How Springboard Works

Common Good Ventures Springboard brings together local business leaders to contribute their expertise to help nonprofit organizations through an energetic 90-minute brainstorming session.

Each month, a selected nonprofit presents a specific challenge to a group of Springboard panelists. Common Good Ventures helps each nonprofit identify an appropriate question that has both tactical dimensions and strategic implications for the group. Following a carefully structured and rehearsed 10 minute background Powerpoint presentation by the nonprofit, panelists brainstorm recommendations in a creative facilitated session.

Springboard offers nonprofits invaluable access to fresh insights and perspectives. Business leaders have a chance to volunteer their talents in a productive and meaningful way and to get to know 8-10 other talented professionals who share their desire to use their experience for good causes. Feedback from both panelists and presenters at Springboard sessions is overwhelmingly positive.

Consistent with Common Good Ventures' goals of helping all Maine youth succeed as young adults and Maine's elders age independently, we are currently inviting only nonprofits that work with youth or seniors to present at Springboard.

We are grateful to our hosts, VIA for providing the facility, expert participation ...and the bagels and coffee each month.

Many thanks to our professional facilitators who adeptly and generously volunteer their skills to manage all of the great ideas!

For more information on how Springboards work: