Seeking New Board Members

Are you interested in serving on the Board of Governors of the Willa Cather Foundation? For the fiscal year of board service beginning January 1, 2025, the Foundation is accepting applications for new members of the Board. Applications are due by September 5.

About the Willa Cather Foundation

The Willa Cather Foundation works to enrich lives by advancing Willa Cather’s legacy locally and beyond through education, preservation, and the arts. The Foundation has grown exponentially since opening the National Willa Cather Center and continues to grow. We are currently recruiting new board members to help steer the organization toward a sustainable future; to reach more readers, educators, and students with our programming; to strengthen opportunities for all to fully participate in our mission by reducing barriers and creating inclusive experiences and environments; and to ensure the organization has sufficient resources to effectively meet its multifaceted mission.

How Can I Help?

Based on a recent review of board skills, connections, and experiences among current board members, we are seeking new board members who will help broaden our current board. In order to reach more readers, educators, and students with deeper relevance and authenticity, we seek board members from diverse backgrounds, identities, and historically underrepresented communities. Our current priority is to recruit candidates with experience in financial management or accounting, law, or fundraising. Candidates connected to education, preservation, arts and cultural organizations, or media are also encouraged to apply.

Why Serve and What’s Expected?

This is a great opportunity for individuals who value literature, history, and the arts to contribute to a dynamic organization as it balances outreach to a national audience with enrichment and economic development in the local community. 

The Board of Governors is the governing body of the Willa Cather Foundation; its purpose is similar to that of any non-profit corporation. Board member tasks include:

• Be an advocate for the mission of the Willa Cather Foundation
• Set an annual budget 
• Ensure there are necessary resources to meet the organization’s mission
• Evaluate services and programs
• Serve as ambassadors with prospective and active donors
• Work to grow and diversify the organization’s audience