Hartford Foundation Partners with SEAT Program to Help Broaden Community Representation to Nonprofit Boards

Nonprofit organizations often struggle to identify and recruit board members that reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. Having board members who offer a variety of lived experiences, expertise, and perspectives can ensure that a nonprofit is in a stronger position to advance equity, plan for the future, make informed decisions, and take full advantage of opportunities in the community.

In recognition of the value of board diversity, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is collaborating  with the SEAT (Skill, Educate, Act, Transform) Program to help nonprofits further diversify their boards and enhance community representation. The SEAT Program invites community residents of color to participate in the program, which will provide them build the skills needed to serve on a local nonprofit board. During the ten-week training program, participants will learn what it means to be a member of a nonprofit board, and the expectations and responsibilities of board members.

“The SEAT Program allows community residents who may otherwise not have thought about serving on a nonprofit board to gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to participate in the program in order to affect change in their community,” said Meher Shulman of the Hartford Foundation’s Nonprofit Support Program.

Kim Bianca Burgess, SEAT’s Curriculum Author and Lead Trainer, said, “We are delighted to partner with the Hartford Foundation to deliver our SEAT program, now in its fourth year. This partnership enables us to educate Black and Latine community residents from the Hartford area in various aspects of board service, including decision-making, professional board engagement, and board governance. Thus, creating a new qualified pool of board members poised to engage in board service through the community resident lens.”

The program has been offered in four cities in Connecticut: Bridgeport, Waterbury, Norwalk, New Haven, and in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is being brought to the Hartford region for the first time with the support of the Hartford Foundation.

Denise Daviau, CEO of SARAH Inc., who previously participated in the program, had this to say: “Board service offers individuals a meaningful pathway to aid local nonprofits and positively impact their communities. SARAH Inc. is happy to support this important initiative aimed at cultivating inclusivity, diversity, and opportunity in board service roles within the New Haven area.”

Community residents of color interested in participating in the SEAT Program beginning September 17^th can apply here. Nonprofits interested in applying to add a community resident to their board should contact Dorothy Adams at nonprofitboards@seatct.org. The Hartford Foundation will prioritize nonprofits that align most closely with its strategic priorities.

Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is the community foundation for Hartford and 28 surrounding towns. Through partnerships, the Foundation seeks to strengthen communities in Greater Hartford by putting philanthropy in action to dismantle structural racism and achieve equity in social and economic mobility. Made possible by the gifts of generous individuals, families and organizations, the Foundation has awarded grants of more than $998 million since its founding in 1925. For more information, visit www.hfpg.org or call 860-548-1888.