It’s a concern shared by many leaders throughout the state, especially in light of statistics that show the disparities have not diminished in many areas. In some cases, as with college-going rates, the disparities have significantly increased. According to a recent report from the Indiana Higher Education Commission, the percentage of Indiana high school students attending college has declined from 65 percent in 2015 to 59 percent in 2019. While the decline is evident across all races, it is more significant for African American students. The report revealed a 13 percent decrease in the number of African American students attending college during the four-year period. 

“I think so much about disparities and inequities,” said Bland, who recently helped lead the nonprofit organization past the $30 million mark of its $33 million RISE fundraising campaign. Donors have included Lilly Endowment, the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, and the NBA Foundation. “Education ultimately translates into empowerment and cultivation, particularly in the areas that help people mobilize, grow or thrive.”

Three weeks on the job as leader of United Way of Central Indiana, I admit, I’m already astounded.

Astounded by the importance of United Way of Central Indiana’s role in our seven-county community; the support from the passionate United Way staff and board, who are eager to bring me up to date on our impact initiatives, fundraising strategies and advocacy efforts; and the kindness of hundreds of friends, colleagues, donors, civic and nonprofit leaders, and folks I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet who emailed me their personal congratulations upon my appointment as president and CEO.

As of this writing, I've been asked on several occasions: Who is Fred Payne? Why did I choose this leadership role? What is my vision for United Way? And, my favorite question, Is a hot dog a sandwich? Below, I'm happy to oblige!

I am the youngest of eight children. I'm from Louisiana and spent most of my younger days in the South. Indiana became my home upon graduation from IU Law School, where I met my bride, Kelly. Four children and many professional affiliations later, my family and I are proud Hoosiers by choice.

After nearly five years as commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, I felt better equipped to understand the needs facing our communities. Every day, I saw individuals who wanted to live the best lives they were capable of but were held back by a lack of basic needs, education, training, and opportunity. Building on the great work of my predecessors, I’m looking forward to opening the doors to new opportunities for United Way to help people in a deliberate and focused manner and strengthening new partnerships along the way.

With only a few weeks under my belt, I can safely say that my big vision is to create greater partnership between government and nonprofit organizations in a strategic, intentional way. We are called United Way for a reason -- we cannot fight poverty as a single entity.

Episode 14: How one Indianapolis nonprofit is using arts as a vehicle for economic development, advocacy and community healing. Big Car Collaborative co-founders Shauta Marsh and Jim Walker talk about the responsibilities of nonprofits in taking on the difficult challenges and social issues in their communities. Listen

Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy has opened applications for its online Professional Doctorate in Philanthropic Leadership, which is designed for working professionals who want to apply research-based knowledge to the issues they face on the job. Learn more and apply

Glick Philanthropies has announced grants totaling $250,000 to five organizations that are focused on creating opportunities and increasing equitable access on the Far Eastside of Indianapolis. See recipients

The Junior League of Indianapolis (JLI) has announced a new community focus to support children in central Indiana currently living in foster or kinship care through advocacy, fundraising and other philanthropic initiatives. JLI also will use its community grants program to assist nonprofits that support these populations. Read more

Local nonprofit organizations that share the Kiwanis Club of Indianapolis’ focus on serving children are invited to apply for annual grants through the Kiwanis Foundation of Indianapolis. Applications for the 2023 grants are due Sept. 30. Learn more and apply

Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute is accepting applications for its 2023 class. The cohort-based program provides continuing education training to prepare attendees for board and executive roles at foundations and corporations that serve Indiana. Apply

DONATION: Three custom-made wooden box name badge holders with foam base and slots for individual name badges. Pick up in Indianapolis by appointment. Questions or appointment requests can be directed to [email protected] or by calling (317) 926-3009.

AmeriCorps Resources for Communities Across Indiana webinar on Aug. 22 at noon. Learn how your nonprofit can retain full-time talent or respond to a disaster as an AmeriCorps sponsor or grantee. Presented by Serve Indiana and the Federal AmeriCorps Midwest Regional Office. Register

Find existing data webinar on Aug. 30 from 9-11:30 a.m. Learn about the strengths, weaknesses, and costs of readily available data sets. Presented by SAVI Data Literacy. Cost: Free. Register

Intro to FDO: Finding grant funders webinar on Aug. 30 from 2-4 p.m. at Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St. Learn how to use Foundation Directory Online, a research tool designed to help nonprofits find the grant makers most likely to fund their projects. Presented by the Indianapolis Public Library. Cost: Free. Register

Form 990 red flags & updates: Is your organization in compliance? webinar on Sept. 21 at 10 a.m. Learn about the hot topics in tax-exempt compliance for Form 990, updates on IRS compliance measures and red flags on Form 990. Presented by Forv/s. Cost: Free. Register

Reading leadership: Finding your true north four-part online series starts on Sept. 22 from 9-10:30 a.m. Based on the book "Discover Your True North: Becoming an Authentic Leader." Presented by Leadership Johnson County. Cost: $115 for LJC and Franklin College alumni, Aspire and Indy Chamber members/ $135 for the general public. Register

Philanthropy Leads dinner on Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. at Indiana Roof Ballroom, 140 W. Washington St. Join a fireside chat on mental health with Gov. Eric. Holcomb and Colts owner Kalen Jackson. Presented by Indiana Philanthropy Alliance. Cost: $75 IPA members/ $150 nonmembers. Register

Gleaners Food Bank needs 20 volunteers for its Wine, Women & Shoes event on Sept. 9 from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in Carmel. Ages 21+. Sign up on your own or bring a group. For more information, contact Christina at [email protected] or register

Indiana Family Health Council is seeking board members from across the state to offer their fundraising, management/administration, and networking skills to help the organization promote its mission and goals. Learn more

Forv/s Senate passes Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

Purple Ink Aligning people strategies with business strategies

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President & CEO - United Way of Monroe County

President & Chief Executive Officer - ADEC