During this time of crisis, all of us are thinking of how we can best support our communities. Our Philanthropy Northwest board and leadership are inspired by the strategic leadership of our members and as you are working hard to be a resource to your community, we hope you’ll also think about those that could serve as an important resource to our network as a board member.

As the chair of the nominating and governance committee, I am pleased to announce that we are opening the call for nominations for the Philanthropy Northwest Board of Directors. There are currently three open seats.

As a Philanthropy Northwest member, your voice is critical in shaping the organization’s leadership. I have had the privilege of serving as a Philanthropy Northwest board member for six years. My time on the board has been very meaningful and has allowed me to develop close relationships with other regional leaders in philanthropy, as well as share and learn from our diverse membership and network.     

Philanthropy Northwest strives to maintain diversity on its board to adequately represent the communities and regions in our network. This includes, but is not limited to, race and ethnicity, gender identity and sexual orientation, type of foundation, role within the organization, geography and urban/rural diversity.

Currently, our highest priorities are: 

• Racial and ethnic diversity
• Members of Tribal governments and Tribal institutions
• Trustees of philanthropic organizations
• 501c4 organizations
• Donors to community foundation donor-advised funds

Qualifications

We seek philanthropic leaders who are committed to building strong, equitable and inclusive communities. Candidates must be a trustee, director or employee of a member organization.

Responsibilities include:

• Bringing a strategic perspective to the sector and our evolving organization. 
• Promoting and serving as an ambassador of Philanthropy Northwest and the broader community, including attending Philanthropy Northwest’s conferences and programs.
• Upholding the legal responsibilities of a nonprofit board of directors.
• Attending at least 75% of board and committee meetings in person (preferably), or by phone.
• Serving on at least one board committee.
• Maintaining active membership in Philanthropy Northwest.
• Making a personal contribution at a level that is meaningful to you.

To nominate a qualified candidate or yourself, please email Barbara Neufeld the candidate’s name and a short explanation of what makes this individual an ideal candidate, by May 1, 2020. All nominations will be considered. If a candidate is not selected for this round, we will keep the nominee in the pipeline to be considered at a future date. 

A slate of board members will be presented and voted on at our annual membership meeting at our 2020 Annual Conference on October 6-8, 2020 in Missoula, Montana. 

Thank you for your ongoing contributions to our vibrant network!

Elizabeth Ripley

CEO, Mat-Su Health Foundation
Vice Chair of Board Operations and Nominating & Governance Committee Chair, Philanthropy Northwest