At Foellinger Foundation, we believe successful nonprofits help our community grow and flourish. And when their leadership is strong, the organization and the community thrive.

According to Talent Philanthropy, foundations devoted less than 1% of their resources toward supporting the recruitment, retention, compensation or development of nonprofit talent between 1992 and 2011.

That’s why we created the Helene Foellinger Leadership Development Initiative; we’re committed to helping support, strengthen and inspire local leaders with strategic programs and experiential learning opportunities.

The Helene Foellinger Leadership Development Initiative consists of the Foellinger Leadership Lab and the Barbara Burt Innovative Leader Fund.

In 2018, the Foundation board of directors reauthorized this initiative for another four years with an additional $1 million commitment. In that year, Foellinger committed 7.15% of its resources to leadership initiatives.

Leadership Lab

The Leadership Lab consists of the Executive Leader and Rising Leader programs. These 12-month programs focus on encouraging participants to build upon or expand adaptive leadership skills.

“I am rediscovering many things about myself through this program, and I am using what I have learned to lead my team and grow as a leader.” – Anne Hall, Assistant Director, Community Transportation Network

“The Executive Leader Program has been one of the finest opportunities I’ve ever experienced. I believe this investment in me, as a professional, will yield excellent results for the Allen County SPCA for years to come. Not only has the program given me new skill sets, it’s helped me discover my own strengths and taught me invaluable lessons about time management, balance, communication and strategy—all alongside a cohort of professional peers with whom I’m now collaborating for combined efforts to improve our city as a whole. What a gift for me, my organization and the community at large!” – Jessica Henry, Executive Director, Allen County SPCA

Barbara Burt Innovative Leader Fund

The Barbara Burt Innovative Leader Fund supports nonprofit board members who are pursuing unique learning experiences. Board members may apply to attend conferences, workshops, webinars or other events—traditional or non-traditional.

“I have a better understanding of the need for board members to leverage their relationships to advocate for the organization.” – Mark Bloom, Early Childhood Alliance Board Member

“I found value in networking and learning from other board members and conference materials. Since the conference, we’ve drafted committee charters based on templates received.” – Amanda Pequignot, Vincent Village Board Member

“As a fairly new executive director, I found the training to be very helpful. I am looking forward to the next session to attend. I think this will help pave the way for future board chair transitions.” – Insights into Great Relationships: The Board Chair/CEO Partnership Seminar Participant Survey Response 

The Foundation is committed to leadership development in Allen County. With the assistance of Foellinger Foundation, nonprofit leaders in Allen County are able to build adaptive skills that allow them to Lead Like No Other.