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The Lupine Community School Board of Directors Application

Who we are

The Lupine Community School is a nonprofit, nature-based school on a 7-acre working farm in Chapel Hill. The farm is our classroom. Children spend their days outdoors caring for more than 20 rescued farm animals, tending gardens of native plants, vegetables, fruits and herbs, and learning through what they see, touch and wonder about.

Our Reggio Emilia-inspired approach follows children's interests and weaves in academics, with small classes and a strong focus on social-emotional learning. Teachers build reading, writing, math and science into hands-on projects, so children build strong academic foundations while learning from the world around them.

Along the way we've secured our permanent farm campus, added specialist staff and welcomed new animal ambassadors. Lupine is growing: we're adding classes as we expand with new grades, hosting farm events that bring our wider community onto the land, and building out summer programs.

Our volunteer Board of Directors keeps the school strong: setting direction, stewarding finances, building community and bringing in the resources that keep Lupine accessible. We need board members who can help us plan, fund and share this next chapter so Lupine stays strong and accessible for years to come.

The next chapter depends on a strong, hands-on Board. We're looking for people who care about children, the land and an inclusive, compassionate community, and who like to roll up their sleeves.

Learn more at thelupinecommunityschool.com

Where we need help most

Events & Community Engagement Oversee afternoon, weekend and special events; rally volunteers; grow engagement from Lupine families and the wider community; support outreach and social media. Helpful experience: event planning, volunteer coordination, community organizing, marketing

Board Secretary Take and share minutes, keep board records organized, track action items and deadlines. Helpful experience: note-taking, admin or operations, nonprofit governance

Finance Committee Review budgets and monthly financials, support the annual budget and filings, plan for sustainability. Helpful experience: accounting, bookkeeping, finance, nonprofit budgets

Grants, Partnerships & Fundraising Find and write grants, build relationships with local businesses, foundations and organizations, support donor campaigns. Helpful experience: grant writing, fundraising, partnerships, local networks

We welcome other skills too, such as education, legal, facilities, animal care or DEI. Tell us what you'd bring.

What we ask

Term: Two years (preferred) Meetings: In person (virtual when this is not possible), monthly or every other month, about 2 hours. Usually on Friday mornings from 9-11am. Between meetings: About 2–3 hours a week, depending on current projects Committee Expectations: Join at least one Committee or role Ambassador: Champion Lupine in the community and support our fundraising in whatever way you can Volunteer role: Board service is unpaid Visit our website Applications close Friday, October 30, 2026.
The application takes about 10 minutes.

Full name

Email

Phone number

Town/City where you live

How did you first hear about Lupine?

Occupation

LinkedIn or Website

Your connection to Lupine

Which roles or committees interest you?

Which areas do you have hands-on experience in?

Why do you want to join the Board of Directors of The Lupine Community School?

What excites you most about our mission and approach?

Briefly describe your experience in the areas you selected, with an example or two.

Have you served on a nonprofit, school or community Board or Committee? If yes, where and in what role?

What connects you to nature-based, inclusive education?

What local relationships or networks (businesses, foundations, community groups) could you help Lupine connect with?

Looking at the next two years, where do you think you could make the biggest difference for Lupine?

Do you have any potential conflicts of interest (e.g., employment at Lupine, business with the school)?

Are you able to commit to 5-6 hours per month (on average) for Board meetings and committee work?

A
B

I understand Board service is a two-year term, voluntary and unpaid, and that Board members are asked to champion Lupine and support fundraising in a way that works for them

Resume and/or short cover letter

Anything else you'd like us to know, or questions for us?