Boards by the Bay
Creating a More Connected Galveston.
Galveston, TX 77550
A one-day leadership summit for Galveston's nonprofit community.
Boards by the Bay is a one-day leadership summit designed exclusively for nonprofit board members, executive directors, emerging leaders, community volunteers, foundations, and corporate partners who are committed to making Galveston County stronger.
Hosted by Happy Town Community Galveston, this inaugural event brings together local leaders for a day of learning, collaboration, and relationship building. Unlike traditional conferences that focus on theory, Boards by the Bay is designed to provide practical tools, real-world examples, and meaningful connections that participants can immediately take back to their organizations.
Strong nonprofits begin with strong leadership.
Whether you're an experienced board member, a first-time volunteer, or an executive director looking to build a more engaged board, Boards by the Bay offers valuable insights that help organizations become more effective, sustainable, and impactful.
A full day of learning & connection.
The day features an engaging mix of keynote speakers, panel discussions, case studies, networking opportunities, and interactive learning sessions on topics that matter to Galveston nonprofits.
Throughout the day, attendees will have opportunities to connect with exhibitors, service providers, and organizations offering products and services designed specifically for nonprofits.
The day, hour by hour.
Four keynotes, a leadership panel, breakout learning, and time to actually connect. Everything you'll experience on October 9.
Built for everyone shaping Galveston's nonprofits.
Boards by the Bay welcomes anyone invested in stronger boards and stronger community outcomes.
Hundreds of nonprofits. One community.
Galveston is home to hundreds of nonprofit organizations working every day to improve education, the arts, historic preservation, health care, environmental stewardship, social services, and quality of life. While each organization serves a unique mission, they all face similar challenges in governance, fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and organizational sustainability.
Boards by the Bay creates a shared space where organizations can learn from one another, strengthen partnerships, and build a more connected nonprofit community — because when our boards become stronger, our nonprofits become stronger, and our entire community benefits.
Galveston County's premier nonprofit leadership conference.
Our vision is to establish Boards by the Bay as Galveston County's premier annual nonprofit leadership conference — an event that inspires collaboration, develops stronger community leaders, and equips nonprofit organizations with the knowledge, resources, and relationships they need to create lasting impact.
Together, we're building better boards, stronger nonprofits, and a happier, more connected Galveston.
Choose your registration.
Three ways to join us at Boards by the Bay — as an attendee, exhibitor, or nonprofit representative with an exhibit space.
Full access to all sessions, workshops, panels, and networking opportunities throughout the day.
Nonprofit attendees can add an exhibitor space to their registration — a $25 upgrade to showcase your organization.
For businesses and corporate partners who want to showcase products, services, or partnerships at the event.
Reserve your place at the table.
Registration takes just a few minutes. Board members, executive directors, staff, and community partners are all welcome — join us in strengthening Galveston's nonprofit community.
Beyond your registration.
Whether cost is a barrier or you want to give more, there's a path for everyone at Boards by the Bay.
Thanks to the generous support of Mary Moody Northen Endowment, scholarships for Boards by the Bay 2026 have been fully awarded. We’re grateful for the strong response from Galveston’s nonprofit community.
Applications ClosedSupport Galveston's nonprofit leaders while putting your organization in front of the community shaping the future of our island.
Plus in-kind Community Partners for goods & services (catering, A/V, photography).
Happy Boards.
Happy Town.
Every strong nonprofit begins with a strong board. Boards by the Bay is where Galveston's leaders come to sharpen governance, build partnerships, and shape what's next.