Board Leader Fund

The Barbara Burt Innovative Leader Fund provides grants to nonprofit board members for unique learning experiences. Participants are encouraged to think innovatively, develop adaptive leadership skills, network with other nonprofit board members, and explore best practices within nonprofit organizations.

Board members may apply for funding to attend conferences, workshops, webinars, or other events hosted outside of Allen County.

The purpose of the fund is to:

  • Encourage exceptional nonprofit board governance

  • Support adaptive thinking within nonprofit organizations

  • Promote exchanges about best leadership styles and practices within nonprofit organizations

Board members may apply for funding to access or attend conferences, workshops, webinars, or other events hosted outside of Allen County or online. Requests must be received no later than 30 days before the start date of a conference, event, or webinar.

For more information and a list of requirements for the Barbara Burt Innovative Leader Fund, review the guidelines. Contact Amanda Jamison at amanda@foelinger.org to see if your board training project qualifies for the Barbara Burt Innovative Leader Fund.

Ready to apply? Submit an application through our online grant system.

About Barbara Burt

Barbara Burt had a long-standing and wonderfully close relationship with Helene Foellinger. She led Foellinger Foundation as President and CEO from 1995 to 2001 and was Board Chair from 2001 to 2008. Prior to this, she served as Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne for 15 years. Barbara was a trailblazer and willingly accepted any challenge presented to her.

Barbara also volunteered her time and talent to countless community organizations and devoted her legal skills to promote local philanthropy all the while seeking to improve the quality of life for all Allen County citizens. 

In honor of Barbara’s impact, the Foundation created this fund in 2016 to recognize her outstanding commitment to our community, and to ensure more leaders can follow in her footsteps.