RISE ON BOARDS+
THE RISE ON BOARDS+ PROGRAM IS EQUIPPING YOUNG LEADERS TO THRIVE IN BOARDROOMS ACROSS CANADA.
By training emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds, and providing tools and resources to secure board positions, Rise on Boards+ is reimagining decision-making spaces, and we want YOU to be a part of it!
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“The course was very comprehensive and informative. It was a great place to start considering that I had limited knowledge of non-profit board governance before. What I appreciated was that the course was not overwhelming. I liked that the each module was divided into bite size sections. I realized that I knew the basics of what was covered in the course and so it was great to find confidence in myself.”
Shahla Gulistani
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“The videos were very engaging. I especially liked getting into the case studies and live Zoom sessions. It made me more confident.”
Pritika Vasandani
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“The modules were in-depth and packed with so much insights and advice and examples of situations to give a better understanding of the topic being explored.”
Leisha Toory
ABOUT OUR RISE ON BOARDS+ PROGRAM
Rise on Boards+ (RB+) builds on the success of the original Rise on Boards program, which has placed over 200 leaders in governance roles since 2017. RB+ expands accessibility through a flexible, self-guided model, offering training modules, workshops, and resources that participants can engage with at their own pace. The program equips participants with the skills and tools to identify and pursue non-profit board opportunities while balancing other commitments. By fostering a supportive environment through group coaching and peer networking, RB+ empowers gender-marginalized youth to develop leadership potential and contribute to transformative change in decision-making spaces across Canada.
THROUGH THIS PROGRAM, RISE ON BOARDS+ PARTICIPANTS GAIN:
New skills and knowledge in governance, financials, fundraising, professional communications, and leadership
Tools and resources to find, apply, and secure a position on a non-profit board
The confidence to create social change, impact organizational decision-making, and positively impact community
A peer network of young leaders and group coaching from senior professionals
We want to make the renowned leadership training opportunities of our Rise on Boards program available to more young leaders! In doing so, we recognize that our community has different schedules and commitments (work, school, family, etc.), which means that not everyone can commit to the rigid, time-intensive commitment that Rise on Boards requires.
With the self-guided Rise on Boards+ model, we provide access to condensed training modules, workshops, and supplementary learning resources that participants can work through on their own schedules. Participants will also benefit from group coaching sessions that bring together diverse perspectives and enable peer support and networking opportunities.
Another big difference is that RB+ will equip the participants with the skills, tools, and resources to find non-profit board opportunities that align with their goals and interests. In this model, participants can confidently select, apply, and make a meaningful impact on boards of their choice.
How is RB+ different
from Rise on Boards?
Rise on Boards vs. Rise on Boards+
Which program is right for you?
| Rise on Boards | Rise on Boards+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Designed for young women and gender-marginalized youth | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open to participants across Canada | ✅ | ✅ |
| For ages 18-29 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Live virtual and in-person trainings and course materials offered in English | ✅ | ✅ |
| Virtual recorded trainings and course materials offered in French (beginning November 2025) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Financial costs | All travel, food, accommodations, and training costs are covered by Fora | All training and resource costs, and dinner for graduation celebration are covered by Fora |
| Key dates | Attendance at the in-person Leadership Forum and training day is required on Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25, 2025, in Toronto, ON |
Cohort 2
Application: March 10 – April 10
Interviews: May 2025
Training period: May – August 2025
Cohort 3 Applications: August 14 – September 14
Interviews: October 2025
Training period: November 2025 – February 2026
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| Format | Live virtual and in-person training sessions, case studies, and celebration dinner after board placements |
Live virtual orientation
Virtual, pre-recorded training sessions, audio narrations, interactive exercises, and supplementary learning resources Live mock boardroom training session, virtual celebration dinner one-year after program completion Monthly virtual office hours
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| Commitment |
15 months
Including a three-month training period of 32.5 training hours, two full days in Toronto, and a one-year board placement Evaluation: baseline, midline, and endline surveys
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Self-paced over a three-month period
Training content generally takes between 15-20 hours to complete Evaluation: baseline, midline, and endline surveys
