The Milk Bank expands its footprint through an innovative partnership |
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by Shari Finnell, editor/writer, Not-for-profit News
It’s been 17 years since The Milk Bank opened as a nonprofit that provides families in Indiana and throughout the nation with donated human milk. And for years it has faced an uphill battle in helping the community understand the sometimes life-saving benefits it offers to infants, much in the way blood donations are widely accepted.
An innovative partnership with Versiti Blood Center of Indiana, another nonprofit focused on tissue donation, and the recent formula crisis could significantly change all that.
Jenni Streit, advancement director for The Milk Bank, is all too familiar with misconceptions that many people have about an organization that supplies parents of newborns and infants with human donor milk.
“I was not aware of The Milk Bank until I was delivering my daughter,” she recalled. “I was having an unexpected C-section and a nurse turned to me and said, ‘Do you want her to have donor milk of formula when she goes to the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit)?’”
A series of questions and doubts immediately emerged in Streit’s mind: “I didn’t know what she was talking about, who the donors were, or about the safety of the milk. It was just so unfamiliar to me, but I trusted my care team,” she said.
That typically is the journey taken by many of the people who have become aware of The Milk Bank, Streit said. “We have been trying to get upstream in our conversations and really try to educate folks early in pregnancy that it could be an option for them," she added. "We've made good traction this year."
Partnership built on innovation
The Milk Bank attributes increased awareness about the organization to a partnership with Versiti, formerly the Indiana Blood Center. Although the two nonprofit organizations have similar missions in that they focus on the donation of human tissue, a collaboration didn’t come to mind until The Milk Bank faced an increased need for drop-off locations for its donor mothers.
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Special event season is here! What's next? |
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by John Mainella and Michael Pettry, principals, Cape Fletcher Associates, consulting partners of CICF
The season of special events is squarely upon us in Central Indiana. Whether springtime galas, summer golfing events or the increasingly popular breakfast fundraiser, most organizations are in the midst of special event season.
But special events are a lot of work. Then again, you already know that no doubt.
Here’s where many not-for-profits leave tremendous opportunities on the table. After all the work that brings a special event to life, they forget that the actual value of the event likely lies in what happens following the event. Which existing donors made a second-mile gift or increased their giving level? (A move up the giving tiers!) Who made a first-time donation to the organization? (A candidate for renewal and increased giving!)
We recently had a conversation with an executive director lamenting about all of the time and energy that went into planning and executing an event but forgot to invest intentionality and strategy into what happens in the days and weeks after the event.
Whether you are a seasoned staffer, just starting your journey in development, or a stalwart board member, here are three suggestions to increase the longer-term benefits of your special events.
Record event attendees into your database and segment this group. Organizations use databases for many reasons, but one is especially important: to grow the base of support. Even though a donor may have given at a special event, they should be added to your database and segmented into their own category.
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Episode 8: Join Bryan Orander in a conversation with Tina Cloer, president & CEO of Firefly Children and Family Alliance, the new name for two of the oldest nonprofits in Central Indiana. Cloer talks about the 2021 merger of Families First and Children’s Bureau, and why trust and relationships are key to nonprofit partnerships. Listen
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American College of Sports Medicine has hired Sharon Smith as media and public relations manager. Smith formerly was communications director for the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center. |
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The Indianapolis Zoo has hired Liana Wallace as director of the Indianapolis Prize. Wallace previously was advancement officer at Alpha Gamma Delta in Indianapolis. — Inside Indiana Business
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The Peace Learning Center has hired Anita Jackson as director of community CARE. Jackson previously was director of immigrant legal services for Catholic Charities Indianapolis. |
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Indiana Donor Network has hired Kristen Edwards as director of hospital services. Edwards formerly was chief nursing officer for Ascension St. Vincent Central North Region. — Inside Indiana Business
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United Way of Central Indiana has awarded $8.3 million to 63 organizations that are supporting underserved residents across the region. United Way’s Basic Needs Fund is designed to help vulnerable individuals and families become more stable through improved access to food, housing, health care and transportation. Learn more about the initiative
Lilly Endowment has released its 2021 annual report, which focuses on “Respecting the Doers.” The report highlights the work of organizations supported by the endowment, including those who are committed to enhancing the quality of life in Indianapolis and Indiana. Read the impact stories
Nominations are open for Black Women Give Back 2022, an initiative of the Women's Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University and Women Invested to Save Earth Fund. The organizations have partnered to spotlight the contributions of Black women philanthropists during Black Philanthropy Month in August. Nominations are accepted until July 3.
