Americans gave a record $471 billion to charity in 2020, amid concerns about the coronavirus pandemic, job losses and racial justice
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by Anna Pruitt and Jon Bergdoll
As two of the lead researchers who produced this report, we observed that giving bucked historical trends in three ways. The total increased despite a recession; foundations’ giving surged; and gifts to a variety of nonprofits providing social services, supporting people in need and protecting civil rights grew the most.
1. A good year for giving during a recession
2. Foundations and individuals stepped up
Soon after the COVID-19 pandemic began, many foundations pledged to increase their grantmaking. Based on our findings, it looks like they kept their word: Foundation giving rose 15.6% to a record $88.55 billion in 2020, after adjusting for the effects of inflation.
Strong stocks also bolstered giving by foundations, which support a wide array of charitable activities by making grants. They are required by law to annually give away 5% of the average value of their assets, often held in endowments. As their stocks and other holdings grow, that 5% gets larger too.
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Developing a successful hybrid-work model: Empower employees with choice
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by Cody Lents, partner and change manager at COVI, Inc.
As vaccinations trend up and restrictions trend down, a significant number of workers are set to return to the office in coming months. Your extroverted employees are undoubtedly excited. However, their introverted counterparts may not share the same enthusiasm. So, how can you maximize morale and culture to enable the best performance out of both groups?: A thoughtfully-designed hybrid Work-from-Home (WFH) model that prioritizes both the needs of your organization’s employees and processes. Here are some important considerations:
Lay the groundwork for success
The first critical step in transitioning into a hybrid WFH model is developing and communicating processes that level the playing field for both in-house and remote workers. Set clear expectations about your organization’s internal communications, cyber insurance, bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy, etc., to ensure that remote workers don’t feel left behind compared to their in-person colleagues.
While remote work can be an opportunity to cut “traditional” office costs, leverage it as an opportunity to invest in your workforce. Consider using what your organization saves on overhead to provide your employees with a stipend to make working remotely more comfortable. This allows employees to outfit themselves at home with equipment like an ergonomic chair, an extra monitor, noise-canceling headphones, etc.
At the office, consider re-developing your organization’s layout to better accommodate a hybrid approach: dedicated “open-space” plans for those in and out of the office, private offices for focused work, and spaces specifically designed to encourage collaboration/socialization both face-to-face and virtually.
Invest in your infrastructure
The next critical step in transitioning your organization to a hybrid approach is ensuring your infrastructure is capable of handling the needs of employees working in different spaces. Now may be the time to upgrade your organization’s software to the enterprise level so that you can take advantage of security, communication and collaboration features.
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3 hot topics in treasury management right now
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by John Haggarty, vice president; Gail Bradley, vice president; and Dave Voris, region manager, treasury management, Horizon Bank
As part of our interactions with nonprofit clients, we consistently hear about topics related to interest rates, credit card acceptance, scams and fraud. Here are a few tips to help you address challenges in these areas.
Interest rates
Many nonprofit organizations, especially in the wake of the pandemic, struggle to have enough funds to fulfill their mission — notwithstanding that the current interest rate environment has drastically reduced the earnings that can become available from their reservoirs of cash.
We’ve heard nothing to indicate that short-term investment rates will be increasing in the near future. Several issues are keeping interest rates down. First and foremost, interest rates were drastically reduced in March of 2020 in an attempt to support the U.S. economy, during a period we know now as the beginning of the pandemic. And, in the latest jobs creation report from March, employment numbers are improving but not at a rate for the Federal Reserve to begin raising rates despite concerns about some inflation.
There also is an extreme amount of cash built up within the banking system, brought about by corporations that have conserved cash as a strategy to work through the uncertainties caused by the pandemic. This cash build-up also is caused by less than normal spending among consumers who have been housebound during the past 15 months.
A combination of the above, along with recently introduced assistance from the federal government, the overall banking system is so flush with deposits that higher interest rates do not need to be paid to attract additional deposits.
Since we expect this condition to last for at least 12 to 18 months, we recommend that nonprofit organizations not lock funds into long-term certificates of deposit simply to achieve some additionally higher rates. They should also consider asking about the option of tiered money market rates instead of traditional certificates of deposit. Learn more about these options here.
Credit card acceptance
To help with donation cash flow, nonprofit organizations should allow donors to submit funds directly with online payment portals. An online payment portal is a convenient solution that increases revenue, generates material operating efficiencies, expedites transactions, improves customer service and convenience, and powerfully enhances any enterprise payments platform.
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Indiana CPA Society has promoted Courtney Kincaid to president and CEO. Kincaid previously was the vice president of strategic initiatives.
