New platform transforms how nonprofit organizations source board members, board interns and volunteers

Brentwood, Tenn. – August 23, 2024 – Young Leaders Council (YLC), the premier nonprofit in Middle Tennessee committed to broadening and strengthening the volunteer leadership base in Williamson County and beyond, today announced the launch of its innovative Board Connect platform. This first-of-its-kind platform in Middle Tennessee connects YLC graduates who’ve received 11 weeks of nonprofit board skills training with nonprofit organizations across the region seeking qualified board members, board interns and volunteers. Board Connect employs advanced matching technology to align the profiles of individuals and nonprofits based on shared interests and needs. Nonprofit organizations can create profiles on the platform to list available board and volunteer positions. YLC graduates can then easily search for and identify opportunities that match their experience and expertise, facilitating direct connections with organizations in need of their skills.
Kim James, Executive Director of Young Leaders Council (YLC).

Kim James, Executive Director of YLC.

“Board Connect is a significant step forward in advancing our mission to cultivate the next generation of nonprofit leaders,” said Kim James, Executive Director of YLC. “By facilitating these vital connections, we are simplifying the ways nonprofits source qualified board members and volunteers. We are also providing our program graduates direct access to opportunities that fit their skills, experience and passions while supporting their long-term engagement as leaders in the community. It’s a win-win.” Currently, the platform is exclusively available to 2024 YLC program graduates, with plans to extend access to all YLC alumni in early 2025. As of mid-August, 61% of YLC ’s spring graduates have been matched or are in the process of being matched for a board position through Board Connect. The project was made possible by a technology grant from the Frist Foundation. For questions about the platform, please contact YLC at boardconnect@youngleaderscouncil.org.

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About Young Leaders Council YLC was founded in 1985 by the Council of Community Services, in partnership with the Frist Foundation (formerly the HCA Foundation) and the United Way. More than 175 individuals complete the YLC training annually through the Williamson County Cohort, as well as the Nashville Spring; Junior League of Nashville; Massey College of Business at Belmont University; and Nashville FallCohorts. For more information, please visit www.youngleaderscouncil.org.