Is it time to take a break? |
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Lilly Endowment’s nonprofit renewal program highlights benefits of rest |
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by Shari Finnell, editor/writer, Not-for-profit News
(As nonprofits seek ways to encourage employee retention, enhance recruitment and minimize burn out, Not-for-profit News explores the benefits of Lilly Endowment’s renewal grant programs in this first part of a two-part series.)
As a long-time dedicated nonprofit employee, Angie Hoskins understands first-hand the symptoms of employee burnout. In 2019, her stress levels hit a peak as she took on additional responsibilities at Easter Seals Crossroads during a critical transition in roles.
“I was juggling two different positions with no end in sight,” said Hoskins, who is a benefits specialist technical assistant for the nonprofit organization. “I was being pulled in several different directions and working a lot of extra hours during a transition.”
Her concerned supervisors urged her to apply for a grant through United Way of Central Indiana’s (UWCI) Human Services Professional Renewal Program, Hoskins recalled. Under the program, which is now in its 20th year of being fully funded by Lilly Endowment, offers up to $10,000 each to up to 25 human service professionals each year to pause from their day-to-day responsibilities to explore their passions and new ideas. Lilly Endowment funds similar renewal programs for teachers, clergy, artists and art administrators.
Hoskins’ grant request to explore her genealogy by touring Ireland was approved. However, COVID-19 travel restrictions related to international travel in 2020 forced her to make a change in plans. This year, she traveled to Alaska with her husband, Shane Hoskins, for a cruise and land tour.
After returning to Indianapolis, Hoskins said, she experienced a renewed sense of purpose. “This trip was much needed. I came back not expecting how revived I would feel. I was excited to do my job again,” she said. “It also gave me the opportunity to step back and recognize how many people I’ve been able to help.”
Julie Koegel, program coordinator for UWCI’s Human Services Professional Renewal Program, said that the benefits of the program extend beyond acknowledging an employee’s dedication to their nonprofit work. They can be a motivating factor for retention and innovation among employees in the field, she said.
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Nonprofit bylaws basics: What to include? |
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Avoid these common mistakes with your organization’s bylaws |
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Nonprofit organizations are governed by an official set of rules called bylaws. Nonprofit bylaws outline any state requirements for the nonprofit, as well as how the organization (and, by extension, the people who run it) will operate on a high level. Bylaws are adopted when the nonprofit is established, and they act as the pillar that upholds the organization—every nonprofit must adhere to their unique bylaws.
Bylaws are essential because they determine how decisions are made, conflicts are resolved, and risks to the nonprofit are avoided. When it comes to legal concerns, it’s your bylaws that have the final word.
Failure to follow your nonprofit’s bylaws can result in a number of both logistical and legal consequences that open the door to liability. We’ll discuss this further when exploring common mistakes later in this article.
What should my bylaws include?
Bylaws should eliminate guesswork, and effective nonprofit leaders refer to them often so they can be followed closely and consistently. On the most basic level, your bylaws should be able to answer practical questions such as:
How will the board of directors be structured?
Making sure board expectations are established is a tried and true way to avoid board conflict. Your bylaws are where people can find rules on how directors and officers are elected, how they can vote, what their roles are, how long of a term they can serve, etc. You may also want language surrounding how often the board will meet, if and how board members can be compensated, what indemnification looks like, and other similar details. And you’ll certainly want to include provisions for how to remove a board member.
