Pictured: Gulf Coast Board Institute’s Fall 2023 graduating class gathers at Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s Venice Headquarters.

It’s that time of year again to apply for a unique opportunity to expand board governance skills. Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) is now accepting applications for its October 2024 Fall Gulf Coast Board Institute (GCBI). The online application, overview, and statement of commitment for the program are available at www.gulfcoastcf.org/GCBI. 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 deadline to apply for this governance training series is Sunday, August 18 at 11:59 p.m. ET. “Gulf Coast Board Institute delivers an exceptional opportunity for regional nonprofit board members to build, further develop, and refine their skills,” shared Director of Gulf Coast’s Invest In Incredible, Betsy Steiner. “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." The group will participate in training experiences through four consecutive Fridays from October 4 to October 25 at Gulf Coast’s Venice Headquarters, 601 Tamiami Trail S., Venice. Topics will include 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 training courses will be led by certified consultants who are part of Gulf Coast’s Invest In Incredible nonprofit capacity building initiative. 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. 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. Applicants are encouraged to be current, active board members at a nonprofit in the region, although prospective board members will be considered. 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. To learn more, visit www.gulfcoastcf.org/GCBI.

Pictured: Gulf Coast Board Institute’s Fall 2023 graduating class gathers at Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s Venice Headquarters.