Volunteer Role: Associate Board Member for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois

Organizational Overview:

Since being founded locally in 1985, Make-A-Wish Illinois has granted more than 15,000 wishes and continues its mission to share the power of a wish with children in all 102 counties across the state. A wish can be a game-changer for a child with a critical illness. This belief guides us in everything we do at Make-A-Wish. It inspires us to grant life-changing wishes for children going through so much. Life-changing wish journeys are made possible by dedicated staff and volunteers who fulfill the work of our mission, helping children discover, create, fulfill and experience the lasting impact of their most heartfelt wish.

We are more than a great place to volunteer - our work is life changing. We are an inclusive and diverse group of people who, through a mosaic of backgrounds, thoughts and experiences are united in purposeful work. We are fueled and guided by our values - values that are represented in the inspired people we work with and the transformational work we do every day.

Associate Board Purpose:

The Associate Board of Make-A-Wish Illinois unites Illinois professionals to support the mission of Make-A-Wish. The Associate Board’s purpose is to positively promote Make-A-Wish Illinois philanthropy through personal giving, event-based fundraising, and volunteering to help fulfill the mission. The Associate Board has no governing, legal, or fiduciary authority with respect to Make-A-Wish.

As a member of the Associate Board, you have the responsibility to represent Make-A-Wish as a volunteer in a positive light. Responsibilities include participation in Associate Board and committee meetings, fundraising, recruiting future Associate Board members and supporters, and promoting and advocating for the mission of Make-A-Wish.

Requirements

Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Attend and participate in 80% or more Associate Board meetings annually and participate in additional special meetings and events.
2. Suggest possible nominees to the Associate Board who are young professionals of rising achievement and distinction and who can make significant contributions to both the work of the Associate Board and the overall mission and progress of Make-A-Wish Illinois.
   

Participation Expectations:

1. Actively plan and participate in Make-A-Wish Associate Board events by serving on at least one event committee or the executive committee.
2. Attend each Associate Board event and solicit attendance for each event. If unable to attend an Associate Board event, contribute the value of a ticket to the fundraising event, through either the purchase of a ticket or a general contribution.
3. Promote and solicit attendance at each Associate Board event and secure a minimum of ten (10) attendees total across Associate Board events annually.
4. Serve as a volunteer or Wish Granter at least one (1) time during the current fiscal year.
   

Fundraising/Personal Giving Expectations:

1. Raise $6,000 annually. The annual $6,000 goal can be achieved through a variety of means including: event sponsorships, securing cash donations, in-kind donations of goods or services, donation of professional services or airline miles, ticket sales for events and raffles, etc.
2. Be willing and able to utilize personal and professional networks in support of Associate Board fundraising goals.
3. Personally report and track contributions to provide the treasurer with an impact plan.
   

Advocacy Expectations:

1. Know the mission, vision, strategic plan, and goals of the Associate Board.
2. Understand the strengths and needs of Make-A-Wish Illinois.
3. Promote and support Make-A-Wish Illinois events and fundraisers.
4. Follow trends of Make-A-Wish Illinois, including social service not-for-profit trends, children’s health trends, and other wish-granting organizations.
5. Act in the best interest of Make-A-Wish by excusing oneself from discussions where there is a conflict of interest and confirm respect for Make-A-Wish by maintaining confidentiality and not communicating information of a sensitive nature that may be shared with the Associate Board.
   

Desired Qualifications:

1. Minimum five years of professional experience (or relevant fundraising experience).
2. Demonstrated commitment to philanthropy through volunteering, fundraising, and personal giving.
   

Volunteer Commitment:

• Please commit to attending one (1) Associate Board meeting per month
• Completion of volunteer onboarding including orientation and background check
• Completion of the Volunteer Orientation Learning Path on Make-A-Wish University
• Annual completion of a Conflict of Interest and Ethics Form
• Additional in-person participation at Associate Board sponsored events (2 per year)

Benefits

This is a volunteer role. Applicants will have the opportunity to take on a leadership role with one of the top non-profit organizations in the country while networking and partnering with professionals across the State of Illinois in supporting Make-A-Wish's mission to bring hope to children with critical illnesses.