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Nonprofit Board Fellows Program

Running for over two decades, the Tuck Nonprofit Board Fellows Program fosters a partnership aimed at helping MBA candidates, many of whom come from for-profit work environments, develop an appreciation for and interest in social sector leadership and board governance. Through this experience, students engage with the local community, apply their business skills, and gain firsthand exposure to nonprofit governance and impact-driven work.

FAQs About the Nonprofit Board Fellows Program

  • What is an MBA Board Fellow?

    A Board Fellow is a Tuck MBA candidate who participates as a non-voting member of a nonprofit board.

  • What are the Benefits of Hosting a Board Fellow?
    • Access to MBA Talent & Dartmouth Resources
    • New Perspective: Gain insights and innovative thinking from an MBA candidate with fresh strategic ideas.
    • Project Capacity & Prioritization: Get support on key initiatives that can benefit from dedicated research and business acumen.
    • Board Diversity: Enrich board discussions by including individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise.
  • What is the role of a Board Fellow?
    • Attend regularly scheduled meetings and may be assigned to either a board committee with a goal of meaningfully contributing to board conversations
    • Be a passionate champion of the organization they serve
    • Maintain open, professional communication with board members and nonprofit leaders
    • Fellows may be asked to take on a special project, with their role and scope developed in collaboration with the organization
  • Restrictions and Considerations
    • Organizations interested in the program should have a paid executive director and a well-functioning board that holds regular meetings locally or via Zoom throughout the year
    • The Board Fellows are not expected to contribute financially, nor can they fundraise on behalf of the nonprofit at the business school.
  • What is the role of the hosting organization (i.e., the nonprofit partner)?
    • Attend the Tuck program launch and partner summer sessions
    • Onboarding the student in the same way they would onboard any other member
    • Give students access to board packets and agendas
    • Communicate meeting times in advance and establish a connection between the student board chair/board secretary. 
  • What is the role of the Tuck Board Fellow?
    • Attend regularly scheduled meetings and may be assigned to either a board committee with a goal of meaningfully contributing to board conversations
    • Be a passionate champion of the organization they serve
    • Maintain open, professional communication with board members and nonprofit leaders
    • Fellows may be asked to take on a special project, with their role and scope developed in collaboration with the organization
  • Nonprofit Partner Recruiting Timeline

    Subscribe to our Upper Valley Nonprofit Mailing List to receive updates about the nonprofit partner application and upcoming program information session. The timeline for the 2026–2027 academic year is expected to be published in early winter 2026.

  • Student Recruiting Timeline

    First-year Tuck students will be notified about the Board Fellows Program through internal communications from the center. We anticipate publishing the recruiting timeline and details about an internal information session in early winter. Students interested in the program are encouraged to contact the center’s program manager to stay informed and up-to-date on the application process.

  • About the Center

    The center for Business, Government & Society facilitates the Nonprofit Board Fellows Program by recruiting MBA candidates and proposing matches with nonprofit organizations. The final decision rests with the nonprofit organization on our Match Day, which brings together Board Fellows, executive directors, and board mentors to set expectations for the year ahead. The center also organizes learning sessions throughout the year for the students and supports both students and executive directors in monitoring the program's progress, and serves as a resource for any issues that may arise.

  • The Value-Add of an MBA-Level Project

    While not required, it is encouraged that the Board Fellow collaborates with a board committee or executive director on a project that leverages their MBA skills while addressing an organizational priority. Examples include:

    • Revenue Stream Analysis: Evaluate current funding sources and identify new revenue opportunities (e.g., partnerships, memberships, social enterprise).
    • Donor Engagement Plan: Develop strategies to enhance donor retention and lifetime value, focusing on communication and stewardship.
    • Budget & Financial Projections: Create a financial model with projections for fundraising goals and expenses.
    • Fundraising Campaign: Design a targeted campaign with marketing, social media, and community outreach to engage and retain donors.
    • Impact Metrics: Establish metrics to track fundraising success and ensure alignment with the nonprofit's mission.

For questions, please email the center program manager.