Purpose

This virtual coaching program is designed to clarify and deepen the partnership between an organization’s executive director and board chair. Each session will cover an area critical to successful governance, including board fundraising, board recruitment, and board financial oversight. With a focus on board performance, the program provides assessment, peer learning, individual and group coaching, and a small grant to support strong board performance.

Program Goals

• Strengthen the relationship between an organization’s executive director and board chair
• Improve board’s overall performance and ability to impact organizational effectiveness
• Improve board members ability to serve as advocates for the organization

Program Components

• Cohort: consists of 5-8 organizations  
• Five (5) hour and a half group coaching sessions (9:00 am-10:30 am) over a 5-month period. Dates/topics:
  • October 21: Roles/responsibilities of boards: a review of the board assessment
  • November 18: The executive director and board chair relationship
  • December 16: Board role in fund development
  • January 13: Sharpening board member skills around financial literacy
  • February 10: Board member recruitment and engagement
• Organizations will receive a one-year membership to BoardSource, providing full access to resources and tools
• Board members will participate in a board self-assessment provided through BoardSource
• Organizations will receive up to three (3) hours of individual coaching for executive director and/or board chair, depending on organizational needs
• Organizations will be able to select a topic for presentation by Rhode Island Foundation staff at a future board meeting
• Organizations will be eligible for a small grant of up to $2,500 to fund specific board needs (e.g., board retreat facilitation, board training, or ongoing board coaching). Grants are contingent upon participation and program completion

Program Guidelines

This program is geared toward an organizational team of an executive director with at least one year and up to three years of experience in their current role; and a board chair with at least two years remaining in their current role. Acceptance into the program requires that executive directors and board chairs of selected organizations participate in all five (5) group coaching sessions. Upon completion of the program, all participating organizations will be asked to evaluate the program and provide feedback. 

Interested organizations should submit an application and must include a copy of the organization’s current strategic plan. 

To Apply

Applications are due on October 3, 2025. 

Please apply using the ‘Cohort Programs Grant Application'.

Questions

Please contact Keith Tavares, director of capacity building, at ktavares@rifoundation.org or (401) 427-4054.