Mindfulness First Advisory Committee

MINDFULNESS FIRST ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Financial Sustainability Advisory Committee Description

Led by: Executive Director

Are you interested in mental health and looking for an impactful way to volunteer your time virtually? Mindfulness First is looking for Advisory Committee Members to join our team!

What is Mindfulness First

Mindfulness First is a charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to improving mental health wellbeing. Our mission is to offer scientifically-informed programs based in trauma-informed Mindful Awareness and Social-Emotional Learning which equitably support children, educators and communities with tools to manage stress and navigate life’s challenges. We envision a cohesive society where humankind is supported by equitable tools for self-efficacy and mental health wellbeing through systemic changes for stronger, safer and more connected communities. Learn more about our initiatives and services in our Press & Media Kit.

Advisory committee Purpose

The Financial Sustainability Advisory Committee is a standing committee with the goals of raising funds, tapping into existing community resources, using networks and relationships to integrate the Mindfulness First projects within other community activities, and providing strategic insight to help to ensure financial sustainability of the organization. 

Committee members are a diverse group of volunteers with a variety of different skills, willingness to learn, have a passion for our mission, and want to ensure organizational longevity. Membership of the Financial Sustainability Advisory Committee is reviewed by the Board of Directors and Executive Leadership.

About the position

Committee members meet virtually as a body and may on occasion, form subcommittees to explore issues in greater detail for consideration by the full advisory board. Recommendations are forwarded to organizational leaders and the Board of Directors.

√  Members meet online, monthly for 1.5 hours with the Mindfulness First leadership, Resource Development team, and Board of Directors to strategize, plan, and assign work. 

√  Members donate an additional 2-4 hours per month to help with financial sustainability. 

√  For Extroverts: Help to network for new relationships and connections that will support Mindfulness First. These prospects could be potential donors, business partners, etc. 

√  For Introverts: To help with prospect research using software and other resources to find new potential donors and relationships to be passed along to other committee and team members.

√  For Organizers: Help to maintain records of relationships and communications.

√  Help with various aspects of organizing fundraising including donor stewardship and cultivation events, in partnership with Mindfulness First Leadership.

√  Enjoy relationship and community cultivation work where donors, volunteers, and others are thanked and communicated with in a timely manner.

√  Make recommendations based on your experience and vantage point in the community.

√  Help brainstorm and implement ways to fundraise and develop resources for Mindfulness First’s financial sustainability.

√  With support from staff, annually evaluate committee work, the objectives and KPIs it has committed itself to, then report the Executive Director.

√  Provide written reports to the Board of Directors of any actions taken, meetings held or discussions that have occurred.

Desired Skills & Experience

We need help in many areas, and are looking for a wide variety of skills, knowledge and experiences that will ensure sustainability. We’re looking for individuals that care about mental health wellbeing, advancing our mission, and share our values of trauma-sensitivity, equity, collaboration, and advocacy.

You may find that you also have some of these characteristics and experience as well:

√  Nonprofit expertise such as prospecting, grant writing, grant research,major donor cultivation, and fundraising. This might include having established relationships with potential funding partners, such as community foundations, corporations, individual donors or angel investors. It also might include knowledge of fundraising and grant-making, such as preparation of funding applications.

√  Financial planning expertise. 

√  Business development expertise including but not limited to identifying, cultivating, and sustaining relationships with businesses and community partners who could potentially provide resources to Mindfulness First.

√  Strategic planning expertise.

√  Community organizing and outreach expertise.

√  Social work expertise.

√  Mental health expertise.

√  Human services expertise.

√  Relationship building expertise, enjoys meeting new people, and community building. 

√  Marketing and Public Relations expertise including but not limited to drafting press releases and fundraising copywriting.

√  Program management, project management, and organizational skills. Adept at managing tasks, planning events, and balancing priorities

√  Comfort using technology. We use a lot of tech, so it’s helpful if you have experience in things like: Donor Management Systems or CRMs, Project Management Platforms (e.g. Nifty, Asana, Basecamp) & Business Communication Platforms (e.g. Slack, Zoom).

√  Creative and innovative thinking.

√  A kind heart, integrity, and a good sense of humor. 

√  Exceptional interpersonal communication skills, flexibility, and able to work with all different kinds of people.

√  Ability to lead and motivate colleagues and volunteers.

√  Strong attention to detail.

√  A passion for research.

Benefits of joining the committee

√  Be part of a collaborative, like minded team that models mindfulness, cares deeply about prioritizing mental health in our communities, and works towards building a better tomorrow.

√  Contribute to the Mindfulness First mission by having the opportunity to share professional expertise, insights, and personal experiences that helps ensure the ability to improve mental health wellbeing.

√  Help sustain and increase the impact of our services. Mindfulness First has impacted 300K+ lives in the past 9 years. Your role in the sustainability of this organization will increase and sustain this kind of impact.

√  Experience valuable networking opportunities with fellow members.

√  Join a team that models mindfulness. Make lifelong friends and feel at home in our family of volunteers!

√  Discounts on merchandise as well as select Mindfulness First e-courses and training.

√  Three free online Mindful Appreciation Parties per year.

Terms & Time Commitment

Committee member volunteers should anticipate being available an average for a total of 4 to 7 hours per month including:

√  1.5 hours for virtual monthly meetings - members meet monthly for 1.5 hours with the Mindfulness First leadership, Resource Development team, and Board of Directors to strategize, plan, and assign work. Members are expected to attend and participate in meetings consistently. Meeting materials are typically sent two to three days in advance. 

√  1.5 hours for quarterly advisory committee meetings.

√  2-4 hours of volunteer time to fulfill the committee’s work - members donate an additional 2-4 hours per month to help with financial sustainability. 

√  Members serve a minimum term of 1 year, but a 2 year term is preferred, with the possibility of renewing for additional terms. 

Advisory Committee Application