Board Training to strengthen your leadership and board

Designed for senior nonprofit staff, current board members, and aspiring board members in the Black Hills, this hands-on training program equips participants with the knowledge, confidence, and connections needed to lead effectively.

If you’re ready to elevate your leadership, strengthen your organization, and build a more inclusive board culture, this is your pathway.

Why Bridges to Boards™?

Nonprofit leaders know that a strong board isn’t just a “nice to have”, it’s essential for long-term impact, stability, and community trust. Bridges to Boards™ is here to make that possible.

Bridges to Boards™ creates a supportive environment where learning feels accessible, practical, and energizing; where every participant walks away feeling more confident and capable.

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Who is this for?

  • Nonprofit leadership
  • Current board members
  • Individuals interested in serving on a board

What are the sessions like?

These sessions blend expert facilitation with peer discussion and hands-on exercises so you can learn from both the curriculum and fellow participants.

How much does it cost?

Thanks to sponsorship by JTVF and United Way of the Black Hills, this program is completely FREE to participants!

Upcoming Black Hills Cohorts & Dates:

Participants attend 3 interactive sessions, please choose the location that works best for you.

Southern Hills
Location: Custer Ambulance Service
Time: 12:00- 6:00 pm

  • June 2, June 23, & July 21

Northern Hills
Location: The Joy Center, Spearfish
Time: 12:00- 6:00 pm

  • August 25, September 8, & October 13

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Rapid City
Location: Western Dakota Tech
Time: 12:00- 6:00 pm

  • September 22, October 20, & November 17

What You’ll Learn

Each session explores essential knowledge and real-world practices every board leader needs to succeed.

Topics include:

  • Nonprofit Dynamics
  • Board Policy & Procedure
  • Board Structure & Roles
  • Vision & Strategy
  • Financial Responsibilities
  • Advocacy Responsibilities
  • Fundraising Responsibilities
  • Director/Board Relations
  • Board Dynamics
  • Navigating Board Challenges

Register today!

Corporate Board Training

We also offer an additional board training program specifically for corporate employees interested in board service.

Bridges to Boards™ Boardroom Ready is a FREE on-site corporate board readiness & leadership training program that provides businesses the opportunity to build stronger leaders, more engaged employees, and deeper community connections.

Learn more

What our participants say:

  • “INP were AWESOME speakers and trainers, and the group involvement was fun. The class has improved my role as a Deputy Director to understand the major importance of the board and to have a competent group.”
    - Lisa Johnson, Prairie Hills Transit
  • “From the perspective of (currently) never serving on a board, this training has been eye-opening. Learning from this course will allow me to be confident in my decision of being a board member and help me select a nonprofit board that I believe in and where I believe I can come to the table with something to offer. Going through this has allowed me to gain confidence and knowledge to be the most effective leader that I can be.”

- Bryce Miner, SD School of Mines

  • “Being a prospective board member, it’s helpful to gain insight into the challenges that staff and boards face on a daily basis. This will help me make an educated decision about where I want to focus my time and energy. I have walked away from this training knowing what a well operated board should work like. This will allow me to seek out beneficial opportunities instead of jumping into a board role, getting frustrated, and then not wanting to do it again.”

- Lori Mack, Black Hills Energy

  • The most beneficial part of Bridges to Boards is concise information that is not overly complex, and real examples and discussion. Since I attended with a board member, it has been excellent for discussion and thinking about training for other members. We also gained a board member from the class!

- Michele Brink Gluhoksy, Lifeways

  • “We are a start up nonprofit and I feel this has been a huge help in knowing what we need and the right way to do it. The knowledge from instructors, helpful handouts, guides, checklists, and networking opportunities were beneficial. I would recommend this course to anyone new or experienced in a nonprofit.”

- Karli Jewett - Highland Senior Solutions

  • “Bridges to Boards is a must take series for nonprofits boards and staff to be successful and sustainable. It’s beneficial in helping both boards and staff to understanding the importance of being on a board. Nonprofits will be more successful and more prepared for their responsibilities.”

- Janessa Bixel, Black Hills Children’s Museum

New Program!

We now offer a FREE board training program specifically for corporate employees interested in board service!

Bridges to Boards™ Boardroom Ready equips employees to lead beyond the workplace, and bring enhanced skills, perspectives, and commitment back to your organization.