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| Networking | Opportunities to connect and interact with other learners and industry professionals through live virtual trainings, instant messaging group, and in-person events | Opportunities to connect and interact with other learners and industry professionals within the online community, live virtual group coaching sessions, instant messaging group, and live virtual networking sessions |
| Board placement | Placement is facilitated by Fora | No placements Participants apply for a board member position directly to their boards of choice using the skills they learn, resources provided in the e-learning course, and by referring to our Board Directory |
| Coaching | 1:1 mentorship with Coach and board member | Opportunity to connect with a Coach in group settings on a monthly basis |
OUR IMPACT
37
RB+ YOUNG DIRECTORS TRAINED
5
TRAINING SESSIONS DELIVERED
234
TRAINING HOURS COMPLETED
21
PARTICIPANTS BENEFITTED FROM GROUP COACHING
Meet the Young Directors
YOUNG DIRECTOR TRAINING SYLLABUS
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Explore different approaches and develop new strategies for authentic communication in professional spaces. Participants will build strong communication skills and learn how to leverage effective communication as an essential leadership tool.
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Delve into the 3 foundational pillars of fundraising: relationships, storytelling and making the ask to learn how to garner support for an organization’s work. This tactical workshop will provide participants with new techniques and tips to implement, and a pitch to practice for effective fundraising.
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Navigate non-profit board governance by learning about the roles and responsibilities of a board of directors, how to conduct board operations and different governance models. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of a board’s duties in directing the mission and vision of an organization, including strategic planning and risk management.
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Unlock the power of advocacy and learn how to inspire and lead action for social change. This impactful workshop will cover effective approaches and strategies needed to become influential advocates in spaces of power, including the boardroom.
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Learn the basics of organizational finances, including how to read non-profit financial statements and budgets. Participants will develop the foundational knowledge to ask the right questions as a new board director to understand the implications of financial decisions and actions on the organization
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GBA+ is an intersectional equity tool used to guide the systematic consideration of gender and other identity factors in the development of initiatives, policies and programs. Participants will be equipped with a framework for understanding how to challenge unconscious biases and actively integrate GBA+ considerations into their work.
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Understand how tokenism and microaggressions materialize in decision-making spaces, particularly governance boards and how to unpack their impacts. Participants will learn strategies to advocate for anti-oppression and anti-racism at the boardroom table and communicate the value of having diverse lived experiences.
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What actually happens in a board meeting? This workshop will provide a trial run of your first meeting, including how to effectively prepare for your meetings, as well as an overview of meeting procedures and committee work.
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Learn valuable techniques to maximize outcomes in negotiations and navigate win-win strategies effectively. This workshop will provide participants with a comprehensive foundation for honing their negotiation skills and achieving successful outcomes in a variety of contexts.
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Learn to create a sustainable, balanced approach to achieving goals while maintaining well-being. Learn to recognize signs of imbalance, set realistic goals, and manage stress effectively. Gain practical tools to perform at your best without burnout.
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Deeper understanding of anti-oppression, power dynamics, and systemic barriers in governance. Participants will explore strategies for equitable decision-making, navigating resistance, and fostering inclusive board cultures.
ARE YOU A NON-PROFIT BOARD INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING?
Rise on Boards+ actively recruits governance boards in all major Canadian cities throughout the year who are interested in considering applicants from our pool of qualified and trained Rise on Boards+ Young Directors.
Interested boards can apply to be featured in our non-profit board database for Young Directors.
We encourage you to apply if your board is…
A non-profit board
Located in Canada (all major cities and virtual boards welcome to apply)
Committed to advancing gender equity and inclusion at the board table
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Rise on Boards+ is designed to support participants on their journey to joining their first board of directors. Participants acquire the essential skills and knowledge necessary for effective board membership by completing a number of virtual modules on the topics of board governance and leadership.
