Help shape the future of philanthropy in the Mahoning Valley
The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley is inviting community members to express interest in serving on our Board of Directors.
Strong boards are built through many kinds of knowledge and experience. We want to expand beyond traditional recruitment networks and make it easier for people throughout the Valley to share their interest in serving.
Current board applications are due September 18, 2026.
What we're looking for
We are especially interested in hearing from people who:
- Have meaningful personal, civic or professional connections to Mahoning or Trumbull County and are trusted within the communities they know.
- Understand local needs and opportunities through their work, volunteer service, neighborhood involvement, relationships or lived expertise.
- Bring perspectives or experiences that may not currently be well represented on the Board, along with firsthand knowledge of the Valley.
- Are curious, willing to listen and learn, and able to ask thoughtful questions.
- Exercise sound judgment and work collaboratively with people who may have different perspectives.
- Care about the responsible use of charitable resources.
- Have a genuine commitment to the Mahoning Valley and an interest in helping guide a community institution over the long term.
You don't need to have served on a nonprofit board before to express interest. We value different kinds of experience and knowledge of our community.
What does board service look like?
CFMV Board members help establish the Foundation's strategic direction and policies while allowing staff to manage daily operations.
Board members are expected to:
- Prepare for and actively participate in Board meetings.
- Attend at least 75 percent of regularly scheduled quarterly Board and assigned committee meetings.
- Serve on at least one standing committee. Current committees include Finance and Investment, Governance, Distribution, and Communication.
- Participate in learning and board development opportunities.
- Maintain confidentiality and disclose potential conflicts of interest.
- Serve as an ambassador for CFMV and help build authentic community relationships.
- Make an annual or recurring personal gift at a level appropriate to their individual circumstances. There is no set minimum contribution.
Terms and leadership
Board members are elected for three-year terms, and members may generally serve up to three consecutive three-year terms.
Officers are elected annually, and CFMV works to develop leadership throughout the Board so members are prepared to serve as committee chairs and future officers.
How are applicants selected?
The Governance Committee will review applications in relation to the Board's current composition, upcoming vacancies, and committee and leadership needs.
Consideration may include applicants' community connections, knowledge of local needs and opportunities, lived and professional experience and expertise, governance skills, and perspectives that could strengthen Board discussions and decisions.
Because available seats are limited, submitting an application does not guarantee appointment.
Interested in serving?
We encourage you to apply if CFMV's work and this opportunity resonate with you—even if your background doesn't look like what you might traditionally associate with nonprofit board service.