Why Board Organizational Preparedness?

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Priority Application Deadline: December 15, 2025 
Final Application Deadline: January 16, 2026 

A diverse nonprofit board ensures that the organization's leadership is connected to the communities they serve. If board members embody the identities of those communities, they are more likely to respond to their needs more effectively. CEN’s Board Organizational Preparedness (BOP) program supports organizations working to diversify their boards and do exactly that. The program promotes long-term success through a deep understanding of IDEAL principles. Our work centers around inclusion, diversity, equity, access, and liberation (IDEAL) principles in all that we do, as part of our commitment to dismantling structural and institutional challenges in the nonprofit sector, empowering board members to continue this important work in their own organizations.

CEN has designed a two-part series of workshops to help organizations diversify their Boards and to prepare these organizations for the annual Board Match Event:

  • IDEAL Training

    This workshop is a genuine, candid space to explore IDEAL principles and their effect on the nonprofit organizations themselves, as well as, the communities they serve.

  • Interactive Panel Session

    Guest speakers offer peer learning and leading practices to embody IDEAL. Then, BOP organizations are invited to share their plans to incorporate IDEAL into their governance and board recruitment practices.

  • Information Session

    (optional)
    Attending our CEN information session to learn more about our organization, offerings/services, and programming is also encouraged but not required. 

Program Snapshot

Schedule of Events

IDEAL Program for Nonprofit Professionals 
January 28, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM PST | Online 

CEN Information Session (No-cost)* 
January 29, 2026 | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM PST | Online 
*optional and not required

IDEAL Program for Nonprofit Professionals 
March 12, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM PST | Online   

BOP Interactive Panel Session 
March 26, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM PST | Online 
Accepted participants will be automatically enrolled for the session 

Board Match Event 
April 9, 2026 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM PST | Online

Attendance Requirements

It is required for both ED/CEO and Board Chair/President to attend one IDEAL Workshop, the BOP Interactive Panel Session, and the Board Match Event. It is encouraged to bring an additional board member for the training if available. 
 
Program cost: $1,000
 
Full BOP Training including full-day IDEAL training, 3-hour BOP Interactive Panel Session, and registration for the 2-hour Board Match Event. This cost covers attendance for up to 3 participants per organization. 

Discounts are available to BIPOC-led organizations. 
 
The full training suite and the Board Match Event will be virtual. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The program helps organizations strengthen and diversify their boards. It focuses on building understanding and practical application of IDEAL principles. Organizations leave with clearer recruitment practices and stronger governance tools.

  • Attendance is required for the ED or CEO and the Board Chair or President. Organizations may bring one additional board member if they choose. All sessions are virtual.

  • The fee covers one full day of IDEAL training, a three-hour BOP Interactive Panel Session, and registration for the Board Match Event. The fee applies to up to three attendees per organization. BIPOC-led organizations can request a discounted rate. 

  • No. Key members of each organization must attend one IDEAL session. You may choose either the January or March date. The Interactive Panel Session and the Board Match Event are required. 

  • A CEN team member reviews your application and contacts you. Accepted organizations receive an invoice and a request for attendee details. Your registration is confirmed once completed registration materials are submitted. All accepted organizations are automatically enrolled in the BOP panel and the Board Match Event.