Application period open for 2024 Fall Gulf Coast Board Institute in Venice

Deadline for submissions is Aug. 18 at 11:59 p.m.

The members of the Gulf Coast Board Institute’s Fall 2023 graduating class gather at the Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s Venice Hheadquarters. Contributed photo

“It’s that time of year again to apply for a unique opportunity to expand board governance skills,” the Gulf Coast Community Foundation has announced.

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) is accepting applications for its October 2024 Fall Gulf Coast Board Institute (GCBI), a news release points out. “The online application, overview, and statement of commitment for the program are available at www.gulfcoastcf.org/GCBI,” the release says.

“This high-demand program is delivered through Gulf Coast’s Invest In Incredible initiative to active and prospective nonprofit board members in the region,” the release explains. The deadline to apply for this governance training series is Sunday, Aug. 18, at 11:59 p.m. ET, the release adds.

“Gulf Coast Board Institute delivers an exceptional opportunity for regional nonprofit board members to build, further develop, and refine their skills,” said Betsy Steiner, director of Gulf Coast’s Invest In Incredible, in the release. “Individuals will be selected to participate in four interactive training sessions over a four-week period. We encourage you to apply for this high-level governance training to help transform your experience and contributions as a valued and impactful board member,” she added.

The group will participate in training experiences through four consecutive Fridays, from Oct. 4 to Oct. 25, at Gulf Coast’s Venice headquarters, which stands at 601 Tamiami Trail S. in Venice, the release points out. Among the topics addressed will be the “fundamentals of nonprofit board governance, financial and legal oversight responsibilities, fundraising and resource development, and how to create a diverse, highly functioning, and engaged board,” the release says. “The training courses will be led by certified consultants who are part of Gulf Coast’s Invest In Incredible nonprofit capacity building initiative.”

The Institute participants “will be selected through a competitive process with the intent of creating a group of individuals representing nonprofits from all sectors with a variety of experience,” the release points out. “Gulf Coast provides all training and resources at no cost to participants in exchange for their commitment to serve as advocates for good board governance in current and future nonprofit board service.” The release does note that Gulf Coast especially is seeking applicants who are current, active board members at nonprofits in the region, “although prospective board members will be considered.”
The release adds, “Regardless of prior board experience, all participants should be committed to using what they learn through GCBI to strengthen the governance capacity of a nonprofit organization in our community. Because of the high demand for this training opportunity, applicants must also sign a commitment that they will attend all four days of training if selected,” the release notes.

To learn more, visit www.gulfcoastcf.org/GCBI.