Can Volunteers Help Nonprofits Keep Their Community Roots Alive? |
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by Sue Carter Kahl, contributor, Nonprofit Quarterly
In a 2018 article, nonprofit leader Jan Masaoka called the nonprofit sector to task. She named the growing professionalization of the sector and its reliance on consultants as a step away from nonprofit roots in activism and the causes that drive it. This shift has led to increasing “sophistication” in nonprofit operations, with paid professionals more often at the helm. In many cases, it has also sidelined communities as active participants in nonprofit work.
Is there a way to address this? A renewal of volunteerism may provide one path.
One CEO of a large social service agency with government contracts shared, “Volunteers are a great way that we can reconnect with our advocacy and our social justice roots.” His government contracts emphasize numbers, but he views volunteers as a key part of what (and, more importantly, how) the organization delivers those numbers.
Likewise, the volunteer director of a faith-based agency notes that it is volunteers who give the agency the ability to offer services that are compassionate, caring, and community building. Yet volunteer work is routinely challenged by financial pressures.
These observations and the following perspectives offer insight into the push-and-pull tension that nonprofit leaders experience between the narrow accountability of funded work and the broader accountability to their missions and communities.
Nonprofit Priorities as Functions of Their Instrumental and Expressive Elements
One way to view this tension is as a function of organizations’ instrumental and expressive dimensions. Instrumental elements are practical, achievement oriented, and resource seeking. Expressive elements are symbolic, value oriented, and resource consuming. Wenjue Knutsen and Ralph Brower examined this topic in a study of Canadian nonprofits, and helped paint a picture of how these elements play out in day-to-day life.
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Non-Profit Provisions in Latest COVID Relief Legislation |
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by David Hayes, CPA, Senior Tax Accountant
New legislation designed to support millions of Americans as they continue to struggle with the impact of COVID-19 on their health, livelihood, and community went into effect at the end of 2020. One of the major provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) is relief for not-for-profit organizations. Here are the highlights:
Charitable Giving Incentives
Prior to the CARES Act, individuals who took the standard deduction (i.e., do not itemize deductions) could not deduct charitable giving. The CARES Act included a temporary universal charitable deduction capped at $300 ($600 for married filing jointly) and increased deductibility for charitable contributions to 100% of adjusted gross income for individuals and 25% for corporations. These provisions were extended through Dec. 31, 2021.
Paycheck Protection Program Loan Eligibility Extension
Eligibility for nonprofit organizations is extended to 501(c)6 organizations and the program will run through March 31, 2021. Previously, only charitable organizations exempt under IRC 501(c)(3) were eligible to receive these loans. The PPP Loan second draw program will offer forgivable loans to non-profits that meet these conditions:
- 300 or fewer employees.
- Had a 25% reduction in gross receipts during at least one quarter of 2020 versus the same quarter of 2019.
- The maximum loan size for a second draw PPP loan is $2 million.
Forgiveness Requirements
For a PPP loan to be forgiven, an entity is required to allocate at least 60% of the loan to payroll expenses. The remaining 40% can be allocated to eligible non-payroll expenses, which now include:
- Operations Expenditures: cloud computing services, business software, HR, and related expenses
- Property Damage Costs: civil unrest and public disturbances which occurred during 2020 (not covered by insurance)
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The Indianapolis Public Transportation Foundation has named Emily Lovison as its new executive director. Lovison previously held fundraising roles at several local nonprofits, including Conner Prairie and 100 Black Men of Indianapolis. |
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Purdue Extension-Marion County has hired Kayla Wright as a community development educator. Wright previously worked as a legislative assistant for the Indiana House Democratic Caucus and as a Mayor's Neighborhood Advocate. |
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Morning Light, Inc., has promoted Madison Gonzalez to advancement director. Gonzalez previously held the position of community involvement and events manager for the organization. |
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Morning Light, Inc., has promoted Rachael Winbush to home operations director. Winbush previously held the role of home operations manager for the organization. |
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EmployIndy has promoted Carla Montgomery to associate director of grants and procurement. Montgomery previously served as the office administrator at EmployIndy. |
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Indiana Philanthropy Alliance has promoted Sarah Origer to GIFT director of programming, which supports Indiana’s large community foundation field. Origer previous was GIFT program manager for the alliance. |
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Lilly Endowment, Inc., has awarded the International Center a $500,000 grant to support its programming and general operations in 2021. Read more
United Way is providing residents relief through the Winter Assistance Fund, an option for those who struggle to afford high heat and electricity bills, but who fall just above the qualifications for the federal Energy Assistance Program. Read more
IndyGo is preparing to move its Open Door paratransit operations to the Haughville neighborhood on Near Westside of Indianapolis. IndyGo had recently purchased two parcels of land for the transition. Read more
The Lumina Foundation has awarded nearly $3.2 million worth of grants to 11 organizations through its $15 million Racial Justice and Equity Fund. Read more
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Donation: Desk, chair and hutch suitable for a C-suite office. Contact Kim Reeves at kreeves@browninginv.com. Must arrange for pick up on the west side of Carmel.
