Volunteer Board Members

POSITION SUMMARY

The Volunteer Board Member serves as a governing member of the Tiny Hearts of America Board of Directors and is responsible for helping provide strategic leadership, oversight, accountability, financial stewardship, and community representation for the organization.

Board members are expected to act in the best interests of THA and the communities it serves while supporting the organization's mission, vision, bylaws, policies, programs, strategic goals, and long-term sustainability.

This is a voluntary, unpaid leadership position. Board members do not receive compensation for their Board service unless an expense or reimbursement is specifically authorized under THA policies and applicable law.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Governance and Oversight

The Board Member shall:

• Participate in governing the organization in accordance with THA's bylaws and policies.
• Attend and actively participate in scheduled Board meetings.
• Review meeting materials, reports, budgets, policies, and proposals before meetings.
• Participate in Board votes and decisions.
• Help establish organizational goals, priorities, policies, and strategic direction.
• Monitor organizational performance and progress toward strategic objectives.
• Ensure that Board decisions are consistent with THA's mission and governing documents.
• Maintain appropriate oversight of organizational leadership and operations without improperly interfering with delegated administrative responsibilities.
• Support accountability, transparency, ethical conduct, and responsible decision-making.

1. Fiduciary Responsibility

Board Members share responsibility for protecting the financial health and integrity of THA.

Responsibilities include:

• Reviewing and approving organizational budgets as required.
• Monitoring financial reports and organizational financial performance.
• Supporting appropriate financial controls.
• Protecting THA assets and resources.
• Ensuring funds are used for authorized organizational purposes.
• Reviewing major financial commitments when Board approval is required.
• Supporting responsible grant, donation, and funding management.
• Immediately reporting suspected financial misconduct, fraud, conflicts of interest, or misuse of organizational resources through the appropriate channels.

1. Strategic Leadership

Board Members shall help THA:

• Develop and evaluate strategic goals.
• Identify emerging community needs.
• Expand programs and services responsibly.
• Develop partnerships throughout South Carolina and other approved service areas.
• Strengthen organizational sustainability.
• Identify opportunities for grants, sponsorships, donations, and community investment.
• Evaluate organizational risks and opportunities.
• Support long-term growth while protecting the organization's mission and reputation.

1. Fundraising and Resource Development

Board Members are expected to actively support THA's resource-development efforts.

This may include:

• Identifying potential donors, sponsors, foundations, businesses, and community partners.
• Making introductions to potential funding sources.
• Participating in fundraising campaigns and events.
• Supporting grant-development efforts when requested.
• Helping secure in-kind donations.
• Promoting THA's programs and mission within the community.
• Participating in donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Supporting annual giving and other Board-approved fundraising initiatives.

Board Members are not personally required to make financial donations unless otherwise established by an approved Board policy. However, every Board Member is expected to contribute meaningfully through time, talent, relationships, advocacy, fundraising assistance, or other approved support.

1. Community Engagement and Advocacy

Board Members serve as ambassadors for THA.

Responsibilities include:

• Representing THA professionally and respectfully.
• Promoting awareness of THA's mission and programs.
• Building positive relationships with community organizations and stakeholders.
• Attending community events when available.
• Supporting THA resource fairs, outreach activities, youth programs, family events, and community initiatives.
• Helping identify unmet community needs.
• Connecting THA with appropriate organizations and resources.
• Advocating for children, youth, families, and underserved communities within the scope of THA's mission.

1. Program Support

Board Members may assist with oversight and evaluation of THA programs, including programs such as:

• Tiny Tummies
• Tiny Essentials
• Healing Hearts
• Safe Haven
• Bright Futures
• Brighter Futures
• Meals of Hope
• Community resource and family-support initiatives
• Youth development and mentorship initiatives
• Emergency assistance initiatives
• Other Board-approved programs and services

Board Members may participate in program activities when appropriate but should not independently create, modify, promise, or discontinue programs without proper organizational authorization.

1. Policy and Compliance

Board Members shall:

• Become familiar with THA's bylaws and policies.
• Follow applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Follow THA's conflict-of-interest requirements.
• Protect confidential organizational and participant information.
• Follow youth and participant safety requirements.
• Follow financial and purchasing controls.
• Follow Board-approved communication and authorization procedures.
• Complete required training.
• Disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest.
• Avoid using their Board position for personal financial benefit or unauthorized personal purposes.