Published on January 02, 2026
The Kalamazoo Foundation for Excellence (FFE) is now accepting applications for two volunteer Director positions on the FFE Board of Directors. Applications are open beginning today and will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. EST on January 31, 2026.
Two seats are available for initial three-year terms running from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2029. These positions represent the Neighborhood and Arts Community Stakeholder sectors.
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Board of Directors Application (PDF)(PDF, 184KB)
Neighborhood Stakeholder Director This Director must be a resident of a City of Kalamazoo neighborhood with an established neighborhood association. FFE prioritizes rotating representation among all City neighborhoods, giving additional consideration to neighborhoods where at least 51% of households earn at or below 80% of the area median income. Only one representative per neighborhood may serve at a time; currently, the Vine and Oakwood neighborhoods are represented.
Arts Community Stakeholder Director This Director will be selected from a local nonprofit art, music, or performing arts organization. Applicants should be directly connected to the arts community and committed to advancing arts access and expression in Kalamazoo.
FFE Board Directors are responsible for governing and stewarding the FFE organization and endowment so that it remains a source of community support for generations to come. Directors must attend four in-person Board meetings annually; serve on committees and take an active role in Board work; abide by the organization’s Bylaws, Articles, and policies, including the Attendance Policy; and recommend annual allocations to the Kalamazoo City Commission that support priority investments aligned with the Imagine Kalamazoo Vision.
Directors must meet general eligibility requirements, including not being a disqualified person under the City Code or its regulations, not being in default to the City of Kalamazoo, and people whose membership could cause the FFE to be considered a private foundation.
The application takes approximately 5–10 minutes to complete, and a resume or CV is required. Applications may be submitted through any of the following methods by 11:59 p.m. EST on January 31, 2026:
After the application period closes, a review committee will evaluate submissions in February. The Kalamazoo City Commission will consider and vote on recommended candidates in March, followed by a vote of the FFE Board in April. Newly appointed Directors will begin their three-year terms on June 1, 2026.
The Kalamazoo Foundation for Excellence is an innovative partnership between the City of Kalamazoo and local philanthropy designed to address systemic challenges and expand opportunities for all residents. Each year, FFE funding allows the City to lower the property tax rate, stabilize the City budget, and invest in aspirational, community-driven projects that advance the Imagine Kalamazoo Vision. These investments help ensure that all Kalamazoo residents can achieve the lives they want for themselves and their families. To learn more about FFE, visit www.KalamazooFFE.org.
Potential applicants or community members may contact FFE@kalamazoocity.org for more information or with any questions.