The Mitzvah Fund
Overview of Organization
Established in 2012, the Mitzvah Fund is a veterinary nonprofit providing non-emergency surgical and dental procedures to the companion animals of low-income seniors, veterans, disabled first responders, and individuals experiencing homelessness throughout Central Vermont. We believe the most challenged populations should not have to surrender a beloved companion simply because they cannot afford care.
Mission Area: Environmental and/or Animal Related
Size of Organization: $250K – $500K
Position Overview
We are recruiting several new members to join our Board of Directors. This is a meaningful moment to get involved as incoming board members will help us shape our future as we strengthen organizational health and conduct a search for a new Executive Director. This is not a passive board role as we’re looking for someone ready to be a working partner to our staff and fellow board members as we navigate a new chapter of the Mitzvah Fund.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) / Social Service Professional
The ideal candidate has experience serving vulnerable populations and a working knowledge of local community resources and social service networks in Vermont.
Key Responsibilities:
- Participate in board meetings and contribute to strategic planning
- Advise on outreach strategies to underserved populations and social service networks
- Help develop referral partnerships with social service agencies, shelters, and veteran organizations
- Ensure programming and communications are sensitive to the lived experiences of our clients
2. Law Enforcement Representative
The ideal candidate is an active or retired law enforcement professional with demonstrated community engagement. Commitment to animal welfare and nonprofit service is valued.
Key Responsibilities:
- Participate in board meetings and contribute to strategic planning
- Represent the perspective of law enforcement and first responder communities
- Help identify and connect with disabled first responders who may benefit from our services
- Advise on community outreach and public safety partnerships
- Help facilitate coordination with law enforcement agencies when animals are surrendered or seized in urgent situations
- Support organizational credibility through professional representation
- Nonprofit Attorney
The ideal candidate is a licensed attorney with nonprofit, tax-exempt, or charitable organization law experience. Must be in good standing with their state bar.
Key Responsibilities:
- Bring legal expertise to board governance discussions and organizational decision-making
- Help the board understand its fiduciary responsibilities and ask informed questions of outside counsel
- Advise on governance structure, bylaw interpretation, and organizational risk
- Participate in board meetings and contribute to governance decisions
- Nonprofit Accountant / CPA
The ideal candidate is a CPA or accounting professional with nonprofit accounting experience.
Key Responsibilities:
- Participate in board meetings and serve on the Finance Committee
- If interested, serve in the Board Treasurer capacity; collaborate closely with the bookkeeper on monthly reconciliation and financial oversight
- Assist with preparation and review of Form 990 filings
- Advise on internal controls, audit readiness, and budgeting best practices
- Help develop financial policies that reflect nonprofit accountability standards
Desired Skills: General Board Governance, Nonprofit Financials, Legal, Management/Leadership
Additional Information
Current # of Board Members: 4
Carries liability insurance?: Yes
Carries D&O liability insurance?: Yes
Time Expectations: 3-6 hours
Meeting Frequency: Once a month
Meeting Location: Remote
Length of Term (in years): 3
Financial contribution required?: No
Service on committee required?: Yes