Horizon House has partnered with Downtown Indy, Inc., to collect more than 1,000 pairs of new underwear for people experiencing homelessness. During Downtown Indy’s HandleBar Hot Lap Drive, a competitive event on Monument Circle, supporters raised funds and donated 200 pairs of underwear to the cause. A drive hosted by Salesforce contributed to donations of 600 pairs of underwear. Learn more
DONATE: The Villages is hosting a back-to-school supply drive for foster children. Donors are asked to deliver backpacks and supplies to one of The Villages' locations by July 26. Learn more about the school supply drive
Correction: Glick Philanthropies awarded a grant to the JCC Indianapolis to hire mental health and behavioral coordinator and inclusion support specialists to work at the nonprofit’s day camp this summer. Learn more (The Glick Philanthropies grant was to JCC Indianapolis, not the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, as mistakenly published in a previous newsletter.)
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How marketing automation can work for you webinar on June 23 at 1 p.m. Discover the newest developments in automated multi-channel marketing, including the integration of online efforts with offline tactics like print. Presented by Nonprofit Hub. Cost: Free. Register
Get on Board, an in-person event on June 28 from 4:30-6:30 pm at Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Road, provides opportunities to meet with nonprofit representatives looking for board members and volunteers. Refreshments and free entry to Newfields, beginning at 3 p.m., is included. Presented by AES Indiana and Leadership Indianapolis. Cost: Free. Register
Indianapolis Bar Association is offering free legal advice by phone on July 12. Attorney volunteers will answer calls from 6-8 p.m. at (317) 269-2000.
2022 State of the Nonprofit Sector report review webinar. Learn what 865 nonprofits are saying about workforce shortages, governance, finance and operations trends and developments in the wake of the global pandemic outbreak. Presented by Forvis, formerly BKD. Cost: Free. Watch
Planning effective programs pre-recorded webinar. Discover the main components of a solid program plan that will allow your organization to provide quality services to your community. Watch
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Do you enjoy gardening? Are you interested in trying a new outdoor activity? Join a group of like-minded volunteers at the IUPUI Urban Gardens on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9-11 a.m. Register to volunteer
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Constituents want to feel deeply connected to organizations they care about — without worrying that their privacy and personal data are being exploited. That’s why the use of data is now under a microscope.
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New leaders should use their first month on the job meeting people and learning about the organization, the second month selecting priorities, and 40 days evaluating subordinates and enacting customer-specific strategies.
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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
STRATEGIC PLANNING
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BANKING/
ASSET MANAGEMENT
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Coworking memberships
Nexus offers monthly memberships in a shared co-working space that includes free meeting room credits, printing and coffee, and access to high-speed internet. Members also have the opportunity to engage with other small business owners and nonprofits. Memberships start at $59/month for lite memberships up to $149/month for a dedicated cubicle. Explore your options
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NEW JOB BOARD NOW LIVE!
“I opened a new account yesterday and posted a job. It was an easy process! I appreciate this, so we can post every time we need it.”
Post your openings on Charitable Advisors’ new job board. We have transitioned to a more streamlined platform for job postings. Use the coupon code 75OFF to get a $75 discount on any job ad placed between now and May 20. View this video to learn how to set up an account and place your first job. You also can preview this step-by-step guide. If you’re seeking a new career, create an account and apply for a job here.
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Executive Leadership (CEO/ED/COO)
Fund Development/Marketing/PR/Advocacy
Admin Support/Clerical
Finance/Accounting/HR/IT/Facility
CFO - Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
Programs/Program Support
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