MNA is seeking applications for focus group participants. These focus groups participants may include Montana nonprofit leaders, volunteers, and board members. The purpose of the group will be to inform best practices, barriers, and opportunities in maintaining inclusive and diverse boards. We encourage applications from individuals who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). The focus group will inform the creation of materials, tools, stories, and resources to lead towards thriving, diverse, and inclusive nonprofit boards.

MNA is committed to centering belonging and equity in the nonprofit sector, and recognizes diverse and representative boards are an important component of effective mission-based organizations. However, boards remain largely homogenous, as outlined in BoardSource’s 2021 Leading with Intent report. Barriers remain for sustaining board service long past recruitment, and while policy development and cultural shifts may help with retention, there remains a gap between opportunity and reality. This project seeks to begin filling that gap through curating stories, solutions, and opportunities for boards to build a healthy culture for all board members.

We are seeking a multicultural and multiracial participant group to inform the process, leading to the development of materials, tools, stories, and resources to lead towards thriving, diverse, and inclusive nonprofit boards. Focus group participants will complete an entry survey and be invited to participate in one or two conversations, and be awarded an honoraria of $250-$350.

The group will be facilitated by Christal M. Cherry, board trainer and expert, and Shelby Rogala, MNA’s Professional and Organizational Development Director.

Scope + Timeline

This proposal includes the following activities and deliverables. Times are estimated.

• April 8^th | Launch focus group applications open
• May 1^st | Focus group applications due
• May 7^th | Participants notified and will be asked to complete an entry survey, including personal perspectives, reactions to board best practices, and norms for the group meeting
• May – June | Focus group meetings held. Participants will be invited to attend one or both sessions:
  • May 21^st | 10:00 AM MTN – 11:30 AM MTN
  • June 11^th | 10:00 AM MTN – 11:30 AM MTN
• June 30^th | Participants will receive the summary of the meetings held and have an opportunity to provide feedback on their perspectives
• October 2024 | Participants will review tools, curriculum, or resources developed by MNA and offer suggestions and final approval for these materials to be shared by MNA and The Board Pro

Payment

• $250-$350 depending on participation in one or two conversations

To submit an application

Please complete online proposal form by May 1st:

• Online Form

Questions? Reach out to Shelby Rogala ([email protected]) for questions and clarifications.