Choose your certification tier

Each tier builds on the last, creating a complete journey from governance fundamentals to community leadership.

Tier 1

Board Foundations

Your entry point into effective board service. Understand the nonprofit ecosystem, learn what governance actually means, and discover your responsibilities as a fiduciary before you ever sit in a board meeting.

What You'll Learn

  • The nonprofit landscape in Medina County
  • Board structure, roles, and responsibilities
  • Governance vs. management: knowing the line
  • Introduction to fiduciary duty
  • Board meeting essentials and Robert's Rules

Who It's For

  • New or prospective board members
  • Volunteers considering board service
  • Community members who want to give back effectively
  • Nonprofit staff transitioning to board roles

Format

  • 4 self-paced modules
  • Estimated 6-8 hours to complete
  • Knowledge assessment at the end
  • Certificate of completion

Outcome

  • Board Foundations Certificate
  • Eligible for Board-Ready Certified tier
  • Foundational vocabulary and frameworks
  • Confidence to ask the right questions
Tier 3

Governance Fellow

For experienced directors who want to multiply their impact. Governance Fellows mentor emerging board members, contribute to BoardReady curriculum, and lead governance workshops across Medina County. This is how one person raises the bar for the whole region.

What You'll Do

  • Mentor 2-3 Board-Ready Certified candidates per cohort
  • Lead or co-facilitate governance workshops
  • Contribute real-world case studies from your experience
  • Join the BoardReady advisory council
  • Help shape curriculum for future cohorts

Requirements

  • Board-Ready Certified credential
  • 3+ years of nonprofit board service
  • Demonstrated governance leadership
  • Commitment to 12-month fellowship
  • Passion for strengthening local nonprofits

Format

  • Application-based selection
  • 12-month fellowship cycle
  • Monthly fellow cohort meetings
  • Annual governance summit presentation

Outcome

  • Governance Fellow designation
  • Regional recognition as governance expert
  • BoardReady speaker and workshop leader
  • Legacy impact on Medina County nonprofits

Who is BoardReady for?

New Board Members

You just said yes to serving on a board. Now what? BoardReady gives you the knowledge and confidence to show up as a real asset from day one.

Experienced Directors

You've been on a board for years but never had formal training. Fill the gaps, validate your experience, and earn a credential that proves your commitment.

Nonprofit Executive Directors

Recommend BoardReady to your board members. When directors understand their role, your job gets exponentially easier.

Community Leaders

If you're considering board service or want to strengthen governance across Medina County, BoardReady is where you start.

Ready to become Board-Ready?

Registration is open for our first cohort. Join the growing community of Medina County leaders investing in real governance skills.

Register Your Interest