Next week, Charitable Advisors will release its Central Indiana Salary Survey, which will provide insights on how employees in the sector are compensated. Please send your contact information to julie@charitableadvisors.com if you are responsible for completing the survey on behalf of your organization. Emails will be sent on Feb. 2.
COVID-19 GRANTS
The Mind Trust and United Way of Central Indiana have announced a joint investment of $500,000 to launch a community-based initiative to accelerate learning for Marion County students during the summer. The initiative is designed to mitigate learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
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The State of Nonprofits in 2021 webinar on Feb. 3 from noon-1 p.m. From a financial and political perspective, what are some opportunities and threats that nonprofits should consider? How should your SWOT analysis be informed by the “external environment” of the economy and the ongoing pandemic? Cost: $10. Hosted by Axelson Center. Register
IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law is offering a virtual Master of Jurisprudence virtual information session on Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. for students interested in pursuing the advanced degree. Register
IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law is offering a virtual Juris Doctor virtual information session on Feb. 9 at 4:30 p.m. for those interested in applying to start law school in the fall of 2021. The one-hour session outlines the steps in the application process. Register
How to win grants for advancing racial equity webinar on Feb. 11, from 2- 3:15 p.m. Learn how to set goals, craft a sound proposal budget, and convey the impact of your work in ways that will resonate with grant makers. Cost: $69. Presented by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Register
Finding your why: Women in leadership webinar on Feb. 12 at 9 a.m. This full-day, virtual workshop features presenters from across the country who will discuss the causes and beliefs that drive our motivation for the things we do, the careers we pursue, and how we spend our time. Cost: $99. Presented by Leadership Johnson County. Register
Nonprofits: Safety and health in 2021 webinar on Feb. 17 at 11 a.m. How long can people work from home? Can we require employees to get COVID-19 vaccines? How do we create a safe and healthy culture? What are our liabilities and options? Hosted by VonLehman CPA & Advisors. Cost: Free. Register
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Succession planning isn’t just for retirement anymore webinar on Feb. 17, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Whether you are a nonprofit ED/CEO beginning to think about your retirement timeline or a board or staff leader who wants to ensure your organization has laid the appropriate groundwork for a successful transition, this session will provide a strategic roadmap. There will be time for an extended Q&A session to ensure your organization, board and staff teams are prepared for a near-term or future leadership transition. Cost: Free. Presented by Bryan Orander with Charitable Advisors. Register
Toxic workplace cultures: What do YOU do? webinar on Feb. 18 at 8:30 a.m. As part of this dynamic presentation, Jeremy York, author and HR field representative at Synergy, will discuss workplace toxicity and why it isn’t an imaginary problem. Participants will learn strategies for affecting change, addressing toxic workplace behaviors, and identifying signs of a toxic workplace. The session also provides a deeper understanding of how toxicity impacts workplace cultures and outlines the cost of avoidance. Hosted by Charitable Advisors. Cost: Free. Register
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The American Red Cross is in need of local volunteers to provide comfort and meet needs caused by disaster, including those of residents impacted by home fires in Indiana. Learn more and click on express interest |
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No one’s quite sure what 2021 will bring. But there are two things that are certain: social distancing will continue to be a reality and your donors will continue to believe in your mission.
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Research from The Bridgespan Group shows that executive leadership team effectiveness relies on doing five things consistently.
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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.
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FUND DEVELOPMENT
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ASSET MANAGEMENT
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MEETING ROOM OR EVENT SPACE |
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Office/art space available in Fountain Square
Office rental space available on Indianapolis’ Southeast side. Up to 1,970 sq ft. office space, five rooms for office/studio space, kitchenette, paid utilities, installed security system, parking and more. Contact Bradley Keen at (317) 634-5079, ext. 101.
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Nexus is a community dedicated to social impact!
With 2,000 square feet of coworking space, budget-friendly private offices, and comfortable meeting and event spaces, the Nexus Impact Center is an ideal location to pursue your mission. Located just off Interstate 465 and Michigan Road, Nexus allows your team members and visitors to quickly reach your space and meet in spacious rooms that allow for safe social distancing. More
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