Independent Trustee Search

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Independent Trustee Search

Nathan Cummings Foundation

Nathan Cummings Foundation (NCF) is inviting nominations and applications for Independent Trustees. New trustees will join the Board as full voting members in the first quarter of 2027, the year the Foundation develops its next five-year strategy.

[Button: Apply — https://form.jotform.com/262704561914054]
[Button: Refer someone — https://form.jotform.com/262602550820045]
[Link: Download the full position profile (PDF)]

At a glance

  • Position: Independent Trustee, Board of Trustees

  • Location: Flexible. Candidates with roots in the U.S. South are especially welcome.

  • Term: Initial term of about two years, renewable for three years

  • Start: First quarter of 2027

  • Compensation: Optional annual honorarium of $40,000, paid quarterly and tied to attendance

The opportunity

This is a chance to help shape where a multigenerational family foundation goes next, alongside family trustees, independent trustees, and a staff team that works closely with the Board. NCF is looking for leaders who bring real experience in the communities and issues it funds, and who are ready to make an impact as a trustee with the support of the Foundation.

About the Foundation

Nathan Cummings Foundation is a multigenerational family foundation, rooted in the Jewish tradition of social justice, working to create a more just, vibrant, sustainable, and democratic society. It partners with social movements, organizations, and individuals who have creative and catalytic solutions to climate change and inequality.

  • Based in New York City, with an international grantmaking reach

  • Governed by third- and fourth-generation Cummings family members alongside independent trustees

  • Grantmaking and partnerships focused on racial, economic, and environmental justice

  • Place-based investment in designated communities in the U.S. South and Israel-Palestine

  • A commitment to put 100 percent of its assets to work for its mission

Throughout 2027, staff and Board will co-create a new five-year strategy. New trustees will take part from the start.

Who were looking for

Previous board service is a plus, but it is not required. Some candidates will bring deep governance experience. Others will be joining a foundation board for the first time after years of leadership as founders, organizers, practitioners, or educators.

The Board is especially interested in people with experience in one or more of these areas:

  • Roots in, or professional history with, communities in the Deep South

  • Frontline or proximate work with communities affected by injustice

  • Movement building, or founding and growing an organization

  • Impact investing, community development finance, or mission-related investing

  • Systemic change, innovation, and how technology is reshaping the social sector

  • Education and racial justice work, including international contexts relevant to NCF's giving

Just as important are a lived commitment to racial, economic, and environmental justice, the ability to sit with hard questions, and the humility to offer a candid view and stay open to changing it.

What trustees commit to

  • Attend and prepare for all Board meetings. The Board meets quarterly in 2027, with two meetings held virtually and one to two in person.

  • Serve on at least one Board committee. Committees meet by video.

  • Take part in the 2027 strategic planning process.

  • Stay engaged with staff and the President & CEO between meetings.

What trustees can expect

  • An optional annual honorarium of $40,000, so that people who might not otherwise have the time or financial means can serve

  • A structured onboarding, with briefings on governance, grantmaking, and investments

  • Direct support from the Board Liaison for scheduling, materials, and logistics

  • Reimbursement of Foundation-related travel and expenses

  • A Board culture that values candor, curiosity, and respect

How to apply

Complete the short self-nomination form. You will be asked for your contact information, your resume, and a brief statement on why you want to join the Board. Tell us about specific work, decisions, or experiences that show your values in action.

[Button: Apply — https://form.jotform.com/262704561914054]

Know someone we should meet?

Many of the strongest trustees are people who would never put themselves forward. If someone comes to mind, tell us about them. It takes about two minutes, and we will handle the outreach.

[Button: Refer someone — https://form.jotform.com/262602550820045]

Timeline

Conversations with candidates will take place through the fall and early winter of 2026. The Independent Trustee Search Committee will interview a small group of finalists, with the goal of welcoming new trustees in the first quarter of 2027. The committee is prioritizing the right fit over speed.

Questions

Nonprofit Leadership LLC is conducting this search on behalf of Nathan Cummings Foundation. All inquiries are held in confidence. Contact Elle Benson at elle@nonprofit-leadership.com.

Nathan Cummings Foundation strongly encourages applications from people of color, people with disabilities, women, LGBTQ+ people, and others from communities underrepresented in philanthropic leadership.