Board Member (Arts Nonprofit)
Bay Area Glass Institute, San Jose, CA, United States
Please apply using this form: https://lhhhwyssza0.typeform.com/to/UCu80emB
Organization Overview
The Bay Area Glass Institute (BAGI) is a San José–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit and one of Northern California’s most comprehensive public-access glass studios. With four fully equipped studios—hotshop, flame shop, kiln shop, and coldshop—BAGI provides hands-on glass education, studio access, and public programming that supports artists and engages the broader community.
Founded in 1996, BAGI has grown from a backyard hot shop into a vital cultural institution serving the South Bay and beyond.
Mission
To provide accessible, hands-on glass experiences that educate and inspire current and future generations of students, artists, patrons, and community members.
Vision
To serve as a leading public-access glass arts center offering the widest range of instruction, events, and studio rentals across furnace glass, flameworking, fusing, casting, and cold working.
Organizational Impact (2025)
10,000+ hands-on educational experiences delivered
201+ working artists and students supported
23 employees, including five administrative staff
$1.9 million in earned and contributed revenue
Signature events such as the Great Glass Pumpkin Patch, drawing thousands annually
BAGI is supported in part by the City of San José Office of Cultural Affairs and plays a key role in strengthening the region’s creative economy and cultural infrastructure.
The Opportunity
BAGI seeks engaged, mission-driven Board Members to help steward the organization through its next phase of growth. Board Members serve as strategic partners to the Executive Director, providing governance, financial oversight, fundraising leadership, and community connection. This is a working board focused on sustainability, strategic growth, and measurable impact.
Board Responsibilities
Governance & Strategy
Set long-term direction and strategic priorities
Ensure alignment with mission and nonprofit best practices
Financial Oversight
Review financial statements and budgets
Support fiscal sustainability and capital planning
Fundraising & Resource Development
Fulfill a $5,000 annual “give or get” commitment
Assist with donor cultivation, sponsorship outreach, and community introductions
Ambassadorship
Champion BAGI within professional, civic, and arts networks
Support major programs and fundraising events
Board Members serve on at least one committee and contribute approximately 5 hours per month.
Ideal Backgrounds
BAGI is particularly interested in leaders with experience in:
Finance or accounting
Real estate or construction
Fundraising and development
Nonprofit governance
Marketing or communications
Legal or HR
Deep connections within San José communities, particularly those underrepresented in the arts
Local arts ecosystem experience
Terms & Expectations
Term: 3 years
Meetings: Approximately 6 per year + one strategy session
Attendance: Minimum 50%
Financial Commitment: $5,000 annual give or get
Location: Bay Area (in-person engagement required)
Why Serve?
Serving on the BAGI Board offers the opportunity to:
Steward one of San José’s most distinctive community arts institutions
Expand equitable access to arts education
Support working artists and the creative economy
Apply professional expertise to meaningful civic impact
Shape the future of a growing, financially stable nonprofit
Please apply using this form:
https://lhhhwyssza0.typeform.com/to/UCu80emB
Organization Overview
The Bay Area Glass Institute (BAGI) is a San José–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit and one of Northern California’s most comprehensive public-access glass studios. With four fully equipped studios—hotshop, flame shop, kiln shop, and coldshop—BAGI provides hands-on glass education, studio access, and public programming that supports artists and engages the broader community.
Founded in 1996, BAGI has grown from a backyard hot shop into a vital cultural institution serving the South Bay and beyond.
Mission
To provide accessible, hands-on glass experiences that educate and inspire current and future generations of students, artists, patrons, and community members.
Vision
To serve as a leading public-access glass arts center offering the widest range of instruction, events, and studio rentals across furnace glass, flameworking, fusing, casting, and cold working.
Organizational Impact (2025)
10,000+ hands-on educational experiences delivered
201+ working artists and students supported
23 employees, including five administrative staff
$1.9 million in earned and contributed revenue
Signature events such as the Great Glass Pumpkin Patch, drawing thousands annually
BAGI is supported in part by the City of San José Office of Cultural Affairs and plays a key role in strengthening the region’s creative economy and cultural infrastructure.
The Opportunity
BAGI seeks engaged, mission-driven Board Members to help steward the organization through its next phase of growth. Board Members serve as strategic partners to the Executive Director, providing governance, financial oversight, fundraising leadership, and community connection. This is a working board focused on sustainability, strategic growth, and measurable impact.
Board Responsibilities
Governance & Strategy
Set long-term direction and strategic priorities
Ensure alignment with mission and nonprofit best practices
Financial Oversight
Review financial statements and budgets
Support fiscal sustainability and capital planning
Fundraising & Resource Development
Fulfill a $5,000 annual “give or get” commitment
Assist with donor cultivation, sponsorship outreach, and community introductions
Ambassadorship
Champion BAGI within professional, civic, and arts networks
Support major programs and fundraising events
Board Members serve on at least one committee and contribute approximately 5 hours per month.
Ideal Backgrounds
BAGI is particularly interested in leaders with experience in:
Finance or accounting
Real estate or construction
Fundraising and development
Nonprofit governance
Marketing or communications
Legal or HR
Deep connections within San José communities, particularly those underrepresented in the arts
Local arts ecosystem experience
Terms & Expectations
Term: 3 years
Meetings: Approximately 6 per year + one strategy session
Attendance: Minimum 50%
Financial Commitment: $5,000 annual give or get
Location: Bay Area (in-person engagement required)
Why Serve?
Serving on the BAGI Board offers the opportunity to:
Steward one of San José’s most distinctive community arts institutions
Expand equitable access to arts education
Support working artists and the creative economy
Apply professional expertise to meaningful civic impact
Shape the future of a growing, financially stable nonprofit
Please apply using this form:
https://lhhhwyssza0.typeform.com/to/UCu80emB