About One Warm Coat
One Warm Coat’s mission is to provide free coats to children and adults in need while promoting volunteerism and environmental sustainability. For more than 30 years, One Warm Coat has ensured that individuals and families across the United States have access to warm coats.
Through a growing national network of nonprofit partners, volunteers, and corporate supporters, One Warm Coat has facilitated the distribution of more than 9 million coats across all 50 states since 1992. In addition, the organization’s commitment to fashion circularity and textile waste reduction keeps millions of pounds of usable materials out of landfills each year.
Board Overview
One Warm Coat is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors responsible for strategic oversight, fiduciary stewardship, and advancement of the organization’s mission.
- Members of the Board of Directors serve in a volunteer, unpaid capacity and are expected to actively contribute their time, expertise, networks, and financial support.
- Board Members must be legal citizens of the United States of America and may live anywhere within the 50 states.
- The Board consists of up to twelve members.
- Selected candidates will fill an upcoming vacancy beginning April 2026.
- Board Members serve a three-year term and are eligible for one additional term (maximum of six years total service).
Click here to learn more about our current Board of Directors.
Board Member Responsibilities
Board Members are expected to actively support and advance the mission of One Warm Coat through the following commitments:
Governance & Leadership
- Provide strategic guidance and fiduciary oversight
- Serve as an informed ambassador for One Warm Coat
- Promote awareness of the organization’s mission and impact
- Support organizational priorities and strategic initiatives
- Uphold fiduciary duties, including duty of care, loyalty, and confidentiality
- Comply with One Warm Coat’s conflict of interest and governance policies
Engagement & Participation
- Participate in three quarterly virtual Board meetings annually
- Attend one annual virtual Board Strategic Planning Session
- Come prepared and actively participate in all scheduled meetings
- Serve on committees or task forces as needed
Philanthropy & Resource Development
- Make One Warm Coat a personal philanthropic priority, including an annual contribution of at least $2,500
- Host one virtual coat drive each year to raise funds in support of National Share the Warmth Day
- Host a physical coat drive (not required, but encouraged)
- Leverage personal and professional networks to support the mission through financial contributions
Ideal Candidate Profile
One Warm Coat seeks mission-driven leaders who bring:
- Commitment to philanthropy, volunteerism, and environmental sustainability
- Strategic thinking and a collaborative mindset
- Willingness to serve as an engaged ambassador
- Professional expertise that strengthens Board diversity and effectiveness
- Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in governance and community impact
- Spanish language skills are currently needed, and will be considered a bonus
Why Join the One Warm Coat Board
Board service with One Warm Coat offers a meaningful opportunity to:
- Advance a nationally recognized mission with measurable community impact
- Engage with a committed and collaborative Board and leadership team
- Leverage personal and professional networks to support individuals and families in need
- Contribute strategic insight to a lean, high-impact national organization
- Strengthen leadership experience in nonprofit governance and resource development
Time Commitment
Board Members should expect to dedicate approximately 4–6 hours per quarter to Board service, including:
- Three quarterly Board meetings (virtual)
- One annual strategic planning session (virtual)
- Committee participation as applicable
- Independent ambassador and fundraising activities throughout the year