Emerge Broward, an organization dedicated to developing young professionals, has received a significant boost with a $120,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Broward. This grant will support their Board Engagement Program, a three-year pilot initiative to empower young professionals from diverse backgrounds to take on leadership roles within nonprofit organizations across Broward County.
Supporting Future Leaders in Nonprofit Governance
Emerge Broward’s Board Engagement Program seeks to close the diversity gap in nonprofit leadership by providing young professionals with the necessary training and support to serve on boards. The program will engage 50 young professionals over three years, offering them in-depth training in governance, and financial oversight, and using Roberts Rules of Order, equipping them to become effective board members.
“Today’s young professionals are tomorrow’s community leaders,” said Maggie Gunther, President of Emerge Broward’s Board. “Our goal is to prepare them to step into leadership roles with confidence and help our local nonprofits better represent the communities they serve.”
Bridging the Gap: Why Diverse Leadership Matters
Diversity on nonprofit boards is crucial, as it helps ensure that organizations reflect more on the communities they serve. However, many boards in Broward County still struggle to recruit members from diverse backgrounds. This pilot program aims to change that by building a pipeline of trained young professionals who are ready and eager to make a difference.
The program’s curriculum is comprehensive, covering three core areas:
1. Nonprofit Governance: Participants will gain an understanding of how nonprofits are structured, the role of board members, and the responsibilities they carry.
2. Financial Oversight: This session will demystify nonprofit finances, teaching participants how to read financial statements, manage budgets, and contribute to financial decision-making.
3. Roberts Rules of Order: To ensure participants can effectively contribute to board meetings, they will learn the basics of parliamentary procedure, which governs how meetings are conducted.
How the Program Will Benefit Broward County
By training a diverse group of young professionals to serve on boards, Emerge Broward hopes to create a ripple effect throughout the nonprofit sector. Nonprofits that include a wider range of voices are better positioned to understand and address the needs of the community, leading to more effective and inclusive service delivery.
“We are proud to support Emerge Broward’s new Board Engagement Diversity Initiative,” said Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Broward. “Investing in diverse leadership is critical for building a stronger, more inclusive community. This initiative will allow young professionals from various backgrounds to bring their unique perspectives and skills to nonprofit boards, driving positive change across Broward County.”
Get Involved: How Nonprofits Can Apply
Emerge Broward is inviting nonprofits in Broward County to apply for participation in this groundbreaking program. The application process is open until October 11, 2024. Nonprofits interested in learning more can attend an informational session on Wednesday, September 25, at noon.
For those looking to apply or register for the informational session, more information can be found on the application page (https://bit.ly/EBboard-engagement) This program offers a unique opportunity for nonprofits to diversify their leadership and benefit from the fresh perspectives of these newly trained board members.
The Power of Community Support
This initiative is funded by the Mary and Alex Mackenzie Community Impact Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward. Their generous support underscores the importance of investing in leadership development and diversity within the nonprofit sector.
The collaboration between Emerge Broward and the Community Foundation is a testament to their shared commitment to creating a more inclusive community. By empowering young professionals with the skills and confidence to take on leadership roles, this partnership is fostering a new generation of leaders who are ready to drive meaningful change.
About Emerge Broward
Emerge Broward is a leading organization for young professionals in Broward County, Florida, dedicated to fostering leadership and community engagement. It serves professionals aged 21 to 35, offering opportunities for networking, community involvement, and personal development. For more information, visit www.emergebroward.org
About the Community Foundation of Broward
Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Broward partners with families, individuals, and organizations to create personalized charitable funds that deliver transformative impact. With over 532 charitable funds and $287 million in assets, the Foundation has awarded more than $190 million in grants over the past four decades. They are committed to fostering collaboration, advancing equity, and empowering local visionaries to make meaningful change. Learn more at www.cfbroward.org
The $120,000 grant awarded to Emerge Broward is more than just financial support; it is an investment in the future of Broward County’s nonprofit sector. By providing young professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to lead, this program is helping to ensure that nonprofit boards are more diverse, inclusive, and representative of the communities they serve. As Emerge Broward and the Community Foundation of Broward work together to nurture this new generation of leaders, the entire community will benefit from their innovative ideas and dedication to creating a better future.
