Strong leaders build strong organizations, and a revived collaborative initiative is bringing them together.

Leadership Lackawanna, the Scranton Area Community Foundation, and United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Counties have joined forces to launch Board Match, a dynamic, two-way matching platform designed to connect passionate, skilled individuals seeking board or committee service with local nonprofit organizations in need of dedicated leadership.

At its core, Board Match aligns individual talents, professional experience, and personal passions with the evolving needs of the nonprofit community, creating meaningful opportunities for service while helping organizations build stronger, more effective boards.
But while the platform is new, the idea behind it has deep roots in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

More than three decades ago, a similar initiative known as the Board Bank was created through the Voluntary Action Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania, with early support from the Scranton Area Foundation and involvement from Leadership Lackawanna. The program sought to open the door to board service for community members who had the interest and ability to serve but may not have had the connections or opportunity to do so.

Today, Board Match reimagines that vision for a new generation of community leaders and nonprofit organizations.

“There are so many talented people in our community who genuinely want to make a difference, but they may not know where their skills are most needed or how to take that first step into board service,” said Angela Bassani, President & CEO of United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Counties. “At the same time, our nonprofit organizations are constantly seeking engaged, thoughtful leaders who can help advance their missions. Board Match creates that bridge…and I especially love that we’re building on an idea that has existed in our community for decades, bringing partners together once again to make it even stronger for today and the future.”

For individuals, Board Match provides an opportunity to showcase their skills, experience, and passions to local nonprofits. Participants can explore high-impact opportunities to lead, contribute, and deepen their connection to the community.

For nonprofits, the initiative provides access to motivated, mission-driven candidates eager to serve while expanding the pool of trained and prepared community leaders available for board and committee roles.

“Leadership Lackawanna is incredibly proud to help revive this important program and build upon a legacy that has connected talented individuals with meaningful nonprofit service for more than three decades,” said Nikki Morristell, Executive Director of Leadership Lackawanna. “Board Match reflects our mission of developing leaders who strengthen our communities. By partnering with the Scranton Area Community Foundation and United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Counties, we’re creating new pathways for people to share their talents, embrace community, and make a lasting difference. We are excited to see this initiative continue to grow and help nonprofit organizations build the strong, engaged leadership they need to thrive.”

The collaboration also reflects a shared commitment among the three organizations to strengthening the region’s nonprofit infrastructure…not only by addressing today’s leadership needs, but by developing a deeper and more diverse pipeline of community members who are prepared to serve.

“Strong nonprofit organizations begin with strong leadership and good governance,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Board Match helps remove barriers between talented community members who want to serve, and the organizations that need their expertise. By working together across our nonprofit sector, we’re creating stronger boards, more resilient organizations, and ultimately a better community for everyone.”

More than a database or networking opportunity, Board Match is designed to be a bridge…uniting talented leaders with organizations that need them most and providing both individuals and nonprofits with the resources necessary to make those connections successful.

Individuals interested in board or committee service and nonprofit organizations seeking new leaders are encouraged to learn more and participate by visiting the Board Match website: uwlwp.org/boardmatch/