Reflections on Board Service: Lessons and Pride from My Time with Spur Impact

By Meghan Erdman

Serving on a nonprofit board is a meaningful way to give back to the community while applying professional experience to a greater purpose. For me, joining the Spur Impact Board was both a professional milestone and a personal journey of growth, connection, and impact.

Why I Chose to Join a Board

My decision to join a board was driven by a desire to apply the knowledge and skills I’ve cultivated throughout my professional career to a nonprofit in my community. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to lead and support a variety of complex strategic projects within a large corporate environment.

These experiences equipped me with a strong understanding of strategic planning, operational efficiency, stakeholder management, and problem-solving; all of which are valuable assets to a nonprofit seeking to achieve its mission. Joining a board allowed me to bring this expertise into a space where strategy meets purpose, helping to strengthen a nonprofit, Spur Impact, working to make a real difference.

Why I Chose the Spur Impact Board

Beyond the opportunity to give back, I was eager to learn and grow in new ways. Joining the Spur Impact Board was my first experience in board service, and I viewed it as a chance to gain firsthand knowledge of nonprofit governance and leadership.

I was drawn to Spur Impact because its mission aligns with my belief in elevating the community through connection and philanthropy, rather than focusing on a single cause. Through my time on the board, I gained invaluable insights into the interconnected nature of community relationships and the power of strategic partnerships in advancing a mission.

While many of my relationships had been outside Delaware, my six years on the board gave me a deeper appreciation for the local landscape and the opportunity to foster new relationships here at home. The challenges nonprofits faced, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, also offered critical lessons about resilience, resourcefulness, and the realities of nonprofit funding.

Moments of Pride During My Spur Impact Board Membership

Reflecting on my time with Spur Impact, I take immense pride in several key achievements that highlight the organization’s growth and community impact.

The Spur Impact Leadership Summit (formerly the MillSummit) remains a personal highlight. This event played a pivotal role in my own search for community and connection. Seeing it continue to thrive; overcoming pandemic challenges and remaining a hub for career-driven individuals seeking growth and positive impact fills me with pride.

Another milestone I’m proud of is the launch and growth of Delaware’s Giving Day, Do More 24 Delaware. When I first learned about this initiative during my board membership consideration, I was excited by its mission to increase individual giving and reduce reliance on corporate funding. Its successful launch in 2020, just when the community needed it most, has since evolved into a statewide movement that raises millions annually and fosters a culture of giving across Delaware. Watching its continued success brings me immense pride each year.

Finally, my service on the Spur Impact Governance Committee was deeply rewarding. I especially valued being part of the process of identifying future board members and witnessing the board’s evolution from its founding members, who were celebrated for their vision, to a new generation bringing fresh skills and ideas to guide Spur Impact’s future. Seeing the nonprofit’s governance and leadership continue to strengthen has been one of the most gratifying parts of my experience.

Looking Ahead

Serving on the Spur Impact Board has been one of the most enriching chapters of my professional and personal journey. It deepened my connection to the community, expanded my leadership perspective, and reinforced the value of collaboration and service.

As Spur Impact continues to grow, I’m confident it will keep inspiring the next generation of leaders, strengthening Delaware’s nonprofit sector, and creating lasting impact across the state.