Community Foundation for MetroWest Logo
photo of participants of the ELA program chatting around a conference table

Nonprofit Board Matching

Do you want to serve on a nonprofit board, but aren’t sure where to start? Or maybe you’re a member of a corporate leadership team who wants to engage your employees in meaningful nonprofit volunteer opportunities.

Nonprofit board service is a great way to apply professional and personal experience to benefit the local community, while networking and developing relationships with peers. Launched in 2021, the MetroWest Nonprofit Board Matching Program was designed to help strengthen our region by matching engaged corporate leaders and rising stars with nonprofit board opportunities in the MetroWest region.

How It Works

Series of 4 arrows pointing right, changing from yellow to blue. First reads, "Register to Participate', then "Complete Virtual Training", then "Interview with Nonprofit Boards", then "Get Placed for a Nonprofit Board!"

Program Goals

  • Strengthen our region by increasing the number of residents that serve on nonprofit boards
  • Leverage our role as the philanthropy hub and connector for individuals, corporations, and nonprofit organizations for the benefit of the MetroWest community
  • Engage corporate partners to identify key employees who want to make a difference in the community; or identify those employees the corporate partner would like to see engage in additional leadership opportunities
  • Respond to the need in the nonprofit sector for talented, diverse, engaged board members

Our Method 

  • Presenting high-quality education regarding fundraising, governance, non-profit finance, and more through a largely self-paced online training program

  • A detailed matching process that respects the interests of the individuals as well as the needs of nonprofit organizations and the corporate partner

  • Continued support as needed throughout the onboarding process

Program Timeline

Month 1

Participants meet with the Foundation for a program overview and orientation.

Month 1-4

Participants complete self-paced learning.

Month 5

Participants meet with Foundation staff to determine match suggestions.

Month 6

Conversations between participants and nonprofit organizations begin.

Time Commitment

Individuals should expect a 20-30 hour commitment over the course of about 6 months. This includes:

  • 1 30-minute Zoom orientation session with Foundation staff
  • 8-10 hours of self-paced, virtual education
  • Up to 2 hours of correspondence with Foundation staff regarding potential matches
  • Up to 3 60-minute meetings with potential nonprofit matches

All program materials will be accessible to participants via an online learning management system.

We know our Bowditch & Dewey community is rich with talented individuals ready and willing to serve on nonprofit boards, but we found that many of these individuals did not know where to connect with organizations whose mission and needs aligned with their personal values and skills. Participants not only feel more prepared to take on board leadership roles because of the in-depth curriculum, but they have built personal connections through the Foundation’s program, leading to great matches and meaningful commitments.
Katherine Garrahan, Bowditch & Dewey, Program Sponsor

Recent Nonprofit Matches:

Boys & Girls Club of Metrowest logo
danforth logo

For your nonprofit organization to be considered for a potential match, please fill out this application form.

Lead Sponsor

TJX logo

Participating Sponsors

Bowditch Attorneys logo
2025 Morgan Stanley logo

Get Started

For details about corporate involvement with the program, please contact Caroline Murphy, Vice President of Advancement and Philanthropic Services, at [email protected]

Inquire Now