Guidelines for Global Board of Directors Recruitment Process
About Global Fund for Children
Over 275 grassroots organizations At Global Fund for Children, we find and invest in courageous grassroots organizations around the world, helping them deepen their impact on the lives of children and youth and develop their capacity for social change.
40 countries In 2023, we partnered with over 275 grassroots organizations in 40 countries. We support grassroots groups to shift social norms, policies, and practices that foster lasting change for children and youth, and we center young people as leaders and changemakers.
Cover photos (from left): Lyceum Educator / Inspiration Cafe, Global Fund for Children, Global Fund for Children
Our Impact
Global Investments
Our support provides resources and capacity development for our partners as they work to improve educational outcomes; promote gender equity; support children on the move; address the impacts of climate change in their communities; and more.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Global Fund for Children has invested over $63 million in more than 1,000 organizations, reaching millions of children and youth worldwide.
Young people and women are often excluded from formal leadership positions. At GFC, we invest in groups led by youth and women. We are proud that roughly 40% of our partners are youth-led and approximately 50% are women-led.
We build strong relationships with our partners. In a survey conducted by the Center for Effective Philanthropy that incorporated anonymous feedback from our partners, GFC scored at the top in a dataset of 300 funders on approachability, responsiveness, and understanding grantees’ work.
W H AT O U R B OA R D M E M B E R S S AY
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Having worked with Global Fund for Children as a peer funder through my time at Stars Foundation and the With and For Girls Collective, I knew firsthand the brilliant work GFC does to support small, community-led groups around the world that are championing young people’s rights and the voice and agency of children.” – Swatee Deepak, Co-Chair of GFC’s Global Board of Directors
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The power of this organization is to produce extraordinary impact from small investments. Like no other organization I know, GFC is able to find small sparks and fan them into flames that can produce enduring warmth in the lives of children and youth.” – Greg Wallig, Co-Chair of GFC’s Global Board of Directors GFC President and CEO John Hecklinger (left) with Global Board of Directors Co-Chairs Greg Wallig and Swatee Deepak. Photo © Global Fund for Children
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Board Profile: What type of Board does GFC need? The Board must consist of people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to fill visionary, leadership, and supervisory roles for GFC. The Board sets the direction of GFC, overseeing grants and expenses as well as investments, and overseeing GFC’s governance procedures. GFC relies on Board members who have experience administering or managing nonprofit organizations and who are familiar with nonprofit finances and budgets and their fiduciary responsibilities. The Board must have a commitment to GFC’s mission and vision; a strong desire to contribute financially or provide in-kind support; experience in philanthropy, nonprofit management, or volunteer work; and fresh ideas and perspectives. The Board leads GFC in legal and ethical choices, sound decision-making, effective operations, and smooth transitions to bring maximum impact.
Qualifications of a Board Member » Passion for helping grassroots organizations focused on children and youth. » Willing to take on the responsibilities of Board service for a three-year term, without compensation. » Trustworthy and able to comply with GFC’s bylaws, policies, and practices. » Deep knowledge and expertise in a relevant area. » Available to advise staff throughout the year and to participate in quarterly Board meetings and quarterly Board Committee meetings. Board meetings take place in New York City, London, and Washington, DC. Travel is encouraged where possible but virtual attendance remains an acceptable option. » Brings new ideas and expertise. » Understands, respects, and appreciates differences. Inclusion is a core value at GFC, and we are passionate about and committed to creating and sustaining a diverse, inclusive, and equitable culture and working environment for all staff, partners, and stakeholders. We believe every member of our team enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and collaborate creatively to achieve GFC’s mission. We particularly encourage applicants from communities that have historically been excluded from philanthropy and from under-represented groups.
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Photo © Education Center Diversity
Nomination and Election Process for New Board Members 1
Identification An individual is recognized as a person of interest for possible consideration as a Board member, likely meeting the qualifications and, if possible, addressing current or future needs for skills and experience. The person’s name, qualifications, and relevant skills and experience are shared with the Chair of the Development Committee.
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Interview by Development Committee The Development Committee considers identified individuals and determines whether and when to interview people for open or upcoming seats on the Board. Interviews can be conducted by anyone on the Development Committee. The interviewer reports back to the entire Development Committee so the committee can determine an individual’s candidacy and appropriate next steps. Once the full batch of interviews is completed, the Development Committee can call a session to determine which candidates will proceed to the vetting process.
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Vetting by Board Chair(s) & GFC In order for a candidate to proceed to full consideration by the Board, a phone call or interview with the Board Chair(s) is required, as is a phone call or interview with GFC’s CEO or Global Managing Director.
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Presentation to the Board When filling a vacancy or adding an additional member to the Board, the Development Committee presents nominees likely meeting the qualifications and, where possible, addressing GFC’s current or future needs for skills and experience.
THE NOMINATION AND ELECTION PROCESS FOR NEW BOARD MEMBERS CONTINUES ON PAGE 5.
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N O M I N AT I O N A N D E L E C T I O N P R O C E S S F O R N E W B OA R D M E M B E R S (C O N T I N U E D)
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Board Approval Board candidates must receive Board approval in order to confirm their membership.
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Safeguarding An individual who has been approved by the Board must then undergo an appropriate background check, according to GFC’s safeguarding policy.
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Appointment All new Board members receive the Board Orientation Manual and are invited to join two onboarding sessions with the department heads. They also complete a safeguarding training and sign required policies. Board members serve three-year terms. They typically serve two terms, but the Board is allowed to elect members to an additional term if there is a business need.
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Meeting with President & CEO New Board members meet with the President & CEO to confirm the committees on which they will serve.
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Additional steps for UK Trust Board of Trustees For trustees joining the UK Trust Board of Trustees, there are two additional steps: GFC adds new UK trustees to the Charity Commission and Companies House.
Please note that the nomination and election process will likely take several months.
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Roles and Responsibilities Regarding Board Recruitment The Board Identifies candidates for the Development Committee to consider for vacancies on the Board. Votes to elect new Board members.
The Board Chair Approves all nominees through a phone call or interview and sets agendas for Board meetings, coordinating nominations annually or as needed.
The CEO and/or Global Managing Director Diagnoses current needs of the organization and helps to identify candidates for the Development Committee to consider for openings on the Board. Approves all nominees through a phone call or interview.
The Development Committee Interviews individual candidates for vacancies on the Board. Presents nominations for consideration and election by the Board.
The Development Committee Chair Gathers names of individual candidates. Coordinates timely interviews by at least one member of the Development Committee. Leads discussion with the Development Committee as to whether and when to proceed with a nominee. Reports back to the person who recommended a candidate regarding any next steps.
The Development Team Helps to identify candidates for the Development Committee to consider for openings on the Board and, when appropriate, facilitates introductions or meetings.
Photo © Global Fund for Children
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Global Fund for Children Washington, DC, United States +1 202.331.9003 info@globalfundforchildren.org
Global Fund for Children UK Trust London, United Kingdom +44 2081 642428 uktrust@globalfundforchildren.org
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