wilson, MPP '27; Brandy Blackwell, MBA '27
[email protected]

(From left) Karl, Ellie, and Brandy served as 2025-26 Board Fellows. Now, as Weiss Senior Fellows, they are here to answer your questions about this program!
Sue Ann Savas portrait outside
Prof. Sue Ann Savas

Faculty Advisor for Evaluation & Impact; Clinical Associate Professor of Social Work