Application for BOARD APPOINTMENT

Thank you for your interest in serving on the Board of Directors of the Unicorn Children’s Foundation (UCF or the Foundation). Whether this is the first time you have considered serving on the board of a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization or you are seeking reappointment, we want you to know that UCF is committed to ensuring you have all the information necessary to make sound decisions. Service on the Board of a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization can be a rewarding experience and an opportunity to be part of life-changing experiences as we create cradle to career pathways to help kids and young adults flourish and help their families navigate the complex journey.  Having opened our doors in 1994, UCF is working towards a future where all children’s potential can flourish and that they can be meaningful participants in their communities.

Should you wish to be considered to serve on this board, please complete the Application for Board Appointment below. If you have questions or would like to discuss board service in more detail, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Please find some general information about our organization and this position below.   
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UCF, established in 1994, is committed to providing innovative programs that ensure individuals with neurodiversity are appropriately assisted, supported, and included in least restrictive ways to maximize their full potential.  We are working to respond to key gaps in service which include: developing an effective information & referral system; improving timely access to screening, assessment and early diagnosis; reducing gaps in services; increasing amount and improving coordination of funding streams; improving transition practices; increasing employment opportunities; and improving advocacy & futures planning.  With the support of the Board of Directors, in 2021-2022, we expect: 
  • 200+ families will be supported through life-long learning programs and referrals at the Unicorn Connection Center©
  • 200+ individuals with neurodiversity will participate in UCF Employment Programs providing a pathway to careers or entrepreneurship
  • 10 businesses will receive training on successfully engaging neurodiverse employees creating a more accepting and inclusive community
  • 50+ families will participate in family navigation programs to empower them with tools and strategies to help their child flourish

​UCF is a not-for-profit organization whose operations are run by a professional team. The Board of Directors is responsible for the governance, policy and overall financial health of UCF. The Board of Directors appoints Executive Officers that comprise an Executive Committee who make recommendations to the Board and handle responsibilities of the Board in the intervals between Board meetings. The Board members are also directly responsible for reviewing the performance of the UCF Chief Executive Officer.  Regular meetings of the Board are held quarterly.  Special meetings may be called by the President of the Board whenever deemed necessary. No action of the Board is official unless taken at a regular or special meeting. Board Members have authority to govern UCF as a group and have no authority to act as individuals. An agenda will be sent to each member of the Board of Directors prior to the board meeting with member input so that each meeting runs smoothly. All Board actions are recorded in the minutes as the official permanent record of the Board. Policies determined by the Board are reflected in policies and procedures manuals and documents. 

Qualifications 
A. Be an advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, community-based experiences and UCF.
B. Have experience and/or a skill set that adds value to the work of the Board. 
C. Have the respect of those who you have worked with previously. 
D. Have a desire to be an active Board member in a non-profit organization.
E. Be a team member who can provide solutions and a positive attitude. 
F. Be a financial contributor to UCF. 

Responsibilities 
A. Uphold the UCF mission and by-laws. 
B. Establish, review and revise (as necessary) the policies of the UCF. 
C.  Support and evaluate the Chief Executive Officer.  
D. Attend Board meetings with little interruption and functions where appropriate/available. 
E. Ensure adequate financial resources for UCF. Protect assets and provide financial oversight.
F. In collaboration with staff, participate in long range (5 year) planning for financials and operations. 
G. Participate in building a competent Board. 
H. Ensure legal and ethical integrity.
I.  Enhance the organization’s public standing.  

General information 
A. Applications will be reviewed by the ad-hoc nominating committee of The Unicorn Children’s Foundation, Inc.  Interviews will be conducted in March from at least a portion of applications received. Elections will occur at the annual meeting in June. Transition will occur from that date to June 30th. 
B. Per current bylaws, Board members will serve two-year terms.  Official new terms begin on July 1st following election and expire on June 30th of the expiring year.  
C. The Executive Officers of the Board, who comprise the Executive Committee, will be President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. Other members are at large members. The by-laws state that Board of Directors shall have no less than three (3) and no more than twenty-one (21) members.  

Supplemental information (required): Please attach a copy of your resume/curriculum vitae including any additional information, such as governmental, employment or volunteer experience, honors or awards, please attach a resume or included on a separate sheet of paper.
    Max file size: 20MB
    Please list three (non-Board member) references who could be contacted including name, relationship, phone, or email.

    Personal Information

    Short Answer Questions

    Conditions of Appointment

    The following questions indicate the minimum conditions that must be met in order to be considered for appointment. Please complete the following section by indicating yes or no.

    Relationship to the Foundation

    Please complete the following section by indicating yes or no. If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, please provide an explanation.

    Ethical Issues

    Please complete the following section by indicating yes or no. ​

    CITATIONS

    Agency Proceedings/Civil Litigation

    Criminal Background Disclosure

    Unicorn Children’s Foundation will perform a criminal records check from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies prior to your appointment. If the reports received from these agencies do not match your representations listed below, appointment to the Foundation Board may be voided at the sole discretion of The Unicorn Children’s Foundation, Inc. 

    Complete this section by placing your initials in the space beside option 1, 2 and/or 3. If you initial option 1 or 2, please explain what the charges were and which courts were involved. 

    Application Verification

    ​I recognize that all information submitted with this application or gathered by The Unicorn Children’s Foundation, Inc. as a result of this application will remain confidential. I will hold Unicorn Children’s Foundation, its trustees, officers, employees and authorized agents harmless from liability for the disclosure of any information it reasonably believes is true based upon my representations or resulting from this application process. I understand that if I am appointed, I will be required and agree to complete an annual conflict of interest disclosure. I understand that Unicorn Children’s Foundation is under no obligation to appoint me or any nominee to a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. My digital signature below certifies that all information provided in this application is true and complete. 

    Consent for Criminal Background

    ​A criminal records check must be conducted as a condition for appointment as an official serving on the Board of The Unicorn Children’s Foundation, Inc.. This consent does not authorize, nor will Unicorn Children’s Foundation conduct, a consumer credit check.
     
    Information requested in this section will be used to conduct a criminal records check and will not be used to determine qualifications as a proposed foundation board member. This section will be removed prior to review of the information contained in the application. 
    By digitally signing this form, I acknowledge receipt of this disclosure and authorize The Unicorn Children’s Foundation, Inc. to obtain a copy of my criminal records report.
     
    I consent to the release of information concerning my criminal record, subject to any restrictions that I have included, to The Unicorn Children’s Foundation, Inc. and its legal counsel. I specifically authorize The Unicorn Children’s Foundation, Inc. to conduct a criminal records check on me with the applicable local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
     
    I will hold The Unicorn Children’s Foundation, Inc., its trustees, officers, employees and authorized agents harmless from liability for the disclosure of any information it reasonably believes is true based upon my representations or resulting from this criminal records check consent process.
     
    By my digital signature, I assert and certify that the information provided is, to the best of my knowledge, true and complete. 

    ​I Want to Learn More
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