The Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation believes that building a community-wide pipeline of informed, capable people prepared to serve on Chautauqua County nonprofit boards will ensure that organizations are governed soundly and can survive and thrive despite significant internal and external changes.

The Sheldon Foundation is uniquely positioned to help shape Chautauqua County’s nonprofit ecosystem by creating opportunities for community members to learn, connect, and serve on nonprofit boards.

How We Do This

1. Education and Awareness - information sessions provide an overview of what a board is, its core duties, legal basis, and how bylaws, term limits, organization size/status, and culture differ between boards.

2. Connection to Service - an online volunteer directory provides easy access to local nonprofits looking for volunteers and board members. An annual matchmaking event allows community members to meet face to face with nonprofit organizations and learn more about their boards.

3. Enhancing the Nonprofit Ecosystem - mini-grants provided to nonprofit organizations who support their staff joining another organization’s board.