Leaders are responsible for setting an example when it comes to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), especially as a nonprofit organization that promotes a social cause. To ensure that employees are comfortable discussing DEI-focused issues and that they accept all of their teammates, an action plan needs to be developed and implemented.

Ultimately, employees in your organization should understand the value of DEI and know how to practice those values in their work. To help you do this, 15 Forbes Nonprofit Council members each shared one question nonprofit leaders should ask themselves as they create or revise a DEI action plan.

1. ‘Do we truly believe in DEI?’ Diversity, equity and inclusion is currently the center of attention for many organizations. The question is whether we truly believe in DEI and are truly invested and committed to making it a core part of our corporate values or are we simply following the current trends. - Quentin Butcher, Vietnam Veterans of America

2. ‘Does DEI speak to our organization's values?’ Every organization faces this big question, and the DEI plan is about providing all people with fair and contextually relevant opportunities and resources needed to achieve their full potential. Above all, determine if it speaks to the organization's collective perspective, identity, values and culture. - Rupa Dash, World Woman Foundation

by Horizon Bank

Millions of Americans send letters, gifts, and checks through the U.S. postal system every day. Unfortunately, scammers use this system for check fraud, which can cost your nonprofit, employees, and customers thousands of dollars.

Scammers steal checks from the mail, change the recipients’ names, and increase the posted amounts to withdraw large sums of money. They even clear off business checks and sell blank copies on the dark web.

Mitigating check fraud can be intimidating, but there are multiple ways to reduce your nonprofit organization’s risk. Consider implementing the following steps:

Hold weekend mail delivery. Most checks are stolen from an organization’s mail when it is closed on the weekend. Contact your local post office and request that mail not be delivered on Saturday or Sunday.

Keep track of your mail. Ensure your outgoing mail is taken and your incoming mail brought in before the end of each business day. And watch your business’s financial accounts for large withdrawals and deposits.

Enroll in online transactions. Whether you’re paying your employees or vendors or receiving checks from your customers, ACH payments is a great solution to mail fraud. By automating payments through the Automated Clearing House, money is transferred digitally (paperless) between financial institutions. Having no paper check means no check gets stolen from the mail.

Episode 12: Join Bryan Orander as he speaks with Holly Wheeler, executive director of Indiana Family to Family, about what it took to merge Family Voices Indiana and About Special Kids. During a two-year period, the board and staff members discussed mission and programming, and, along the way, learned to build trust in an effort to find the right path to better serve families. Listen

The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation has awarded $600,000 to the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce Foundation to support the Business Equity for Indy Workforce Pilot. The initiative gives up to 30 small- and medium-sized companies assistance in implementing recommendations focused on hiring and training practices. Read more

The Monarca Academy, a new charter school, is partnering with nonprofit La Plaza to provide immigrant families, primarily Latino, throughout central Indiana with educational programs, workforce development support, and access to healthcare and human services. The academy is located near Lafayette Square on the city’s northwest side. Learn more

MCCOY’s youth directory, which provides resources to organizations that support youth and youth workers, is now available as an interactive, searchable web page for easier access. The online directory was made with support of the United Way Technology Fund. Print publications also can be ordered. Learn more

The Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission has approved an economic development agreement for phase one of a mixed-use project called Village Premier on the city’s south eastside. The $55 million development will transform more than 20 acres of vacant, city-owned property into a neighborhood of homes and businesses. Learn more

DONATION: Orchard School has about 60 school desks and chairs, three insulated rolling food carts, and other cafeteria and office equipment available for donation. Must pick up by Aug. 12. Email KaAnne Morris kmorris@orchard.org or call (317) 713-5704 to make arrangements.

Are you on your nonprofit’s leadership team? If so, make sure your team and board of directors are up to date with the latest nonprofit trends, local nonprofit news and invaluable nonprofit training. They’ll find it all in the weekly Not-for-profit News. Encourage them to subscribe

Next-level tactics: Storytelling for nonprofits webinar on Aug. 3 at 11 a.m. Learn a classic storytelling formula to outline your nonprofit’s stories quickly and effectively and implement tips for identifying compelling stories regardless of your mission. Presented by Nonprofit Hub. Cost: Free. Register

Nonprofit fundamentals webinar on Aug. 4 at 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., the first in a series of eight interactive virtual training sessions, called Lead with Purpose. The program is designed to prepare board members for more effective board service. Presented by Hedges. Cost: $90 for two people from the same nonprofit, through a sponsorship by Katz, Sapper and Miller, Faegre Drinker and First Person-NFP. Register for one, several or all eight sessions

Tactics to maximize results at year’s end webinar on Aug. 11 at 2 p.m. Gain insights about what’s working now, tips for thanking donors, and proven ways to keep supporters connected to your cause. Presented by Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: $69. Register

Effective staff and board roles webinar on Sept. 15 from 10-11:30 a.m. Learn how to maximize the strengths and effectiveness of executive and board leadership through the complementary yet distinct roles that staff and board members play in nonprofit organizations. Presented by Hedges. Cost: $90 for two people from the same nonprofit. Register

Science of Philanthropy Initiative Conference on Sept. 21-22 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the NCAA Hall of Champions, 700 W. Washington St. The Science of Philanthropy Initiative encourages experimental research on charitable giving. Cost: $250 Learn more and register

How to navigate corporate giving in 2022 webinar on Sept. 29, from 2-3:15 p.m. Gain insights on how companies are setting philanthropic priorities, and how to cultivate new partners and make appeals to corporate grant makers. The sessions qualify for 1.25 CFRE credits. Sponsored by Your Part Time Controllers. Cost $69 early bird rate/$89 regular. Register

Indy Hunger Network is looking for volunteers with experience in project management, data analysis, event planning or process improvement. Ideal candidates would be willing to take on a long-term volunteer role. Learn more

VonLehman CPA & Advisory Firm Trade associations/Business leagues: Lobbying activities and its reporting requirements

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