Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Asheville-Buncombe Community Land Trust!
Our mission is achieved through active participation of community members like you. Your time and efforts help us amplify local voices and collaborate across sections in intentional ways that work to achieve systemic change. Volunteers contribute their unique talents and knowledge so that we remain responsive to the desires of our neighbors. As a rapidly growing organization, ABCLT has many volunteer opportunities – some individuals serve on the committees outlined below while others work behind the scenes to ensure effective operations.
You can also volunteer services or in-kind donations! Learn more.
Volunteer on a Committee
Finance Committee
Purpose: To provide financial oversight for the organization, including financial planning, financial reporting, and the creation and monitoring of internal controls.
Meeting Frequency: Every Other Month
Number of Members: 5-7
Term Limit: up to (3) 2-year terms; members may rejoin the committee after stepping off the committee for at least one full year.
Budgeting and Financial Planning
- Work with staff to draft and review annual budgets that integrate strategic plan objectives and initiatives.
- Approve the annual budget and recommend it to the Board of Directors for final approval.
- Monitor adherence to the budget.
- Make recommendations to the Board of Directors for long-range financial goals.
- Set short- and long-term fiscal goals to ensure organizational sustainability and success.
- Recommend external financial auditors to the board and manage the external audit process.
- Identify short- and long-term financial challenges before they become urgent issues.
- Present financial goals and proposals to the Board of Directors for determination.
Reporting and Compliance
- Review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports and suggest adjustments as required.
- Regularly present financial reports to the Board of Directors.
- Collaborate with the Fund Development Committee to monitor progress towards annual fulfillment of fundraising goals.
- Collaborate with the Community Relations Committee to maintain a roster of active members.
- Develop and monitor appropriate financial policies and procedures to ensure the assets of the organization are protected.
- Ensure accurate and timely filings to the IRS.
- Serve as an ongoing resource and advisor to staff on financial issues.
- Collaborate with the Governance Committee to ensure that all board members receive training on understanding the organization’s finances.
Governance Committee
Purpose: To ensure that the board governs effectively and maintains proper board composition.
Meeting Frequency: Every Other Month
Number of Members: 5-7
Term Limit: up to (3) 2-year terms; members may rejoin the committee after stepping off the committee for at least one full year.
- Develop and implement a strategic board member recruitment process for identifying, cultivating, and nominating future board members.
- With input from the board, annually develop a list of competencies and demographics needed on the board. Such criteria shall include knowledge, experience, skills, expertise, and diversity which enhance the board’s ability to manage and direct the affairs and business of the organization, including the ability of committees to fulfill their duties.
- Review prospective board members’ applications and qualifications based on the competencies and demographics needed at the time to determine fit with the organization.
- Ensure board composition embraces and exemplifies the principles and core values of the organization.
- Track term expirations and maintain a succession plan for board vacancies. Upon the resignation or removal of an officer or director, recommend a candidate to fill the vacancy to the Board if required.
- Assist in recruiting non-board members to committees to add value and potentially serve as future board members.
- Develop and implement a board development plan to include methods and tools for orienting, training, educating, and evaluating the board.
- Collaborate with the Finance Committee and staff to orient board and committee members to organizational and board policies, practices, programs, finances, responsibilities, and plans for the future.
- Oversee a mentorship program where new board members are paired with a more experienced board member.
- Conduct a board self-assessment at least every two years to measure the board’s effectiveness and to identify areas for improvement and present the assessment results and recommendations to the board.
- Create an annual board calendar for approval by the full board.
- Review and monitor compliance with the organization’s bylaws as well as board-approved policies and recommend changes as necessary.
- Regularly review the organization’s committee structure, including responsibilities and composition, and recommend changes as needed.
Real Estate Committee
Purpose: To support ABCLT’s land acquisition and construction efforts in developing permanently affordable housing.
Meeting Frequency: Every Month
Number of Members: 5-9
Term Limit: up to (3) 2-year terms; members may rejoin the committee after stepping off the committee for at least one full year.
- Create annual and three-year development plans.
- Draft construction and design standards for development.
- Identify and build relationships with developers and other nonprofits for collaboration with ABCLT.
- Educate developers about the benefits, value, and distinct nature of ABCLT.
- Review the financial feasibility, social need, community compatibility, and environmental impact of property acquisitions and major construction or rehabilitation projects including the redevelopment or recapitalization of projects already in ABCLT’s portfolio.
- Assist staff in identifying and reviewing potential sites for development.
- Keep abreast of current events impacting affordable housing in Buncombe County.
- Research and share innovative housing solutions from other CLTs and affordable housing providers.
- Evaluate proposed projects and recommend their approval or denial to the ABCLT board.
- Review ABCLT’s overall development pipeline to assure geographic, housing tenure, and affordability mix.
- Develop and recommend policies regarding real estate development to the ABCLT board.