Fountain Blues Foundation

Welcome to the Fountain Blues Foundation, where the spirit of the blues thrives in Santa Clara County. Thank you for considering a board position with us.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we are devoted to preserving and promoting the blues through live performances, broadcasts, lectures, and community education. Our jewel, the San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival, is the Bay Area's longest-running blues festival.

Recently joined by the Silicon Valley Blues Society, and in collaboration with the San Jose Downtown Association and San Jose Jazz, we've strengthened our impact. Our proactive Board focuses on year-round fundraising events, showcasing regional blues artists and embedding the blues in the community.

Join us to provide a platform for blues musicians, expose the broader music community to the blues, create mentorship opportunities, and form local partnerships contributing to San Jose's economic development.

Board Meetings:

The Fountain Blues Foundation Board of Directors presently meets at 6 PM on the first Wednesday of every month. Our plan is to transition to quarterly board meetings as soon as practical.

And, sometimes we meet outside of the boardroom.

Foundation Goals:

  1. Provide a Platform: We offer live performance opportunities for blues musicians in the face of diminishing prospects.
  2. Community Exposure: We're on a mission to introduce the broader music community, especially young artists and audiences, to the captivating world of blues.
  3. Mentorship Opportunities: Our goal is to create meaningful avenues for musicians to find mentorship and industry experiences that foster professional growth.
  4. Local Partnerships: Collaborating with local venues and merchants, we aim to promote the blues art form and contribute to the economic development of San Jose.

If you're passionate about music, community, and making a lasting impact, explore the possibility of joining the Fountain Blues Foundation's Board of Directors.

Building a Robust Board

Developing a more comprehensive Board of Directors is paramount to ensuring the continued success of the Fountain Blues Foundation amid evolving market conditions and transitions in board membership. This diverse board will play a pivotal role in fulfilling our mission to promote blues music, particularly among young people, and organizing our annual blues festival.

Key Board Member Categories:

  1. Musical Expertise:
    • Individuals with a profound understanding and experience in blues music.
    • Provide insights into the genre's history, trends, and evolving musical landscape.
    • Curate performances and ensure authenticity and quality in the music promoted.
  2. Youth Engagement and Education:
    • Board members well-versed in engaging with young people.
    • Understand how to connect with and appeal to a younger audience.
    • Contribute ideas and strategies for educational programs promoting blues music among the youth.
  3. Event Management and Festival Experience:
    • Individuals with expertise in event management, festival planning, and logistics.
    • Oversee the organization of the annual blues festival, ensuring smooth operations and a memorable experience.
  4. Fundraising and Sponsorship:
    • Board members skilled in fundraising, grant applications, and corporate sponsorship.
    • Play a crucial role in securing financial resources to support initiatives and ensure organizational sustainability.
  5. Marketing and Public Relations:
    • Members with marketing and PR expertise to effectively promote blues music and the annual festival.
    • Devise marketing strategies, manage media relations, and utilize digital platforms for increased visibility.
  6. Community Engagement and Outreach:
    • Board members with strong community ties and experience in outreach initiatives.
    • Foster partnerships with local organizations, schools, and community groups, aligning with downtown San Jose's redevelopment plans.
  7. Legal and Governance:
    • Individuals with legal knowledge and governance experience.
    • Ensure compliance with regulations, handle contracts, and provide guidance on ethical and legal matters.
  8. Financial Management:
    • Members with financial expertise and experience.
    • Oversee budgets, financial reporting, and ensure responsible financial practices.
  9. Technology and Digital Strategy:
    • Board members familiar with technology and digital strategies.
    • Implement innovative approaches to reach a wider audience and streamline operations.
  10. Diversity and Inclusion:
    • Board members from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
    • Contribute to a well-rounded decision-making process for more inclusive programming and representation within the organization.

As you explore the possibility of joining our Board of Directors, we welcome individuals who align with these categories and bring depth to our mission.

Subcommittees: Optimizing Our Path Forward

As we chart the course for the future of the Fountain Blues Foundation, it is imperative that we explore innovative ways to optimize our efforts and ensure the continued growth of our organization. One such avenue for achieving these goals is the creation of strategic subcommittees composed of dedicated individuals, both from within our current membership and from the broader community. This memorandum seeks to shed light on the significant benefits that subcommittees can offer and how they can propel us towards a more comprehensive and impactful Board of Directors.

