Join the Board

Together, We Cultivate More Than Food

Join the Mitchell Giving Gardens Board of Directors and help nurture community, connection, and lasting food security across Mitchell County.

Why serve on the board?

Mitchell Giving Gardens (MGG) cultivates community through hands-on programs that grow food, knowledge, and connection across Mitchell County. As a board member, you’ll provide strategic oversight, steward our resources, and help us ensure no-cost, fresh produce reaches neighbors who need it most—while strengthening a resilient local food system.

  • Advance food access & community health

  • Strengthen local agriculture & partnerships

  • Champion equity, inclusion, and transparency in governance

  • Open doors to funding and capacity for the long haul

Three people working in a garden bed with mulch, using shovels and a wheelbarrow, surrounded by green trees and raised garden beds under a blue sky.

What we are looking for

We welcome lived experience with food insecurity, public health, education, gardening/farming, or community organizing, alongside leadership skills in:

  • Fundraising & donor relations

  • Legal & compliance

  • Nonprofit governance

  • Data & evaluation

Note: Diverse backgrounds make better boards. We encourage applications from people of all ages, races, ethnicities, incomes, abilities, and identities.

Role & Responsibilities

  • Steward the mission and set strategy

  • Support/hire the ED (or acting leadership) and evaluate performance

  • Approve budgets & policies; oversee risk and compliance

  • Champion fundraising (give, get, and invite)

  • Show up prepared, engaged, and collaborative

Time & Giving Expectations

  • Term: ___ years, renewable (max ___ consecutive terms)

  • Meetings: ___ regular meetings/year (~2 hrs each)

  • Committees: 1 committee or working group (~2–4 hrs/month)

  • Events: Help host/attend Harvest Tables, volunteer days, or donor gatherings

  • Annual Give/Get: $500 (personally meaningful gifts welcome; fundraising/introductions count toward “get”)

  • Total time: ~5–8 hrs/month average, seasonal peaks possible

A woman watering plants in a garden bed outdoors on a sunny day
Group of people gathered around a table with fresh vegetables at an outdoor farmers market or sale, including zucchini and broccoli.
Raised garden beds filled with flowering plants and climbing vines, with a dirt pathway and trees in the background under a bright blue sky with clouds.
Two people standing in front of a Mitchell Giving Garden banner, smiling. The woman on the left is wearing a light-colored shirt with rolled-up sleeves and blue jeans, while the man on the right is wearing a yellow short-sleeved shirt with floral patterns and dark shorts, holding a tent pole.
Fresh blueberries in a light blue container surrounded by leafy greens and produce shopping bags.

Let’s work together

Interested in joining the MGG Board of Directors? Share a few details below, and we’ll reach out to connect about next steps. We’re excited to learn more about you!

 FAQs

  • Volunteers help with the hands-on work that keeps our programs thriving—planting, harvesting, hosting events, and sharing food with the community.


    Board members focus on the big picture: guiding strategy, overseeing resources, and helping MGG grow sustainably for years to come.

  • Fundraising is a shared effort—it’s one of the ways we keep MGG’s work thriving. Board members are asked to make a personally meaningful annual donation and to help connect the organization with potential donors, sponsors, or partners. Some members give financially, others help build relationships or share our story in the community. Every contribution makes a difference.

  • Absolutely. We welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences. What matters most is your commitment to our mission and your willingness to learn.

  • Board members typically give about 5–8 hours per month, depending on the season. That includes attending regular board meetings, serving on a committee, and joining special events like Harvest Tables or volunteer days. We know everyone’s time is valuable, and we do our best to make participation flexible and meaningful.

  • Yes, but it’s based on what’s personally meaningful to you. We ask each board member to make an annual donation and to help with fundraising in ways that fit their strengths—whether that’s connecting us with a sponsor, inviting friends to an event, or simply spreading the word about our work.

  • That’s perfectly okay! Many of our board members are involved in other community efforts. We just ask you to share any relationships that could overlap with MGG’s work so we can make decisions transparently and avoid conflicts. Members annually disclose relevant affiliations and step back from any discussion or vote where a personal or financial interest could interfere with their duty to act in MGG’s best interest.