Founded in 2003 by an African American business and community leader, Cynthia Primo Martin, Trustees of Color (TOC) became the first successful, organized effort in Delaware to bring together accomplished candidates of color with nonprofit organizations. TOC recognized that many nonprofits serving communities of color have few, if any, executive staff or board members who represent these communities. People of color include African American, Latino American, Asian American and Native American. A 2005 survey of Delaware corporate, nonprofit and community leaders confirmed the need for an initiative to address this problem.
A follow-up survey of 700 nonprofit organizations found a lack of diversity on nonprofit boards, and especially on board’s executive committees. It also found that nonprofits do not know how to access, attract and retain candidates of color. In addition, nonprofit boards want to become more inclusive, but need assistance in achieving diversity. TOC is a welcome and strong resource for these organizations.
National research has backed up the data found in the TOC studies indicating that the problem extends far beyond Delaware’s borders.
In April 2008, a pilot program was implemented to develop and test a variety of new training and support services on a group of ten nonprofit organizations and the trustees placed with those organizations. The feedback TOC received from both the Pilot Program participants and other groups that TOC has worked with has been overwhelmingly positive.
That same month, TOC held its first Board Diversity Expo, an innovative approach for recruiting and enrolling interested candidates and nonprofit organizations. This successful event brought together 38 nonprofit agencies and more than 80 board candidates of color. The agencies provided information about their work and mission, and candidates were able to talk to representatives about their commitment and interests and how they might serve the organization.
In June 2009, TOC completed a six-month strategic planning process. The result of this in-depth review of the organization and its future goals and plans along with the recently completed pilot program reinforced that there is a strong need for TOC in Delaware.
TOC has emerged as the clearinghouse for persons of color who desire to work in board service. Currently, TOC houses information for more than 1000 possible candidates of color. Nonprofit organizations regularly contact TOC seeking potential board candidates. TOC’s methods for identifying potential board candidates and matching them with a board’s needs often provide successful matches and new community leaders.
TOC collaborates with the University of Delaware’s Center for Community Research and Services, AARP of Delaware, Delaware Association of Nonprofit Agencies (DANA), Delaware Charter Schools Network, Social Venture Partners, United Way of Delaware, Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League (MWUL), YWCA of Delaware, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals for assistance in training and development, recruiting candidates, identifying mentors and publicity.
Follow Us!