Board Observer Program Host Organization Participation Form

Overview

The Board Observer Program pairs young lawyers and legal professionals with nonprofit boards for a one-year term. Observers gain hands-on experience in board service, while host organizations benefit from fresh perspectives and connections to the legal community. The program also provides at least four trainings each year for Observers, which are open to staff and Board members from host organizations as well.

This application is for nonprofit organizations seeking to participate in the Board Observer Program as host organizations. Whether your organization is returning to the program or seeking to participate for the first time, the information provided through this application will help the Philadelphia Bar Foundation understand your organization, Board structure, and capacity to host an Observer during the upcoming program year.

Applications for the upcoming Board Observer Program year will be accepted from August 25, 2026 through September 18, 2026.

Program Timeline

The Board Observer Program operates on a January through December program cycle. Host organizations participating in the program play an active role in the matching process and must complete the required matching steps before the program year begins.

Mid-September: Host Organization applications open for the upcoming program year.

Early October: Observer applications open for the upcoming program year.

December: The Philadelphia Bar Foundation facilitates the matching process between prospective Observers and participating host organizations. Organizations will review Observer application materials shared by the Foundation, meet with prospective Observer(s), and determine whether they agree to the proposed match.

By the End of December: Host organizations must confirm their Observer match with the Philadelphia Bar Foundation and identify the Board Mentor who will support the Observer throughout the program year.

January: The new Board Observer Program year begins.

Host Organization Eligibility

The Philadelphia Bar Foundation welcomes participation from nonprofit organizations representing a broad range of missions, communities, populations, and areas of service.

Participation in the Board Observer Program, however, must remain open to eligible Observers without requiring an Observer to adopt, affirm, practice, or adhere to a particular religion, gender identity, or other identity, belief, or characteristic as a condition of participation with the host organization.

Organizations whose requirements for Board participation would require an Observer to meet such a condition are not eligible to serve as host organizations in the Board Observer Program.

Has your organization participated in the Board Observer Program before?

Yes, our organization is currently participating in the 2026 Board Observer ProgramYes, our organization has participated in the Board Observer Program before. No, this is our organization's first time applying to participate in the Board Observer Program.