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Fathers and Families Center has named Larry Smith as president and CEO, effective Aug. 1. Smith was director of development for Central Indiana Community Foundation/Hamilton County Community Foundation. |
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The Central Indiana Land Trust has promoted Jamison Hutchins to stewardship director. Hutchins previously was stewardship manager for the organization. |
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The Indiana University Center for Global Health and AMPATH have hired Whitney Turientine as a research program manager. Turientine previously was a senior implementation manager at Wunderkind. |
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The JCC Indianapolis has promoted Sydney Jackson to membership services coordinator. Jackson previously was a welcome desk staff member for the organization. |
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Nexus Impact Center has hired Lawrne Owens as community manager. Owens previously worked at the Marion County Election Board. |
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EmployIndy has promoted Esther Woodson to senior director, Indy Achieves. Woodson previously was director, Indy Achieves. |
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EmployIndy has promoted Alina Zayas-Navarette to associate director, student success for Indy Achieves. Zayas-Navarette previously was the IUPUI student success manager, Indy Achieves. |
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Conner Prairie has hired Crystal Wilmot as development officer. Wilmot previously worked at Gleaners Food Bank as the assistant pantry manager. |
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United Way of Central Indiana awarded $30,000 to Martindale Brightwood Community Development Corporation during Propel, a pitch contest for human services organizations. The funds will be used to help launch a training program for local residents interested in improving and investing in the neighborhood. Read more
The American Legion, Department of Indiana, has awarded the Indiana Canine Assistance Network a $25,000 gift to provide two deserving Indiana veterans with their own service dog, free of cost. Read more
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture has awarded 11 Indiana food banks a combined total of $1 million to support their efforts in feeding Hoosiers in need. The funding was provided by the Indiana Legislature, as part of its biennial budget. Read more
Nonprofits are invited to IUPUI’s part-time job fair on Aug. 31 from 12:30-4 p.m. at Taylor Courtyard at IUPUI. About 1,500 IUPUI students seeking part-time work are expected to attend the annual event. The registration fee is $125 for nonprofits. Deadline is Aug. 19. Learn more and register.
Nominations are open for the 2023 Champions of Diversity awards. The honor, which is in its 16th year, recognizes individuals, companies and organizations that have exhibited a high level of commitment to diversity in Indiana. Nominate
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The Racial Equity Institute’s (REI) Groundwater approach virtual interactive training on Aug. 1 at 1 p.m. Examine characteristics of modern-day racial inequity. Presented by The Indianapolis Foundation.
Nonprofit fundamentals webinar on Aug. 4 from 10-11:30 a.m. Learn the purpose and characteristics of nonprofit organizations, how they are structured, governed, and funded, and the unique role they play in society. Presented by Hedges. Cost: $90 for two people from the same nonprofit. Deadline is Aug. 2. Register
Engaging across Cultures: Values differences on Aug. 5 from 10-11:30 a.m. Learn how to avoid misconceptions and conflict by understanding each others' values. Presented by The International Center. Cost: $50. Register
Adopting equitable evaluation practices webinar on Aug. 11 at noon-1:15 p.m. Join a conversation on the growing movement to shift the paradigm of learning. Presented by Indiana Philanthropy Alliance. Cost: Free. Register
Founder’s syndrome: How to survive and thrive webinar on Aug. 18 at 3-4 p.m. Learn the steps needed to handle Founder’s Syndrome, which occurs when founders, longtime leaders or board members resist change in their organization. Presented by Forvis (formally BKD). Cost: Free. Register
Choosing your cause webinar on Aug. 18 from 10-11:30 a.m. Individuals interested in serving on a nonprofit board will learn how to find meaningful board service opportunities in their community. Presented by Hedges. Cost: $90 for two people from the same nonprofit. Deadline Aug. 16. Register
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Indiana Diaper Bank is looking for volunteers on Aug. 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Nexus Impact Center. Participants will be provided with tools to help the organization bundle diapers. Register
The Children's TherAplay Foundation, Inc. is looking for a part-time volunteer intern for a clinic assistant internship. Send resume and cover letter to McKenzie Land mland@childrenstheraplay.org. Learn more
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The Change platform is working with thousands of organizations to streamline the process of accepting cryptocurrency donations online.
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Fake charities can be almost impossible to spot. Here’s how to make sure your donations get to the right place. Watch
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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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Private month-to-month offices for lease: Two furnished micro-offices and a premium suite are available for lease at Nexus Impact Center on the city’s Northwest side. Rental agreements include meeting room credits, access to high-speed internet, and free printing and coffee. Rates start at $393/month. Learn more
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CHARITABLE ADVISORS
FEATURED JOB POSTINGS
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President - Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute/Charitable Advisors
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Executive Leadership (CEO/ED/COO)
Deputy Director - Hamilton County Tourism/Hamilton County Economic Development Corporation
Fund Development/Marketing/PR/Advocacy
Admin Support/Clerical
Finance/Accounting/HR/IT/Facility
Data/Research/Quality Assurance
Programs/Program Support
Internships/AmeriCorps/VISTAs
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