Frequently Asked Questions: Non-Profit Organizations
What is the Non-Profit Board Leadership Program (NPBLP)?
The
NPBLP was founded in 2005 by Wharton MBA students with the goal of providing students
with an experiential learning and leadership opportunity that would also support local
non-profits. More specifically, the NPBLP places second year MBAs on boards of local
non-profit organizations in order create a mutually beneficial experience for both
the student and the non-profit. We currently have 23 students serving as Visiting
Board Members. The the Wharton Graduate Leadership Program with the support of a student
executive board.
What are the advantages of hosting a Visiting Board Member?
What is the role of the Visiting Board Member and how long do they serve?
Visiting
Board Members serve your organization for one academic year (September through May).
The Visiting Board Member functions as a regular board member except that they do
not have voting rights, legal responsibilities, or pay board fees. Visiting Board
Members are also assigned to a board committee that is aligned with their interests
and your organization’s needs. Visiting Board Members are expected to attend all board
and committee meetings, work on board projects and attend organization events.
What are the responsibilities of my organization in hosting a Visiting
Board Member?
How are Visiting Board Members selected?
A competitive screening process is used to select 2nd year Wharton MBA students for this program. Students must complete an application that includes questions on their background, prior non-profit/volunteer experience, as well as three essays. Based on their application and resume, students are selected for an interview. The number of applicants is typically double the number of spaces available.
How
are visiting board members matched? Will they be a good fit for my organization?
Once
accepted into the program, students are asked to designate their top five preferences
for the non-profit organization they wish to work with. Selected students are then
matched with one of these organizations. Last year, were able to place 100% of applicants
in one of their top two choices. This matching system ensures that your Visiting Board
Member is passionate and excited about working with your organization.
What How
can we develop successful relationships with our Visitin Board Member?
The
Executive Director and appointed mentor should serve as the Visiting Board Member’s
main points of contact with the organization. The Visiting Board Member should be
treated as a true board member and should be included in all board member events and
activities. Successful relationships provide students with a mentor who is available
for questions and concerns, and identify a clear role on a board committee. The best
relationships are those in which the non-profit organization provides open feedback
to the student regarding their level of involvement and clear direction on how they
can help the organization.
Do students receive academic credit for their participation?
Participants volunteer their time to participate in this program, and do not receive academic credit. Students are expected to commit 10-12 hours per month to the Board Fellowship.
What type of training and support is provided to Visiting Board Members?
Visiting
Board Members attend a two day training session focused on multiple areas relating
to Non-Profit organizations including board membership 101, fundraising, marketing,
governance, leadership, and strategy. There
are additional group meetings to discuss logistics, goals, and expectations, as well
as monthly case discussions where students explore a case created from the experiences
of four to five participants in the program. Students also receive advice and support
from fellow student participants and the NPBLP executive board, and the Leadership
Program.
How is the NPBLP organized?
The
NPBLP is a joint venture between Wharton students and the Wharton Leadership Program.
The organization currently has 23 Board Fellows(Visiting Board Members) supported
by Katie Krimmel in the Wharton Leadership Program, a faculty advisor, and an executive
board of five MBA students.
Contact information for the Wharton Leadership Program is below.
Katie Krimmel
Associate Director
Wharton Graduate Leadership Program
215.573.2454 Phone
