United Horizons Board Member Training Program

The Program

Have you thought about serving on a nonprofit board but are unsure where to start? Or maybe you have some board experience but want to broaden your skills with training from experts in board leadership?

United Horizons Board Training Program helps to prepare community members to serve on nonprofit boards. The program is available to Racine County residents and FREE to all participants.

United Horizons offers:

7 sessions for individuals looking to gain leadership and nonprofit board experience and knowledge, plus a 30-minute virtual orientation.
An invitation to a matchmaking and connection event that brings together individual participants and nonprofit representatives, with a goal of matching each individual participant to a nonprofit board.

Are you a nonprofit leader or board member looking to strengthen your skills?

Visit our Nonprofit Development series page HERE to learn more about opportunities designed for you!

Who Can Apply?

Anyone who lives and/or works in Racine County can apply to join the FREE individual program.

United Horizons is made possible by a grant from the Volunteer Generation Fund in partnership with AmeriCorps and Serve Wisconsin.

Apply Here

United Horizons Spring Schedule

Orientation: Tuesday, April 14 | 4:30–5:00 p.m. (Virtual)

Participants will attend a 30-min virtual orientation introducing the program structure, expectations and timeline.

Program Kickoff: Tuesday, April 21 | 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Participants will receive an overview of United Way of Racine County and explore key data about Racine County data to better understand community needs and the role the nonprofits play in addressing them.

Nonprofit Boards 101: Tuesday, April 28 | 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Participants will learn the basics and best practices of general nonprofit board structure, roles, and responsibilities.

Fundraising and Storytelling: Tuesday, May 5 | 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Participants will learn how to support fundraising efforts as board members and understand the role storytelling plays in connecting with donors. They will practice communicating their organization's impact in compelling ways to strengthen relationships and advance their mission.

Board Members As Advocates: Tuesday, May 12 | 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Participants will leave this session being able to effectively advocate for an organization, policy, or position within the nonprofit context

Legal, Financial and Ethical Responsibilities: Tuesday, May 19 | 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Participants will learn the legal, financial, and ethical responsibilities of nonprofit board members and how these duties support strong governance and organizational accountability.

Finding a Finding a Fit Through Strengths: Tuesday, May 26 | 4:00–7:00 p.m.

Participants will analyze the results of their CliftonStrengths assessment and learn how to best utilize these strengths when serving on a nonprofit board.

Reflect, Celebrate, and Move Forward: Tuesday, June | 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Participants will celebrate the completion of the program and receive headshots for networking and board service opportunities. They will also explore local nonprofit board opportunities and hear from current board members about their experiences and insights.

United Horizons Connection Event: Monday, July 20 | 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Participants and nonprofit organizations will come together to build connections and identify potential board matches.

United Horizons Q&A

Here are some additional questions and answers you may have about United Horizons. If you have questions that are unanswered, please contact Special Projects Director Katie Tuttle via email at ktuttle@unitedwayracine.org.

Q: How much does this program cost?

A: United Horizons is presented with a grant from Serve Wisconsin and United Way of Racine and is free to all individual and organization participants.

Q: What can I tell my employer if I need to ask for time off for the training sessions?

A: We can help provide information about the program and the benefits to you and to your employer, as well as verify attendance at the sessions. Please indicate on the application form if you will need information to provide to your employer.

Q: How will I meet representatives of nonprofits after the training sessions?

A: The graduation and matchmaking session held after the completion of the program is designed to ensure representatives of nonprofits enrolled in the program meet the individuals in the program. The goal is to help both individuals and organizations find a good match for future members of nonprofit boards.

Q: Will there be follow-up to document the results of the program?

A: There is a 60-day tracking period following the conclusion of the training sessions. United Way of Racine County Special Projects Director Katie Tuttle will follow up with individuals and organizations to track the number of matches made by individuals who completed the training program. Organizations will be asked to complete an organizational assessment to further understand the impact the training program has on the board.

Q: Can my organization help promote this training program?

A: Yes. We have a one-page flyer that can be printed and/or shared electronically.