Nonprofits appear to be recovering more slowly than the overall economy through the first quarter of 2022, with almost a half-million nonprofit jobs still not recovered from the pandemic, while charitable giving is not keeping pace with economic growth rates.

The quarterly report, Health of the U.S. Nonprofit Sector: Quarter Review, from Independent Sector (IS) analyzes federal data that nonprofits can use to strengthen the sector’s health. The latest report complements data and recommendations in the 2021 annual Health of the U.S. Nonprofit Sector report.

As of Q3 2021, giving appeared to be steady compared to year-over-year rates but it may not be keeping pace with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rates of 10% to 14%. “It remains unclear the role the temporary universal charitable deduction, which sunset at the end of 2021, is playing in these numbers or how the policy’s expiration in 2022 will impact overall giving,” according to the 16-page report.

The gross value added by nonprofits has varied between 5.5% and 5.7% of GDP over the past three years. The percentage of GDP reached a high in Q2 of 2020 – the same time that the economy felt the full effects of the COVID pandemic. In 2021, the gross added value of nonprofits returned to a more typical range of 5.6% of GDP.

Nonprofits contributed $1.4 trillion to the economy in the first quarter of 2022 but 495,000 of the 1.6 million jobs lost at the height of 2020 still have not been recovered. The racial and ethnic composition of the nonprofit workforce largely tracks with the broader workforce, according to the report, however, it became “whiter in the fourth quarter of 2021.”

Employee engagement and retention are top of mind these days as “The Great Resignation” rages on. Workers are becoming less willing to accept policies they don’t agree with, treatment they don’t deserve, and negative impacts on their mental health. They’re leaving organizations that don’t meet their needs and searching for ones that do – and with so many positions opening up, they’ve got plenty of options to choose from!

If you’re looking to avoid the fallout from “The Great Resignation” (or recover from it!), we’re here to help. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but these are some areas you should consider.

1. Rethink compensation. Engagement is not all about money, but it is important. It’s hard to stay positive and productive if you’re having trouble paying your bills. A compensation analysis can help you find out whether you’re offering competitive pay.

2. Change your policies. Are your policies and practices working for your team? Take a look at things like flexible work schedules, PTO, benefits, parental resources, etc. Accommodating your team’s needs may be the support they need to stay onboard. Don’t make assumptions, though! Not everyone wants the same things. Ask your team what they want and offer options that will meet different workers’ needs where possible.

3. Invest in your people. People stay longer at companies that give them opportunities for growth. Offering more development to your team may help you build loyalty. The good news is there are lots of different ways to do this. You can sign them up for a training series, send them to workshops and webinars, host training sessions in-house, set them up with a coach …the list goes on!

The Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP) has received a $1.25 million Day 1 Families Fund leadership grant. Under the grant initiative launched by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos in 2018, CHIP will regrant $1 million to nonprofits addressing family homelessness in Indianapolis. Deadline for proposals is May 16. Read more

As part of its 2022 community grant initiatives, the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation plans to issue two $25,000 grants and two $10,000 grants to nonprofits that serve Central Indiana. Applications are due on June 20. Read more

The CareSource Foundation has awarded $10,000 to Keep Indianapolis Beautiful and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis for a pilot program focused on reducing the impact of lead poisoning in children. The grant will support the research and the transformation of an abandoned lot into a green space on the city’s Far Eastside. Read more

As part of a podcast series, Child Advocates recently interviewed Betty Brandt of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis about the church’s “Becoming Anti-Racist” initiative. The project was launched as part of a commitment to help change the future of local communities. Listen

Indianapolis Business Journal is accepting nominations for its “20 in their Twenties” annual recognition of Indiana’s up-and-coming leaders in business, arts and culture, philanthropy, and community service. The publication is accepting nominations until May 27. Nominate

Leadership United, United Way of Central Indiana's comprehensive community leadership and board member development program, is accepting applications for its August-October 2022 Fall cohort. The program is for corporate and community leaders seeking to enhance their skills as nonprofit board members. Application deadline is May 11. Program fee: $1,600. Apply

Central Indiana Land Trust is seeking volunteers to help remove invasive plants at Meltzer Woods, an old growth forest in Shelbyville. Volunteer are asked to be available at 10 a.m. on April 20, 26 or 28. Register

VonLehman CPA & Advisory Firm 12 tips to take your nonprofit to the next level

Purple Ink  Find the best candidates in a candidate-driven market

Our sponsor marketplace serves to further connect our readers with our advertisers who are focused on serving nonprofits. To learn about each sponsor's nonprofit services, click on its logo.