Jennifer Stansbury Miller, program manager of the Be Well Crisis Helpline, which was launched by Mental Health of America (MHAI) in partnership with the state of Indiana’s Family Social Services and Administration, said that there are no immediate plans to discontinue the helpline, which was implemented in response to the pandemic.

Data, data, data. Nonprofits and for-profits alike have more data than ever to track, understand and utilize in carrying out their goals. It’s easy to quickly become overwhelmed.

To help get the process started, consider creating dashboards.

Dashboards are short (normally one page) graphical representations of data that can provide the key measurements to make informed decisions. They can show program results, financial results, or any other data that needs to be communicated to a group, and they can be helpful internally for staff uses as well as higher level use by a board of directors or finance committee.

One way to use a financial dashboard like the one shown above is to include it as the cover page in the financial packet when sending monthly financial statements to your finance committee. Dashboards are relatively quick to update once they are created, and they can accomplish the following:

As business leaders, we have a lot on our plates to accommodate a new worldview and attract the next generation of talent. Decent pay and a job are no longer enough to lure prospective employees, at least not the ones we want. Businesses must stay informed and honestly care about our people and the issues they face daily. To retain our employees, we must guide them to a better future at home and work.

The future of IT is more than just using technology to automate, streamline, and manage operations as much as possible. It’s aligning it to enhance the employee and customer experience, increasing internal cultural, and external delivery demands. The problem is that the more tech we use, the more tech we must end up managing. This requires expensive skill sets and nuanced management skills. Leaders have been quick to adopt expensive skill sets; however, quality management is lacking.

Few companies are equipped with the technology to accommodate both the older and younger generations. Millennials will make up about 75% of the workforce by 2025. Gen Z has spent most of their lives with fast and efficient internet access, along with smart and portable devices that are constantly connecting each other to the world at large. 91% of Gen Z employees say the company’s technological sophistication impacts their decision to work there. 10% of employees (no matter the generation) have walked away from a job due to technological frustrations. And the complication doesn’t end with office tech. After all, 37% of millennials say working with multiple devices is challenging and stressful, and they don’t want to switch from a computer or phone for work and life activities.

It's true that the older the generation — the less likely they are to adapt to ever-changing technology. There is a common stereotype that veteran employees resist technology and new workflows because it will require too much stress and a departure from the way they’ve been operating for decades. In reality, many of these people have seen several changes.

Charles A. Tindley Accelerated Schools has received a $21,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Health SNAP Education program. The program, which is designed to help individuals and families grow and cook healthier meals at home, will support the creation of a garden and greenhouse. Read more

Indiana nonprofits implement creative solutions around mergers that build upon their combined strengths while streamlining administrative, fundraising and other resources. The organizations include the Muncie Symphony Orchestra and Marion Philharmonic Orchestra, which will become Orchestra Indiana, and three performing art groups in Bloomington. Read more

The Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation has awarded Visually Impaired Preschool Services a $50,000 grant to help the development of a sensory garden at the new Simon & Estelle Knoble VIPS Family Resource Center. Read more

The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives will undergo changes beginning in June 2022, according to the USDA. Funding will return to pre-pandemic levels, based on eligibility factors, including household size, income and allowable deductions. Read more

The Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative is accepting applications from organizations seeking grant money. The initiative, which is funded with $100 million from the Lilly Endowment Inc., will distribute grants in August. Read more

Gov. Eric Holcomb has announced that the Indiana School for the Deaf, which has been located at 1200 E. 42nd St., near the Indiana State Fairgrounds, since 1911, will move to the campus of the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired on North College Avenue at East 75th Street. Read more

Hamilton County Leadership Academy will start accepting applications for its 2023 class on March 30. The 10-month program connects participants to their communities, giving them a deeper understanding of Hamilton County. Applications due May 31. Apply

No nonprofit left behind: How small organizations can capitalize on new trends in fundraising mini virtual conference on March 30 from 1-3:15 p.m. Larger nonprofits are seeing great success from crypto giving and new stewardship tactics. How can small nonprofits take advantage of these innovations? Presented by Network For Good. Cost: Free. Register

Beyond accessibility — Understanding language inclusion online event. on March 31 at noon. A panel discussion exploring language, culture, and literacy when it comes to building an inclusive workplace environment. Presented by LUNA Language Services. Cost: Free. Register

Starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on April 9 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St. Assess whether starting a nonprofit is right for you. Learn what a nonprofit organization is and the steps required to start one. Cost: Free. Register

Three-week virtual leadership course starting on April 12. Topics include tapping into intrinsic motivation, aligning teams, and using a strength-based approach. Presented by Fostering Engagement. Cost: $199. Use the code ENGAGE for discount. Register

The beginner’s guide to grant writing workshop on April 13 and May 11 from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Purdue Extension Marion County, Discovery Hall, Suite 201. Learn how to submit grant proposals confidently. Cost: $195 (includes materials and lunch). Presented by Purdue Extension Community Development. Register

Planning effective programs on April 16 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St. Discover the main components of a solid program plan that allows your organization to provide quality services to your community. Presented by Indianapolis Public Library. Cost: Free. Register

Successful grant proposals on April 16 from 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m. at the Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St. In this workshop, you’ll learn about the grant application process and assess whether your organization is ready to apply for grants. Presented by Indianapolis Public Library. Cost: Free. Register

Children’s Bureau and Families First needs volunteers at its rebranding celebration on April 21 at the Crane Bay Event Center, 551 W. Merrill St. Volunteers will be in charge of directing the audience and disseminating information during the name unveiling event. Registration

Indiana University Lilly Family School at IUPUI Nonprofits and foundations need to be prepared for the effects of inflation on services, operations, and endowments.

VonLehman CPA Advisory Firm  Nonprofit update: 2021 form 990/990-pf/990-t changes

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