Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have been at the forefront of priorities for many nonprofit organizations in recent years. However, as many leaders have recognized, implementing DEI initiatives can be complex considering that many leaders and employees will have different perspectives on how to successfully move forward.

We recently talked to Pamela Ross, vice president of community leadership and equitable initiatives for the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) to gain insights on the inroads the organization has made since changing its mission to focus on equity initiatives nearly five years ago. The philanthropy, which was established in 1997, and its family of funds contribute more than $40 million annually to nonprofits in Central Indiana. In 2020, it was the steward of more than $825 million in charitable assets.

As Ross puts it, even after several years of being immersed in DEI initiatives, the organization still is in the beginning stages of initiating change because it involves uprooting deeply ingrained institutionalized systems.

“We changed our mission to mobilize people, investments, and ideas to create a more equitable Central Indiana where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential no matter their place, race, or identity,” Ross said in describing CICF’s shift in focus. “In order for people to reach their potential and have the most opportunities, we couldn't keep ignoring the fact that race is a factor in who gets access — access to money, access to resources in all the different sectors, including education and the workforce.”

Ross noted that one of the most important steps for any nonprofit leaders who are seeking to make progress with DEI is to start by addressing institutional racism within their own organizations.

It’s no secret that most employee handbooks aren’t page turners, but these often overlooked documents can protect your nonprofit from pricey employment claims and other HR nightmares. Today, we’ll answer some of our most commonly asked questions about employee handbooks (also called employee manuals) for nonprofits. As always, if your nonprofit needs your first employee manual, or needs to revise your current handbook, let us know.

Employment law varies widely by state and there are special considerations to take into account with each nonprofit organization. The nonprofit attorneys on our team are well-versed in how to best protect nonprofits from liability while keeping employees safe.

Essential policies that your nonprofit’s employee handbook needs to include:

While different types of nonprofits may have unique needs in this area there are a few items your employee handbook should absolutely include.

First, it’s important to include a statement about Equal Employment Opportunity. This establishes that your nonprofit won’t discriminate against your employees based on things like race, age, or sex. Many nonprofits also include provisions beyond what’s required by the federal government, including their overall discrimination policy, their accommodation policy and their commitment to DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) statement in this section as well. Keep in mind that different states have their own requirements for things like accommodations for employees with disabilities or religious accommodations, so be sure your policy follows your state’s laws as well.

Episode 35: Join Bryan Orander in this Q & A with T.J. McGovern of McGovern Consulting about the critical role of fundraisers from the perspectives of both the job seeker and hiring manager. With nonprofits struggling to hire and retain fundraisers, this conversation provides great insights. Listen

Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded The International Center a $500,000 grant to support The Center’s programming and general operations in 2023. The award includes a $200,000 challenge grant which the Endowment will match based on $200,000 in contributions from other donors. Learn more

The CIBA Foundation, which has a mission of promoting safe bicycling in Indiana, is accepting grant applications through Feb. 1. The organization has distributed nearly $575,000 in grants to support cycling organizations, primarily in Central Indiana. Learn more and apply.

Brooke's Place for Grieving Young People was selected as a Pillar Award grant recipient during the Hamilton County Community Foundation’s Festival of Philanthropy. The organization received a $5,000 grant to support its mission to serve grieving children and their families. Read more

Nonprofit organizations and individuals are invited to attend the 2023 Prosperity Indiana Summit and its Statehouse Day on Feb. 1 and 2. The Statehouse Day event is free. Learn more about the summit or RSVP for Statehouse Day

The Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation (MDLF) is accepting applications for its fifth class of fellows of its MDLF fellowship, a 2-year development program that is focused on educating the future leaders of Indiana. The deadline for applications is Feb. 17. Learn more and apply

Indiana Destination Development Corporation has opened the application process for its next round of grants under the 2023 IN Indiana Placemaking Activation Grant and the IDDC Public Art Activation Grant. Individual artists, nonprofits, private businesses, communities, and other organizations involved with tourism promotion have until March 17 to submit their applications. Learn more and apply

How to create a social media strategy for your nonprofit on Jan. 11 at 1 p.m. Social media can be an effective communication tool for nonprofits, but only if leaders understand that creating engaging content is essential to acquiring new supporters and donors. Presented by Nonprofit Tech for Good. Cost: $20 Register

Board opportunities webinar on Jan. 31 at 11:30 a.m. Learn more about board leadership roles and advisory committees in this interactive event where you can share information about your organization and explore opportunities to add new leaders to your board. Presented by United Way’s Leadership United. Cost: Free. Register

People First six-month strategic leadership program starts Feb. 9 and runs monthly through July 13. Learn key leadership skills, how to leverage your strengths, manage conflict and creatively solve problems. Presented by Purple Ink. Cost: $1,800. Register

IU McKinney Law is offering a virtual Juris Doctor information session on Feb. 13 from noon-1 p.m. for those interested in applying to start law school in the fall of 2023. The one-hour session outlines the steps in the application process. Register

RightFit afterschool program needs volunteers who are passionate about helping youth on weekdays from 3-6 p.m. in various programming areas, including physical education, health and nutrition, homework, and social and emotional learning. Contact Jamie Johnson [email protected] to learn more.

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Executive Director - Indiana Optometric Association