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Kappa Alpha Theta has promoted Jennifer Broughton Schmaltz to chief executive officer. Broughton Schmaltz previously served as assistant director. — Inside Indiana Business
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United Way of Central Indiana has promoted Ashley Furois to vice president of workplace fundraising. Furois recently served as senior director of fundraising.
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United Way of Central Indiana has promoted Tanya Hand to vice president of major and transformational giving. Hand most recently served as director of major and transformational giving.
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Indiana residents are invited to undergo a virtual career coaching program offered by Ivy Tech Community College and InsideTrack. The program will be funded with $1.2 million of the $3 million Ivy Tech received in federal pandemic relief funds through Indiana’s $50 million Rapid Recovery initiative. Read more
Plainfield-based Duke Energy Foundation has awarded grants totaling more than $113,000 to help improve broadband internet access in 15 underserved counties. The grants include $100,000 for the Purdue Center for Regional Development and $13,000 for Indiana Farm Bureau. Read more
The Finish Line Youth Foundation has announced the first cycle of grant recipients from its Louder Than Words grant program. Nonprofits that support communities of color can apply to the second grant cycle by June 30. Read more
Exhibitor applications are now open for IndyVolved 16 presented by AES Indiana, which takes place on Oct. 12 at Victory Field. The event gives nonprofit organizations, young professional groups, and civic engagement partners the opportunity to showcase their mission, recruit volunteers and engage with more than 2,000 Indianapolis young leaders. Applications are due July 1 at 5 p.m. For more information
JCC Indianapolis presented the inaugural Charles A. Cohen Award for long-standing service and philanthropy to the JCC to Keith Pitzele; the Marks A. Levy Staff recognition and development award to Hanna Fogel, and the Frank-Larner leadership award to Chelsea Cantu and Eric Ratner. Read more
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How women will shape philanthropy in the decade ahead webinar on June 29 at 3 p.m. How will women from different backgrounds change the giving landscape? This online briefing examines the potential for change woman donors bring for 2021 and beyond. Presented by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: Free. Register
Year-end strategies: Stand out — and raise more webinar on July 15, from 2-3:15 p.m. How can your nonprofit create appeals that grab donors’ attention ― and inspire generous giving ― during the most competitive fundraising time of the year? Presented by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: $69. Register
Cybersecurity: How NFPs can protect themselves and their donors webinar on July 21 at 1 p.m. Learn how others are navigating cybersecurity challenges in a landscape that changes every day. Presented by Barnes Dennig. Cost: Free. Register
Stakeholder analysis webinar on June 29 at noon. Nonprofit organizations have numerous stakeholders, including board members, staff members, volunteers, community members, and funders. During this interactive workshop, attendees will gain tools and strategies needed to effectively manage stakeholders. Presented by Leadership Indianapolis. Cost: $10. Register
Fearless asking: How to build an individual giving program recorded webinar. This video will help attendees understand the current fundraising environment and how to overcome their fears about confidently asking for the support their nonprofit needs. Presented by The Indianapolis Public Library. Watch
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Hire the best webinar, which provides tips on hiring the right person right now for the right price, is on June 23 at noon. Attendees will learn the six secrets of the Innovative Hiring Process and try out the TalassureMX assessment for free (a$175 value). TalassureMX provides objective insights into the core behavioral traits, occupational interests, and reasoning ability of upper-level professionals. Sponsored by Charitable Advisors’ partner Talexes. Register
Use code CHA100.
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Keep Indianapolis Beautiful is looking for volunteers for cleaning projects for the following events:
- Martindale Brightwood Great Indy Cleanup, June 30 at 9 a.m. Sign up
- Tarkington Park Tree Debris Cleanup, July 10 at 10 a.m. Sign up
- Plogging Cleanup at Guggman Haus, July 10 at 11 a.m. Sign up
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White House Clinics in increasing its pay scale by 28% to show appreciation for workers who stuck with the organization through the pandemic, and to potentially attract additional talent.
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MacKenzie Scott, the billionaire philanthropist known for impromptu donations to charities and racial equity causes, has announced that she has given $2.7 billion to 286 organizations.
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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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MEETING ROOM OR EVENT SPACE
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Space available for nonprofit in Fountain Square area
Rental spaces available for nonprofits in newly renovated 6,200-square-foot building at 2119 Prospect St. Available as a single space or two spaces with designated entrance and bathrooms, HVAC and common areas, with parking in an adjacent lot. Buildout to suit. Contact Harold Miller, 317-753-2034.
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Office Space in Children’s Bureau, Near Northside of Indianapolis
More than 3,000 square feet of unfinished rental space available for a nonprofit. Build-out allowance based on lease terms. Rent includes utilities, cleaning, maintenance, building security, parking and access to common areas (including restroom, kitchen, and conference space). Less than ½ mile from several bus stops. Contact Lewis Rhone at (317) 264-2700.
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