Governance Rebuild — Open Now

We Are Building a Board
That Believes Literacy Is Infrastructure.

J Merrill Foundation is active again with real programs, responsible stewardship systems, and a mission that connects authorship, access, financial confidence, faith-community relationships, and service. Board decisions ultimately serve children, families, adult learners, neighborhoods, and community partners.

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Real Infrastructure

The Foundation uses reliable tools for records, program visibility, responsible reporting, and impact accountability. Board members help steward both the mission and the systems that keep the work trustworthy.

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Proven Programs

We have already published a book with Chillicothe 8th graders, grown our Thanksgiving meal program from 25 families in 2023 to 75 in 2025, offered ESL classes, and operate a chartered Little Free Library. This is not a startup pitch.

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A Mission That Expands

Literacy is our anchor, but our scope is intentionally broad — reading, writing, digital, and financial literacy. There is room for every board member's expertise to matter here.

Open Board Seats (7)

Vice Chair

Immediate

Community leader with nonprofit governance experience. Partners with the Founder to set strategic direction and represent the Foundation externally.

Nonprofit leadershipCommunity relationshipsStrategic thinking

Secretary

Immediate

Detail-oriented professional responsible for meeting minutes, official records, and organizational documentation. Critical to governance integrity.

DocumentationOrganizational skillsAttention to detail

Treasurer

Immediate

Financial oversight, budget review, and 990 preparation support. CPA or accounting background strongly preferred.

Financial managementNonprofit accountingBudget analysis

Education & Literacy Seat

Priority

An educator, librarian, or academic who can guide curriculum development, school partnerships, and literacy program design.

Education backgroundCurriculum knowledgeSchool relationships

Technology Seat

Priority

IT professional or technologist who can help the Foundation use practical tools for reliable records, program visibility, and responsible reporting.

Technology leadershipProgram systemsDigital literacy

Community At-Large

Open

A trusted community voice representing the populations we serve. Brings lived experience and constituent perspective to every board decision.

Community tiesDiverse perspectiveAdvocacy background

Faith Community Liaison

Open

A representative from Agape International Cathedral or the broader faith community, helping strengthen trusted relationships and volunteer connection.

Faith community connectionVolunteer coordinationCommunity trust

Ready to Apply?

Submit your interest and tell us which seat you are applying for and why the Foundation's mission resonates with you. We will follow up within 5 business days to schedule a conversation.

Apply for a Board Seat

Or email us directly at foundation@jmerrill.one