In 1992, NIRSA members established the NIRSA Foundation as a grassroots initiative to give back to the profession and the association that had provided them with so much. The NIRSA Foundation Board serves as a strategic governing body, actively fundraising and ensuring that funds are allocated in alignment with donor intentions and the NIRSA Foundation’s mission.
We aim to balance fundraising efforts with philanthropy, celebrating our NIRSA family, highlighting the achievements of NIRSA members, and fostering a culture of financial commitment to the future of our profession.
The Board’s primary responsibility is to develop financial resources through donations from both individual and corporate NIRSA members. We are dedicated to cultivating a culture of philanthropy by engaging members at every stage of their lives.
NIRSA Foundation Mission
The NIRSA Foundation, through fundraising and stewardship efforts, works in cooperation with NIRSA to enhance the effectiveness of collegiate recreational sports by providing its members with meaningful opportunities for scholarship, research, and personal and professional development.
NIRSA Foundation Board Member Expectations
Board members act as the primary ambassadors for the NIRSA Foundation Board, fulfilling all duties and obligations with the utmost professionalism while upholding the mission, goals, objectives, and ideals of the Board.
Volunteer Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of financial oversight, non-profit governance, fundraising, stewardship, and strategic planning for long-term sustainability.
- Brings curiosity, strong communication skills, and established credibility within NIRSA with a willingness to embrace the role of storyteller to amplify the Foundation’s mission and donor impact within the campus rec community.
- Engages and educates donors on the purpose, functions, and initiatives of the NIRSA Foundation.
- Identifies and cultivates prospective donors while also providing stewardship to current and past donors.
- Engages with other NIRSA and non-NIRSA committees, boards, or volunteer services.
- Communicates clearly, listens actively, builds consensus, and represents the Foundation effectively with diverse audiences.
- Thinks strategically and critically; analyzes complex issues, identifies trends and risks, weighs options, and connects decisions to long-term organizational priorities.
- Provides collaborative, values-based leadership marked by integrity, accountability, inclusiveness, sound judgment, and a commitment to what is best for the Foundation and the community it serves.
- Understands fiduciary duties, nonprofit governance, and the legal, financial, and regulatory considerations affecting non-profits and boards.
- Maintains current knowledge of sport, recreation and higher education trends and practices; recognizes limitations, seeks expertise when needed.
- Supports a strong working relationship with the Executive Director and NIRSA staff team.
Board Member Duties and Functions
All members of the Board of Directors have the following duties and functions to:
- Contribute to development, oversee implementation, and steward advancement of the Foundation’s goals, strategies, and programs
- Participate in future focused, generative discussions that position the Foundation to leverage opportunities and mitigate threats
- Use professional networks to bring potential donors, sponsorship programs, corporate or otherwise, to the table as they relate to scholarship, research, and personal and professional development
- Positively and proactively represent the Foundation and NIRSA (parent organization) among internal and external stakeholders through variety of mediums
- Attend and participate in all meetings of the Board of Directors, regardless of type and medium
- Manage the requirements of a volunteer leader with the expectations associated with one’s primary job responsibilities
- Approve all new or revised proposed policies for compliance with the Bylaws and impact on sustainable, long-term growth
- Approve the proposed annual operating budget; monitor financial and program performance
- Maintain current, active NIRSA membership in the Professional, Professional Life, or Emeritus category throughout the term
For questions about NIRSA Foundation Board positions, please contact Liz Henry, NIRSA Foundation President or Dave DeAngelo, NIRSA Foundation President-Elect and Nominations Committee Chair. If you have any questions about or difficulties completing this form, please contact Elishea Borin, NIRSA Executive Office & Operations Manager.