Bennett's Village

Desired skills, perspectives, experiences, and characteristics of new board members

Bennett’s Village is a non-profit organization working to build Central Virginia’s first truly accessible, inclusive, and multi-generational all-abilities playground in Charlottesville, Virginia – a place for ALL to play. Our current board members are a passionate group of volunteers with skills in grant research, project management, financial analysis, accessibility best practices, non-profit service, and development work. We are ready to turn our attention from developing our organization to fundraising in order to achieve our goals. 

We are seeking additional board members with specific backgrounds and skills to complement our existing slate. We need board members with fundraising experience, particularly those who have experience with fundraising plans, speaking with potential sponsors, and working with capital campaigns. We are seeking members with accounting experience to assist with questions about annual audits, banking, and taxes. We are seeking Board members with legal expertise related to contracts and governance. We are also seeking members interested in working with our team of volunteers on marketing and events.

In addition to those skill sets, we realize that our board currently lacks diversity in racial make-up as well as multi-generational and disability representation. As a non-profit located in a city with a diverse, multi-racial, and variable-ability demographic, we want to ensure that all voices are heard as we create this playground as a truly inclusive space. We welcome and desire potential board members who can provide insight from traditionally under-served and under-represented communities of all ages, even if they do not have one of the skill sets described above. 

Annual Time Commitment (including committee meetings, special events, work outside the board, etc.)

We are a working Board and have no paid staff.  Board members should expect to spend several hours a week supporting the mission of Bennett’s Village. Our Board of Directors meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:45 pm. We are currently meeting via Zoom. Please contact us if you would like to be considered for the Board but cannot make that day or time.

We will be hosting several virtual and in-person fundraising events, and Board members are highly encouraged, but not required, to participate. Participation may include actual event participation (in walks, auctions, fun runs, virtual challenges, etc.) or day-of volunteering.

We have five sub-committees for which we are seeking volunteer leaders.These leaders may or may not be Board members depending on availability and interest. The committees consist of Events, Marketing, Financial Strategies, Major Donors, Education & Outreach, and Grants. Board members may also elect to participate in these sub-committees but not be the committee chair.

Board members may also be asked to attend a meeting with a potential sponsor with whom you have a prior relationship.

Is a minimum financial contribution required?

No

Prior Board experience preferred?

Yes

Does the Board have term limits?

No

Additional Information

As a Board Members, you will perform the following tasks:

• Representing and championing Bennett’s Village to your contacts, connections, and colleagues
• Actively participating in committee work based on your skill set (Events, Marketing, Grants, Education & Outreach, and/or Financial Strategies)
• Attending and/or participating in Bennett’s Village online or in-person events to the extent possible
• Participating in monthly Board meetings
• Providing honest and constructive opinions and insight necessary to assist with managing the organization and achieving our goals

Does The Organization have Directors & Officer's insurance?

No