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Serve on Our Board of Directors

InspireNInnovate Community Solutions is building a trauma-informed, community-rooted nonprofit focused on youth empowerment, health equity, and violence prevention in the Chicagoland area. We are seeking committed Board Members who can bring their expertise, networks, and lived experience to help us grow sustainably and responsibly.

Conference Room Setup

Why Serve on the InspireNInnovate Board?

Serving on our Board of Directors is an opportunity to:

  • Shape strategy for a growing, community-based nonprofit in Chicagoland.

  • Support programs focused on youth empowerment, health equity, mental wellness, and community safety.

  • Use your professional skills and lived experience to strengthen families and reduce violence.

  • Build relationships with other leaders, partners, and stakeholders who care about equity and impact.

This is a working board, not a ceremonial role. We’re looking for people who are ready to show up, ask hard questions, and help build real solutions.

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We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds. You do not need previous board experience to apply.

We are especially interested in individuals with experience in one or more of the following:

  • Public health, social work, mental health, or community health

  • Youth development, education, or after-school programming

  • Community violence intervention (CVI), justice reform, or reentry support

  • Nonprofit management, fundraising, or philanthropy

  • Finance, accounting, or legal (nonprofit, contracts, compliance)

  • Data, evaluation, research, or policy

  • Communications, digital marketing, branding, or storytelling

  • Lived experience with the issues we address (e.g., gun violence, housing instability, health inequities, etc.)

Diversity & Equity Commitment:
We strongly encourage people who are Black, Brown, LGBTQ+, disability-identified, system-impacted, and/or from the communities we serve to apply. Your voice matters at this table.​

Who We're Looking For.

Board Member Responsibilities

Board Members are responsible for both governance and hands-on support as we grow. Key expectations include:

  • Mission & Strategy

    • Uphold and advance the mission, vision, and values of InspireNInnovate.

    • Provide input on strategic priorities, program direction, and growth plans.

  • Governance & Oversight

    • Review and approve budgets and key financial decisions.

    • Help ensure legal and ethical compliance and alignment with nonprofit best practices.

    • Participate in annual planning, evaluation, and board development.

  • Fundraising & Ambassadorship

    • Actively represent the organization in your networks and community.

    • Make a personally meaningful annual contribution (amount is flexible based on capacity).

    • Support fundraising through introductions, sponsorships, events, and/or grant opportunities.

  • Hands-On Support

    • Serve on at least one committee or working group (e.g., Finance, Programs, Fundraising/Events, Governance).

    • Offer your skills (reviewing proposals, event planning, outreach, strategy, etc.) as needed.

 Time Commitment

We are intentionally transparent so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.

  • Board Meetings:

    • Typically bi-monthly or quarterly (60–90 minutes each), virtual or hybrid.

  • Committee/Work Group Service:

    • ~2–4 hours per month, depending on role and season.

  • Events & Outreach:

    • Support at key events (fundraisers, community events, youth programs) as your schedule allows.

  • Term Length:

    • Standard board term is 2–3 years, with the option to renew if it’s a good fit.

We understand many of our Board Members are juggling work, family, and community obligations. We focus on consistent, reliable engagement rather than perfection.​

What You Can Expect From Us

InspireNInnovate is committed to making board service meaningful and supported:

  • Clear agendas and materials shared in advance of meetings

  • Ongoing updates on programs, impact, and funding opportunities

  • Space for real conversation, not just rubber-stamping decisions

  • A culture of care, accountability, and learning

  • Opportunities to bring your ideas to life, not just sit on paper​

Application Process

Step 1 – Submit the Online Application
Complete the short Board Member Application form using the link below. You’ll be asked about your background, interest areas, and availability.

Step 2 – Conversation with Leadership
If there is a potential fit, we’ll schedule a conversation with organizational leadership (Executive Director/President and/or Board Chair) to discuss expectations, your goals, and any questions you have.

Step 3 – Board Vote
Final candidates will be presented to the Board of Directors for review and approval.

Step 4 – Onboarding
New Board Members will receive an orientation packet, relevant policies, and be assigned a point of contact for questions during your first few months.

Ready to Apply?


If you’re passionate about youth, health equity, and community safety—and you’re ready to roll up your sleeves—we’d love to hear from you.

If you have questions before applying, email us at info@inspireninnovate.org with the subject line “Board Member Inquiry”.

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