The Neighborhood Farmers Markets (NFM) is on a mission to support and strengthen Washington's small farms and producers by creating and operating vibrant, successful neighborhood farmers markets. Our seven markets serve over 165 producers, from vegetable growers and orchardists to tribal fishing families and cider makers. In 2023, they enabled more than $14.5 million in local, sustainably-produced food sales to Seattle residents. The Board is actively working to recruit 2 to 3 new board members this Spring, as well as non-voting committee members to support the mission of NFM and the market community. Standing board committees with non-voting members include Executive, Finance, Vendor and Fundraising. We are looking for board members who possess:
• A passion for Washington state producers and our regional food system
• Prior nonprofit board experience
• Experience in any of following areas: fundraising, board development and governance, finance, small business development, food systems or food retail, community organizing, or real estate
Tell us more about you! Submit your interest, or nominate someone you know, by filling out our Expression of Interest form.
Board Responsibilities: The NFM Board of Directors provides mission-based leadership and strategic governance and sets policies to ensure the organization is run effectively, legally, and ethically. The Executive Director is responsible for recommending and implementing policies and programs, managing the organization and staff, and steering short-term goals. The NFM Board has a fiduciary responsibility and approves long-range goals for its growth and expansion, approves the annual budget, evaluates the Executive Director, ensures adequate funds to support programs, and ensures that funds are spent responsibly.
Board Members should be willing and able to:
• Commit to a 2-year board term with the intention to stay for 6 years
• Attend all board meetings, plus events and engagement opportunities in the markets throughout the year
• Review the agenda and all supporting materials prior to meetings • Be informed about the NFM mission, policies, and programs
• Make NFM part of their giving plan or secure support for the organization that reflects that priority
• Actively serve on one of the committees such as Vendor (limited to farmers), Marketing & Development, Finance or Executive.
• Participate in annual recruiting efforts to ensure the future leadership of NFM
• Approve the annual budget and assess the financial health and performance of the organization
• Evaluate the success of NFM in meeting its mission
• Serve as a link between the NFM and the community by serving as an ambassador for the organization and its mission
• Follow conflict of interest, ethics, and confidentiality guidelines
• Farmer Board Representatives additionally approve all requests to the Good Farmer Fund and Market polices
Philanthropic Commitment: We believe the source of our commitment begins within those who are closest to the work, including the staff and board. In order to credibly solicit contributions from foundations or individuals, NFM expects board members to make a personal contribution to the organization and recognizes a wide range of opportunities to do so. Examples of contributions that are meaningful to the organization include
1) contributing to board matching pledges during our annual giving campaigns
2) procuring and donating inkind items for fundraising efforts
3) a financial gift that is personally significant.
Board members are also expected to cultivate support through their networks such as participation in community events, shopping at the markets, or recommending potential sponsors or donors. Benefits: The NFM Board of Directors offers a chance to serve your community by ensuring the future of the Neighborhood Farmers Markets in Seattle! In addition, serving on the board provides leadership and professional growth opportunities, exposure to our regional food system, and a personal connection to the work and people of FNM. New board members participate in an onboarding process that includes training sessions on nonprofit board operations, NFM operations and programs, finances and financial statements, and, of course, the farmers markets!
