Join the Development Committee

Volunteer Development Committee Member

Are you passionate about urban agriculture and sustainable community building? How would you like to help make a tangible impact that will be enjoyed and shared for generations to come? The Bloomington Community Orchard (BCO) is looking for leaders to advance our mission - to dream, build and share an Orchard community, while cultivating thriving systems of growing and sharing healthful food. We are looking for enthusiastic and committed individuals, who are interested in learning through hands-on education, improving local resilience, and making a sustainable difference in our local and at-large communities and food systems.

Why Join the Bloomington Community Orchard?

As one of the forerunners of a rapidly growing movement, the Bloomington Community Orchard is on the forefront of sustainable living and community building. Incredible volunteers have helped the BCO take root as a resource nurtured by the community, for the community. But our efforts go much farther. Each year we help educate and empower individuals and organizations around the world, looking to grow their own collaborative commons around our sustainable model.

What does the Development Committee do?

The Development Committee raises the funds needed to support the orchards mission and vision. Each year the Development Committee helps oversee our strategic development plan through grant applications, events, donor solicitations, fundraising campaigns and other development initiatives. Innovations and inspiration are always welcome!

What is the Development Committee Members Role?

As a member of the Development Committee, you would take part in creating and nourishing partnerships with local businesses and corporations, writing and sending individual donor solicitation requests, tabling events and interacting with potential donors, planning and executing 1-2 fundraising events a year, assisting the Orchards Grants Manager with researching and writing grants, and exploring new avenues for fundraising. If you have a particular interest in any of these areas or another piece of development, we encourage committee members to pursue those passions and take this opportunity to learn and grow these skills for a good cause. On average, this role takes about 5 to 8 hours per month including a required monthly meeting (1-2 hours),and the schedule is flexible to your ability to contribute.

Desired Skills and Experience

We are looking for individuals who are confident in sharing their passion for improving the overall health of the community by connecting people with their food systems and empowering urban agriculture initiatives through hands-on education. We cultivate leaders who can be involved in various stages of fundraising. No prior experience in fundraising or development is required, just a willingness to learn and collaborate.