Equipment Connections for Children Board Member

Equipment Connections for Children (ECFC) is a Maryland-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2009, serving children living with disabilities and their families throughout Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia with free adaptive disability equipment loans. www.equipforchildren.org.

Mission Statement:

ECFC connects with families of children living with disabilities in order to help fulfill vital unmet adaptive equipment needs, provide educational workshops, and foster community, free of charge.

Vision statement:

ECFC envisions a region without barriers to development, empowerment, and recreation for people living with disabilities due to lack of necessary equipment.

Value statement:

We believe that every person within the ability spectrum deserves to live a fulfilling life with dignity, independence, and full participation in society. We are committed to advocating for equal access, promoting community inclusion, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by dismantling systemic barriers and fostering a culture of respect for diversity.

Board Opportunity Description

We are seeking mission-driven, community-minded individuals to join our Board of Directors. Board members play a vital role in guiding the organization’s strategic direction, ensuring financial and regulatory oversight, and strengthening community connections.

We especially welcome:

• Individuals or caretakers of individuals living with disabilities.
• Professionals with expertise in finance, accounting, legal, HR, nonprofit management, fundraising, development, public health, disability healthcare, or community outreach.
• Emerging leaders interested in nonprofit governance.

Responsibilities of the Board

As the highest leadership body of the organization and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the ECFC Board of Directors are responsible for:

• • Determining the mission of the organization and understanding its collective purpose
  • Selecting, supporting, and evaluating the performance of the chief executive
  • Strategic and organizational planning
  • Ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management
  • Fundraising and resource development
  • Approving and monitoring the organization’s programs and services
  • Enhancing the organization’s public image
  • Assessing its own performance as the governing body of the organization
  • Ensuring legal and ethical integrity

Responsibilities of Individual Board Members

Each individual board member is expected to:

• • Know the organization’s mission, policies, programs, and needs as well as understand its collective purpose
  • Faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements and board materials in advance of meetings
  • Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization
  • Fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for the organization to advance its mission
  • Leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to achieve the organization’s mission
  • Give a meaningful personal financial donation
  • Help identify personal connections that can benefit the organization’s fundraising and reputational standing, and influence public policy
  • Prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings
  • Participate fully in one or more committees or taskforces
  • Engage in learning opportunities to better understand the community we serve
  • Respect the experiences of all who bring their voices and lived experiences into the boardroom and the organization

Typical Term & Time Commitment

• Term: Per organization by-laws, each director shall serve for a term of three years and may choose to renew for two 1-year terms or to join the advisory board thereafter. Officers may, by majority vote, serve two full three-year terms with the option to join the advisory board thereafter.
• Time Commitment: Quarterly Virtual Board Meetings + Committee Meetings + Time for donor cultivation/meetings (estimated 5+ hours per month).