Board Connect
Connecting Leaders, Transforming Boards
A nonprofit board fair for community members — whether you're board-curious or board-ready
📅 Date: Friday, February 20, 2026
🕓 Time: 1:00–4:00 PM
📍 Location: Hilltop Community Resources, 359 Main Street, Grand Junction, CO
🎟️ Free of charge for registered nonprofit exhibitors
📌 Format: This is an in-person training
Marketing Basics Bootcamp is a half-day, in-person workshop designed exclusively for nonprofit leaders who want a clearer, more manageable approach to marketing. Offered as part of Board Connect, this hands-on session is led by Cassie Fortman of Sassy Creative and founder of the Grand Mesa Business Guild, and focuses on practical tools and real-world strategies she has used to build a recognizable, engaging brand in a rural community.
Participants will complete a guided brand and online presence self-audit in advance, then work through the basics of branding, simple content creation in Canva, and approachable social media planning. Attendees will leave with increased clarity, confidence, and a realistic framework they can continue using long after the workshop.
Registered Board Connect nonprofit exhibitors who have paid the exhibitor fee may attend the Marketing Basics Bootcamp at no additional cost as part of their Board Connect registration. All other nonprofits may attend for $99.00. To ensure meaningful interaction and personalized guidance, participation is limited to 20 attendees.
All 2026 Board Connect Academy offerings are presented by Alpine Bank.
Explore. Connect.
See what’s possible.
Board Connect is a nonprofit board fair — a first-of-its-kind event on the Western Slope of Colorado that brings together local nonprofits and community members for meaningful, one-on-one conversations about board service.
Whether you’re brand new to the idea of serving on a board or already have experience and are looking for a new opportunity, this event is designed to help you explore, connect, and discover what’s possible.
Connecting Leaders, Transforming Boards
Picture a nonprofit sector where every board is a mosaic of stories, where lived experiences shape strategy and guide decision-making. In this world, diversity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the heartbeat of organizations, pulsing with the rhythms of community life.
However, a significant gap exists when it comes to everyday leaders and community members who either don’t know about board opportunities or feel they’re not qualified or wealthy enough to serve.
Many people — especially first-and second-generation Americans, individuals from non-white-collar families, and those who have never been asked to serve — don’t see board service as accessible or attainable.
The Board Connect is designed to bridge this gap, connecting nonprofits with a broader, more diverse pool of board members. By weaving together the threads of our collective experiences, we can create a tapestry of impact that reaches every corner of our community.
It’s time to embrace diversity, compassion, and the power of lived wisdom. Join us in this event of connection, understanding, and transformation.
What to Expect
🗨️ One-on-one conversations with local nonprofits
🧠 Insights into what board service actually involves
💡 Discover causes aligned with your values
🤝 Real-time networking with kindred spirits
✨ Space to explore opportunities that match your interests and goals
Who Should Attend
✔️ Emerging leaders seeking personal and leadership development
✔️ People curious about serving on a board
✔️ Individuals with lived experience, including former clients of nonprofits
✔️ Everyday leaders who haven’t been invited to serve—yet
✔️ Retired individuals ready for meaningful engagement
✔️ Mid-career professionals looking to lead locally
✔️ Experienced board members looking to serve a new mission
Why It Matters
Nonprofits are critical to a thriving, connected community—but they can’t do it alone. They need new energy, fresh perspectives, and community-minded individuals like you at the table.
And here’s something most people don’t realize:
Serving on a nonprofit board is also a powerful way to grow.
You’ll build leadership skills, expand your network, gain insight into how organizations operate, and strengthen your connection to your community.
It’s not just generous—it’s mutually beneficial.
