The Barbara Burt Innovative Leader Fund (BBILF) provides grants to nonprofit board members for unique learning experiences. Board members may apply for funding to attend conferences, workshops, webinars, or other events—encouraging them to think innovatively, develop adaptive leadership skills, network with other nonprofit leaders, and explore leadership styles and best practices within nonprofit organizations.

In February, the Youth for Christ of Northern Indiana (YFC) board of directors utilized the BBILF to conduct a retreat. Their goal was to build camaraderie amongst the board by dedicating time to get to know each other better.

“We sensed that the season we were in as a board required increased trust and better relationships,” said Chris Todia, YFC Executive Director. “We need each board member to understand what he/she brings to the table, and for others to value what others are bringing, too.” The organization hired a consultant to facilitate the Enneagram, a system of personality typing that describes patterns in how people interpret the world and manage their emotions. The Enneagram describes nine personality types and maps each of these types on a nine-pointed diagram, which helps to illustrate how the types relate to one another.

To learn more about the organization’s national direction, YFC invited leaders from Youth for Christ USA to speak. RemedyLIVE also spoke to help board members understand the challenges young people face today. Following their retreat, they visited PrayerWorks at Electric Works.

“The board retreat better equipped each board member to serve effectively in his/her role and gave clarity on how to invest in and pray for the organization and other members,” said Chris. “Each board member brings his/her own distinct perspectives to board service, so board leadership training helps unify a board around the organization's purpose, goals, and vision. It provides members with a clearer understanding of how to appropriately govern, an opportunity to be connected to the organization, and the ability to be equipped for better quality decision-making.”

Thank you, YFC, for investing in your board members so they can better guide the organization and impact Allen County residents!

Learn more about the Barbara Burt Innovative Leader Fund.