Upon successful completion of the curriculum, participants gain exclusive access to a directory comprising board opportunities with nonprofit organizations across Canada. This directory enables participants to explore and apply for board positions that align with their interests and aspirations. Please note that as Rise on Boards+ is a new program, the directory is limited with board opportunities, but is growing. The program offers flexibility in the application process, allowing participants to pursue opportunities both through the board directory and externally.
To help build inclusive boardrooms, Fora provides the opportunity for partnering boards to engage in equity training and access resources to support the inclusion of board members from diverse backgrounds and identities. Through this two-pronged approach, Rise on Boards+ seeks to promote equitable representation in governance and contribute to the advancement of inclusive and effective nonprofit sector leadership.
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As a participant, you will have the opportunity to…
Participants of Rise on Boards+ will have the opportunity to enhance their board readiness, expand their network, and contribute to promoting equity in governance across the non-profit sector in Canada. The pilot program offers comprehensive training that will help participants develop the technical and leadership skills to make effective board directors, provides access to board opportunities through a directory of non-profit organizations, and professional group coaching to support goal setting and personal development. Rise on Boards+ will empower each participant to join their first non-profit board to promote equity and re-imagine decision making in boardrooms across the country.
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As a Group Coach, you will have the opportunity to:
Access learning and support materials about equitable and inclusive coaching/mentoring
Participate in equitable and inclusive ‘train the trainer’ courses
Support young women and gender-marginalized youth in developing their networking, communications, leadership, and community-building skills through group coaching
Develop coaching content and adapt approach based on the unique needs and goals of the participants, maximizing relevance and impact of the group discussion
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Research indicates the need for diverse voices in leadership and boardrooms to enable stronger and more innovative decision-making. By partnering with Rise on Boards+, your board will gain access to a diverse pool of board-ready candidates, and the opportunity to strengthen its effectiveness through inclusive decision-making. In addition, your board will receive free equity training and resources to help you build a welcoming environment for prospective board members and integrate equity, diversity and inclusion practices in your organization.
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Your participation in Rise on Boards+ will undoubtedly enhance your skills, knowledge, and confidence to look and apply for a non-profit governance board position. While we cannot guarantee immediate board placement, it will open doors to promising leadership opportunities. As a participant of RB+, you will be expected to take the lead and actively work towards securing a governance position through independent efforts. To support this process, RB+ will equip you with access to necessary training and resources to strengthen your candidacy for board positions and connect you with a directory of organizations interested in recruiting candidates from the program.
Meet Our
PARTNERING BOARDS
Click the arrows to toggle through our Board Database.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
RISE ON BOARDS+ YOUNG DIRECTORS (YDs)
If you...
Are between the ages of 18 to 29
Identify as a young woman or gender-marginalized youth
Reside in Canada for the duration of this program
And if you are...
Interested in driving social change through board governance
Looking to improve your leadership and governance skills
Excited about having access to professional development resources and a network of boards and like-minded peers
And interested in applying to and serving on a governance board
...then this program is for you!
*Please note: Past or current Young Directors are not eligible for this program. Additionally, if you participate in Rise on Boards+, you will not be eligible to participate in future cohorts of the Rise on Boards program.
RISE ON BOARDS+ BOARDS
Rise on Boards+ is creating a directory of non-profit boards committed to building a more equitable and inclusive board room by bringing young gender-marginalized voices to the decision-making table. If you would like to be included in our directory and receive board applications from trained leaders with a demonstrated commitment to leadership, governance, and community-building, please complete the application below.
If you are...
A non-profit board
Located in Canada (Open to cities across Canada. Virtual boards are welcome to apply)
Committed to advancing gender equity and inclusion at your board table
Committed to DEI principles and understanding of the barriers young women and gender-marginalized leaders face in fully participating on boards
And understanding of the immense benefits a young leader could add to your board
… then we encourage you to apply today!
Interested in participating? Contact Sania at sania.dogra@foranetwork.org
