Success Beyond Limits – Finance

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About the Organization

VISION

A collaborative, youth-led, community based movement that provides youth with holistic supports to complete their education and experience success in their lives.

MISSION

To improve educational outcomes, expand possibilities, and support youth in Jane and Finch along their individual paths to success.

GRADUATION MODEL

Success Beyond Limits exists to provide youth with the opportunity to progress from where ever they are to where ever they want to be. This is reflected in our programming, in which Mentees become Mentors-in-training, then become Mentors, who go on to play a variety of roles within our organizations (as tutors, co-op students and board members), eventually making contributions to the broader community.

VALUES

Youth-led: Everything we do aspires to and is designed for establishing youth ownership of SBL by engaging and responding to the voices of youth. Youth are involved in our governance, as well as planning, adjusting, and delivering programming.

Collaborative: The common ground of success in education for our youth is where we meet with individuals, organizations, agencies, institutions and movements.

Community Based: Our focus, mandate and staffing are community-based, community-focused, and community-empowered.

Flexibility: All of our programming stays flexible in order to respond to the voice of the youth and their changing needs.

PROGRAM MODEL

Our focus is to reduce the impact of external factors that negatively affect the educational success of youth in Jane-Finch. We operate a 6-week summer program that offers credits, mentorship, youth employment, enrichment, nutrition, engagement, graduation, and relationship building.

We continue our support through our presence within Westview Centennial Secondary School, where we operate a youth space. Through this space, our staff support youth during the school day, run an after-school program, and connect youth to an array of diverse opportunities.

Responsibilities of the Board

As the highest leadership body of the organization and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the board is responsible for:

determining the mission of the organization and understanding its collective purpose
selecting, supporting, and evaluating the performance of the chief executive
strategic and organizational planning
ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management
fundraising and resource development
approving and monitoring the organization’s programs and services
enhancing the organization’s public image
assessing its own performance as the governing body of the organization
ensuring legal and ethical integrity

Roles and Responsibilities

Each individual board member is expected to:

know the organization’s mission, policies, programs, and needs as well as understand its collective purpose
faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements and board materials in advance of meetings
serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization
fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for the organization to advance its mission
leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to achieve the organization’s mission
help identify personal connections that can benefit the organization’s fundraising and reputational standing, and influence public policy
prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings
participate fully in one or more committees or taskforces
engage in learning opportunities to better understand the community we serve
respect the experiences of all who bring their voices and lived experiences into the boardroom and the organization
uphold the legal duties and laws regarding nonprofit governance
follow the organization’s bylaws, policies, and board resolutions
maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of the organization

Finance and Accounting Expertise

The Board Director with expertise in Finance and Accounting will contribute their general knowledge or subject matter expertise on topics related to:

Financial Literacy

Understanding Financial Statements: Ability to interpret balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, and other financial reports.
Budgeting: Experience in overseeing the creation, implementation, and monitoring of organizational budgets.
Financial Analysis: Ability to assess financial performance, identify trends, and make recommendations for improvement.
Cost Management: Knowledge of controlling costs and improving efficiency while maintaining quality.

Accounting Knowledge

Familiarity with accounting principles (e.g. NFPS) and an understanding of how they apply to the organization.
Ability to review accounting practices and ensure compliance with financial

Risk Management

Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate financial
Understanding of insurance policies, investments, and potential liabilities to protect the organization from financial threats.

Strategic Financial Planning

Experience in long-term financial planning to ensure
Knowledge of how financial decisions affect the overall strategy of the
Ability to make informed decisions about resource allocation, investments, and

Fundraising and Financial Development

Understanding of various fundraising strategies and how financial performance impacts fundraising efforts.
Ability to evaluate the financial aspects of funding sources and

Commitment & Expectations

Board Meetings: Approximately 2 hours four times per year for Board meetings (typically virtual) and an AGM.
Committee Meetings: Committees typically meet monthly or bimonthly

*Adopted from https://boardsource.org/resources/board-member-job-description/

The Board Director is a volunteer, non-paid member of the SBL Board of Directors. If you have any questions about the role or are interested in volunteering on the SBL Board of Directors, send your questions and/or resume to Tammie Orifa at [email protected]. Directors on the SBL Board are expected to adhere to the Privacy and Confidentiality policies of the organization and must express any known or potential conflicts of interest while affiliated with the organization.

To learn more about Success Beyond Limits, please visit their website at https://www.successbl.com/.