What would it take for the nonprofit sector to live up to its potential to advance systemic social change?

In the 30 years I’ve been part of this sector, that question has been a constant. Critics often focus on the sector’s size—a huge asset that could be leveraged for more significant change.

In the US alone, the nonprofit sector raised $471 billion in donor revenues last year for 1.3 million organizations employing 12 million people. Changemakers themselves often feel like Sisyphus, pushing a boulder uphill, only to see it roll back down.

Everyone seems to have their pet answer. More diverse boards. More equitable funding. Reforming human resources. Or evaluation. Or leadership.

It’s time to acknowledge that there is not one silver bullet that will lead to our potential. What is needed is structural change in every aspect of nonprofit work. And the time for that change is right now.

The quest to enhance nonprofit results is not new. Below are just a few reforms I have witnessed.

Enhancing board effectiveness: The baseline for boards is the seemingly official list of roles and responsibilities (few of which are actually law, just “best” practice). Governance reforms like governance as leadership and policy governance have recently been joined by new models to flatten organizations with distributed leadership (e.g., holacracy and sociocracy), as well as others built around circles, committees, roles, and/or community engagement.

Better fundraising: “Not enough results” is often equated with “not enough money.” For years, those tasked with raising money have been steeped in donor-centered fundraising, assisted by software programs that turn people into acronyms like LYBUNTs (gave Last Year But Unfortunately Not This year).

Now more than ever due to the pandemic, nonprofits are faced with many questions about how to adapt and revise their services and extend their outreach to donors and constituents.

Taking the time to solicit feedback from stakeholders can help your organization be thoughtful and strategic as you make these decisions. This feedback can:

About 88 percent of organizations prioritize gathering client feedback, yet only 13 percent of organizations are actually using the data as a top source for continuous improvement. Of the organizations not taking the time to solicit feedback, two-thirds said it was because they faced limited staff time and other barriers, according to a 2019 issue of Stanford Social Innovation Review. Barriers may include lacking the needed financial resources, expertise or support from management. Despite these concerns, stakeholder feedback can be a valuable investment.

Let’s explore the benefits and challenges of three useful methodologies of data gathering: interviews, focus groups, and surveys.

Old National Bank Foundation has granted Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana $50,000 to support a new manufacturing facility at 38th and Sheridan. The facility, which will generate 100 new jobs in the neighborhood, will focus on the production of medical devices for Cook Medical. Read

Local housing developer The Annex Group is partnering with Youth Build Indy to build Union at 16th, an affordable housing community on the city’s near west side. As part of the partnership, participants of the nonprofit BUILD program will help with construction of the $29 million development. Read

Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) was recognized with an Innovation Award for its native plant nursery at the 2021 national Keep America Beautiful conference. KIB repurposed the side-yard at their headquarters to grow their own nursery that provides native plants as part of their greening efforts around the city. Read

Lilly Endowment has granted $20 million in seed funding to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund as part of the Preserving Black Churches Project. Read

Please take this important survey. The IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is studying nonprofit board composition, engagement, and leadership in Central Indiana. Participation by Central Indiana nonprofits in this research is key. Go here to take part in the study.

DONATION: Five office desks, a receptionist desk, small end table and 10 reception area chairs. Must dismantle and move the furniture yourself. Pick up at the Gold Building, 151 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, IN. Contact Susie Richards sRichards@504partner.com or call (317) 613-3513 for availability.

Craft an annual communications plan that pays off at year’s end webinar on Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. How can you manage donors’ communication preferences, avoid over- or under-communicating, and lay a strong foundation. Presented by Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: $69. Register

Living in the community with dementia webinar on Feb. 10 from 9- 11 a.m. Panelists will discuss community and state initiatives to better address the challenges of people living with dementia and their caregivers’ resources. Presented by SAVI. Register

Women in Leadership annual workshop on Feb. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Johnson County Armory, 325 Minuteman Way, Franklin, Ind. The theme is "Leading with Happiness." Cost: $119 general public /$99 LJC and Franklin College alumni and Franklin, Aspire and Indy Chamber members. Presented by Leadership Johnson County. Register

Understanding and interrupting microaggressions webinar on Feb. 16 from 10 a.m.-noon. Join Peace Learning Center for this 2-hour workshop where participants will define the term, its history and impact, and build awareness of microaggressions in daily life. Cost: $35. Presented by Peace Learning Center. Register

Is now the right time for a partnership or merger/acquisition? pre-recorded webinar. Presented by VonLehman CPA Firm. Cost: Free. Watch

Looking for a board opportunity? Disability Legal Services of Indiana, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering students and families with disabilities with low-cost legal services, is looking for board members. Apply

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