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 12 students serving as Visiting Board Members. The program is run by an 8-member student executive committee and the Wharton Graduate Leadership Program.
What are the advantages of hosting a Visiting Board Member?
The Wharton Non-Profit Board Leadership Program enables Philadelphia-area non-profits to:
- leverage the intellectual capital and experience within the Wharton MBA program
- Benefit from new energy and ideas from talented, hard-working, enthusiastic leaders
- Strengthen its relationship with the Wharton Leadership Program and the Wharton community at-large
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?
In addition to accommodating the Visiting Board Member on the Board and a committee, participating non-profits must provide a mentor for the Visiting Board Member who is a current member of the board and preferably not the Executive Director. The role of the mentor is to serve as a sounding board for ideas and a resource for questions about the organization. Organizations are also asked to provide quarterly feedback on their Visiting Board Member’s performance as well as attend an introductory social event at Wharton to meet your Visiting Board Member and other participating non-profits.
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. Final decisions are based on students’ prior non-profit experience, their motivation for serving on a board and their passion for a social cause.
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 three preferences for the non-profit organization they wish to work with. Selected students are then matched with one of these organizations. This 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.
How can we develop a successful relationship with our Visiting 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.
How much does it cost for Visiting Board Members to participate in the program? Do they receive academic credit for their participation?
Student participants pay a fee of $150 to cover program costs. Participants volunteer their time to participate in this program, but are eligible to receive academic credit.
What type of training and support is provided to Visiting Board Member and participating nonprofit organizations?
Visiting Board Members attend 2 half-day training sessions focused on roles, logistics, and expectations, as well as quarterly development sessions where they learn about a topic relevant to Board service from a subject matter expert. Students also receive advice and support from fellow student participants and the NPBLP executive board. Finally, the Leadership Program will provide students with training and support related to their leadership development.
How is the NPBLP organized and who should I contact with questions, comments or concerns?
The NPBLP is a joint venture between Wharton students and the Wharton Leadership Program. The organization currently has 12 student participants (Visiting Board Members) supported by an 8-member student executive board, a staff advisor and administrative support from the Leadership Program. The contact information for the NPBLP executive board can be found on our website here.
Contact information for the Wharton Leadership Program is below.
Katie Krimmel
Administrative Coordinator
Wharton Graduate Leadership Program
215.573.2454 Phone
Lynn Krage
Associate Director
Wharton Graduate Leadership Program
215.898.4054 Phone
