DCFYI

Family & Youth Initiative is recruiting new Board members to start a term in 2026. The Board seeks members who support the mission, functions, and operations of DCFYI and are committed to fostering a supportive community and lasting relationships for program participants.

In addition to prior or current affiliation with DCFYI as a volunteer, donor, or having lived foster care experience, the Board also considers the skills and services that an individual can contribute to the work of the DCFYI Board and fulfill its fiduciary responsibilities. The Board seeks to have members who reflect our program participants' identity through gender, racial, cultural, and life experience diversity.

Given the Board and organization’s current priorities, the Board is specifically looking for individuals who have experience with:

• Fundraising and development, including donor stewardship, capital campaigns, and relationships with foundations or philanthropic networks.
• Financial planning and advisement, including experience as a non-profit organization treasurer or CFO.
• Marketing, communications, or technology, especially those who can help strengthen our visibility and digital presence.
• Human resources, including staffing and compensation planning in coordination with the Executive Director.

Board Member Service Expectations

Board members are expected to serve a three-year term. The typical Board member volunteers approximately 40-50 hours a year. Board service commitment includes:

• Attending Board meetings (virtual meetings on the second Monday of odd months/12 hours per year);
• Serving actively on a least one committee (3-5 meetings per year, usually virtually/10 hours per year);
• Attending additional meetings, functions, or events, for example Board orientation (year one), annual meeting/retreat (in-person), and special planning meetings, as needed (in-person) (20 hours per year);
• Attending at least two program events per year (in-person) (4-6 hours per year);
• Engaging in and supporting fundraising activities (5-10 hours per year);
• Serving as an active advocate and ambassador for the DCFYI to advance its mission and collective purpose; and
• Meeting with the Executive Director and Board leadership, as needed, and preparing for meetings (5 hours per year).

Maintaining the financial viability of DCFYI is an essential fiduciary duty of Board members. The Board does not require a specific financial commitment from its Board members. Board members are expected to make a personally meaningful financial contribution. Currently, each Board member contributes between $500 to $5,000 per year.

If you have questions or would like additional information about Board service or the application process, please email DCFYI or Board Chair Michele Reed.

If you know you are interested, you can apply here.

The Board selection process includes a written application and a meeting with members of the Nomination Committee. The Committee refers applicants to the Board for final consideration.

The selection process takes approximately 40 days. The first review of applications will begin on November 30, 2025. The application period closes on December 12, 2025.

We look forward to hearing from interested applicants as soon as possible so they may begin Board service in early 2026.