Board of Directors Nomination
The Cultivating Change Foundation, a LGBTQ+ foundation, is dedicated to advancing the LGBTQ+ community in food and agriculture.
The Cultivating Change Foundation (CCF) is now accepting nominations for our Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term. If you are passionate about building a more inclusive and equitable food and agriculture sector, and want to help elevate LGBTQ+ voices across our field, we would love to hear from you. Nominations are due on November 14, 2025.
Who We’re Looking For
We are intentionally seeking board members who reflect the diversity and richness of the communities we serve. For the upcoming term, we are especially seeking individuals who bring diverse identities, disciplines, and experiences in food and agriculture.
We strongly encourage applications from:
Women, trans, and non-binary leaders
People of color
LGBTQ+ farmers and producers
Individuals with experience in law, finance, or governance
What Makes a Strong Candidate
Our ideal board members are:
Committed to CCF’s mission and values of openness, inclusion, and innovation
Connected to food and agriculture, personally or professionally, and able to represent the diversity of identities within the LGBTQ+ community
Ready to contribute 5–8 hours per month through board meetings, committee work, and supporting programs and organizational priorities
Willing to fundraise and advocate by sharing networks, cultivating partnerships, and connecting CCF to new opportunities for growth
Dedicated to building diversity and equity across the organization and the broader sector
Please do not apply if you are simply seeking a board title for your résumé. We are looking for dedicated, responsive, and passionate individuals who want to contribute meaningfully to CCF’s mission. As a growing organization, we prioritize people eager to actively support our growth and impact.
If you are new to CCF, we encourage you to explore our work at www.thecultivatingchangefoundation.org.
Board Responsibilities
Board members serve as ambassadors and stewards of CCF’s mission by:
Setting strategic direction and advancing our long-term vision
Providing oversight of financial health and organizational integrity
Serving actively on committees that advance program, development, or governance priorities
Supporting fundraising and leveraging networks to grow CCF’s reach and impact
Enhancing visibility and credibility of CCF across the food and agriculture sector
Commitment and Expectations:
Dedicate approximately 6–8 hours per month to board activities, including meetings, committee work, and organizational engagement
Attend all scheduled board meetings; members may miss one meeting per year without prior excuse, and any additional absences must be pre-approved
Make a personally meaningful monetary contribution to support CCF’s mission and growth
Attend and participate in the Cultivating Change Summit or at least two virtual or regional events each year to stay connected with our community and programs
Actively serve on at least one committee
Compensation: This is a volunteer position. Travel and lodging expenses related to board service are not covered but may be tax-deductible.
Nominating Guidelines
A complete nomination packet will include:
1. Nomination Form. Please complete the online nomination form.
2. Supporting Information. You are welcome, but not required, to include additional information in support of the nomination (e.g., resume or letters of recommendation), not to exceed five pages in addition to the nomination form itself. Supporting information may include any information relevant to the nomination criteria described above or that would otherwise assist the nominating committee in reviewing nominations.
3. Who May Nominate. Any person, or group may nominate one or more individuals. Self-nominations are accepted and will be given the same consideration as any other nomination.
4. Submitting Nominations. Submit nominations by completing the online form by November 14, 2025. Email Derek Mulhern, Executive Director for questions at derek.mulhern@thecultivatingchangefoundation.org.
Selection Process
The Cultivating Change Foundation nominating committee will review nominations and make recommendations to the Board of Directors. The nominating committee may interview nominees before making recommendations.
Join us in shaping a more inclusive and courageous future for LGBTQ+ people in food and agriculture. We look forward to welcoming new voices and perspectives to our Board.
Jon Doggett
Chair, Nominating Committee