Innovation in Action
Listening deeply. Building trust. Adapting faithfully.
At NBA, innovation isn't about change for the sake of change.
It's about listening deeply, responding to emerging needs, and creating new possibilities that empower leaders, strengthen organizations, and help transform communities.
Every day, NBA is investing in new ways to support leaders, foster connection, encourage learning, and advance our vision of thriving communities where justice and care ensure the well-being of all humanity.
This Giving Week, we invite you to help create what's next.
Innovation Begins With Relationships
"Innovation at NBA looks like building trust and deepening relationships because NBA genuinely understands that in order to understand the changing needs of our partners and the evolving world around us, relationships have to be strong enough to know what are the essentials that need to remain firm and what are the nonessentials that can be shifted and adapted to changing needs, circumstances, and possibilities."
— Rev. Allen Harris, NBA Trustee and Regional Pastor & President for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Ohio
Innovation at NBA doesn't begin with technology.
It doesn't begin with a new program or a new strategy.
It begins with people.
It begins with listening to leaders, organizations, ministries, and communities. It begins with paying attention to changing needs and being willing to respond in new ways while remaining grounded in our mission and values.
This commitment to faithful adaptation is at the heart of NBA's work today.
What Innovation Looks Like
Innovation in Action Across NBA
Innovation takes many forms.
Sometimes it looks like a new conversation.
Sometimes it looks like creating space for leaders to learn and grow together.
Sometimes it looks like sharing expertise, strengthening organizations, or supporting courageous new ideas.
Throughout NBA, innovation is helping leaders and communities flourish through:
These efforts may look different on the surface, but they share a common purpose.
Thank you for helping leaders and communities adapt, flourish, and create new possibilities for the future.
Faithful Innovation
Grounded in Mission. Open to Possibility.
"Faithful innovation means creating tools, resources, and educational opportunities that help people navigate and respond to the realities of the current world while remaining grounded in our values and mission."
— Lauren Jones, NBA Program Coordinator, Health and Social Services
At NBA, innovation is not innovation for its own sake.
"Innovation is not innovating just for the sake of change. To be faithful in our innovation, we need to ensure ample time in listening to our partners and the communities we serve. Innovation comes out of shared values and commitment to make a change."
— Mark D. Anderson, NBA President & CEO
Innovation helps NBA remain responsive to changing realities while continuing to empower health and social service leaders, organizations, and ministries to do justice and transform communities.
That work is rooted in curiosity, collaboration, courage, and care.
And innovation is rooted in hope.
Why Your Gift Matters
Help Create What's Next
Your support helps NBA put innovation into action by:
- Empowering leaders and organizations through our grant programs
- Investing in emerging ideas and new approaches as part of our Social Entrepreneurship efforts
- Strengthening networks of learning, support, and collaboration through a diversity of Peer Learning and Wellness Groups
- Building relationships that help communities thrive like with our Older Adults Ministries programs, Young Adult Leadership Development experiences, and our A/PI Initiative
- Advancing a future where justice and care ensure the well-being of all humanity through meaningful resources in mental health and wellness and justice and advocacy campaigns
Innovation is never the work of one person alone.
It requires communities of people who believe in what's possible and are willing to invest in a more just, compassionate, and hopeful future.
Help Create What's Next
"Innovation at NBA looks like asking provocative questions, listening deeply, and creating new ways to accompany leaders and communities because today's challenges require more than yesterday's answers."
— Rev. Nathan Day Wilson, NBA VP of Strategic Development
This Giving Week, your gift helps NBA continue listening, learning, adapting, and responding to emerging needs.
Together, we can help leaders, organizations, and communities thrive. Thank you!