Board Development Grants

The Governance Initiative is dedicated to advancing board learning and development through board development grants. These grants offer a unique opportunity to support board development by providing a catalyst to move your governing or advisory board forward in its strategic priorities. Designed to fund action-oriented work determined by, and unique to, your board, these grants support initiatives that explore opportunities, address challenges, or tackle critical issues.

We recognize that institutions may find it challenging to budget or allocate resources for board development and growth. This grant opportunity supports board-focused grants of up to $10,000 to fund action-oriented board development projects. These projects will result in tangible outcomes specific to governing and advisory boards, such as creating or revising governance documents or board policies.

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APPLICATION QUESTIONS

GOVERNANCE INITIATIVE

Eligibility

In Trust Center member schools, except those awarded in the last year, can apply for a Board Development Grant. Current membership must be maintained during the application and 12-month grant period.

Application period and funding timeline:

The first grants awarded in Fall 2024 will be earmarked for schools who attained incentive eligibility as part of the Governance Initiative surveys. The application will open October 1, 2024 and be due by November 1, 2024. Awarded schools will be notified and funded within 60 days of the application due date.

What We Fund

Action-oriented board work
Plans for board processes and protocols
Creation or revision of board documents, policies, and procedures
Advisory board development or creation
Board and school sustainability planning for transitions, financial models, partnership, and engagement plans

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is my school eligible?

Eligible applicants in 2024 are governance study eligible boards only.
Eligible applicants in 2025 are governing or advisory boards at In Trust Center member schools that did not receive a grant in 2024.
Schools may not receive a grant for two consecutive years.

How much can we request?

Up to $10,000 (USD)

What do the board development grants support?

The grants support action-oriented board work.

Can you provide examples of eligible board development projects?

Board planning – succession plans, partnership plans, strategic plans
Document review or creation – bylaws, charters, position descriptions, policies
Shared governance – process, protocol, approach
Partnerships - cooperation agreements, readiness assessment
Mission / vision – positioning or repositioning
Development of advisory board
Assessment – board, individual board members
Board composition – board diversity, recruitment, culture
Clarifying roles and responsibilities
Engagement plans – congregational/external constituencies
Transition planning – executive leader resilience plans, leadership transitions
Financial sustainability
Board education that leads to action

What is not fundable?

Expenses related to board meetings or retreats for board members including meals, meeting space, and travel.
Expenses related to compensation of board members or school personnel.
Expenses related to technology or equipment for board meetings.

How do we apply, and what is required?

Applications can be submitted by visiting here. As part of the application process, we ask that you confirm board chair and executive leader support of the proposed project, and if applicable, provide a copy of your governing or advisory board’s bylaws.

Who can apply?

Applications can be submitted by the board chair or executive leader of a member school.

How do we find resources to aid our board development grant?

We have a board development opportunity in mind but are unsure where to start in exploring consultants or partners. The In Trust Center can help. Email resources@intrust.org.

Where can I find grant opportunities for projects not related to boards?

The In Trust Center also accepts applications for Resource Grants for schools to try something new and innovative. These are not specific to boards.