Harnessing Specialized Expertise & Cultivating Future Leaders: The diverse skill sets and expertise possessed by individuals outside our board can be harnessed through subcommittees. By focusing on specific aspects of our organization such as fundraising, event planning, marketing, or community outreach, these subcommittees can bring fresh perspectives and innovative strategies that may not have been previously explored. This infusion of new ideas and practices can invigorate our initiatives and lead to more effective and dynamic outcomes.

One of the most significant long-term advantages of forming subcommittees lies in their potential to serve as a fertile ground for future board members. As individuals within these subcommittees immerse themselves in our organization's workings, they gain invaluable insights and experience that can contribute to their development as potential board candidates. This internal pipeline can provide a consistent source of qualified and committed individuals who are well-acquainted with our mission and goals.

We can look to our database of FBBF volunteers for subcommittee member candidates.

Efficient Work Distribution: Subcommittees allow for a more efficient distribution of tasks and responsibilities, preventing the burden of numerous responsibilities from falling solely on the shoulders of board members. By entrusting dedicated individuals to handle projects or areas, we can achieve more streamlined and organized operations throughout the year. This approach not only ensures the quality execution of tasks but also enhances the overall productivity of our organization.

Strengthening Community Connections: Engaging people from outside the current board to participate in subcommittees can help us build stronger connections with our community. By involving individuals who are passionate about our cause but may not have the capacity to commit to full board membership, we foster inclusivity and broaden our reach. This, in turn, contributes to expanding our network and enhancing the community's perception of our foundation.

In conclusion, the creation of subcommittees presents us with an exceptional opportunity to drive efficiency, innovation, and community engagement within the Fountain Blues Foundation. By embracing these subcommittees, we not only harness a diverse array of talents but also pave the way for a more comprehensive and vibrant board of directors in the future. I urge each of you to consider the potential benefits outlined above and to engage in a thoughtful discussion about how best to implement this strategy for the betterment of our organization.

Skills & Characteristics

Developing a robust Board of Directors is pivotal for the success and sustainability of any nonprofit organization, particularly in the realm of music. Below are key characteristics and skills we consider when evaluating candidates for the Board of Directors:

Passion for the Mission: Candidates should genuinely embrace FBF's mission and goals, particularly within the context of a music nonprofit. A personal connection to music or an understanding of its transformative power can fortify their commitment.

Diversity: A diverse board brings varied perspectives and experiences, enriching decision-making processes. FBF should actively seek candidates from different backgrounds, cultures, genders, ages, and areas of expertise to ensure well-rounded discussions.

Expertise in Relevant Fields: Look for candidates with expertise in areas pertinent to the music industry and nonprofit management. This may include music education, performance, arts administration, fundraising, finance, legal affairs, and marketing.

Leadership Experience: Candidates should boast a proven track record of leadership in their respective fields. Strong leadership skills are vital for guiding the organization, making strategic decisions, and fostering collaboration.

Financial Acumen: Board members with financial skills contribute to the organization's fiscal health. They should comprehend budgeting, financial analysis, fundraising, and the nuances of nonprofit financial management.

Fundraising and Networking Skills: Valuable board members contribute to fundraising efforts and bring in valuable connections. Seek candidates with strong networks and a history of successful fundraising.

Strategic Thinkers: Board members should possess the ability to think critically and strategically, aiding in setting long-term goals, evaluating organizational performance, and adapting to changing circumstances.

Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial for board members to interact with each other, the organization's staff, donors, and the wider community. Look for candidates who can articulate ideas clearly and engage in constructive dialogue.

Ethics and Integrity: Board members should uphold the highest ethical standards and act with integrity. Their decisions should align with the organization's values and the interests of the communities they serve.

Problem-Solving Abilities: In any nonprofit, complex challenges can arise. Candidates with a history of creative problem-solving and collaborative work to find solutions are invaluable.

Commitment and Availability: Board members should be willing and able to dedicate time and effort to the organization. This includes attending regular meetings, participating in committee work, and actively contributing between meetings.

Learning Mindset: The music industry and nonprofit landscape continually evolve. Seek candidates open to learning, adapting to new trends, and staying informed about best practices.

Team Player: A harmonious board works effectively together. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to collaborate and build positive relationships with other board members, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.