Board development and recruitment are at the heart of our affiliates’ success. In the June 2025 edition of Inside to Board Members, NCCF statewide board chair John Willingham shared how intentional board development and engagement shaped the Yadkin County Community Foundation’s ability to make a lasting impact. His message is a reminder that the strength of your affiliate begins with the strength of your board.

As you and other board members consider the future of your affiliate, we encourage you to engage in thoughtful conversations around board recruitment. The North Carolina Community Foundation has tools and resources designed to support you in this important work.

One of the most useful is the NCCF Board Matrix, a self-assessment tool that helps affiliates identify the skills, perspectives and professional experiences needed to create a well-rounded board. It offers a guide to ensure your board is prepared to meet community needs, build important assets and develop endowment funds to leave lasting and meaningful opportunities for our communities.

When you are ready to connect with prospective members, we’ve developed affiliate board recruitment packets to guide those conversations. These packets include:

• Information about your affiliate, current board, grantmaking and family of funds.
• An overview of roles and the responsibilities of affiliate foundation board members.
• Information about the North Carolina Community Foundation and our new board member onboarding program.

Recruitment packets are available in both digital and print formats. To request them, reach out to your Community Leadership Officer.

By strengthening our boards, we strengthen our communities.