April 22, 2025

Kendra Davenport via Candid

In today’s world, the biggest challenges facing our communities—like workforce development, health care access, and social services—are too complex for any one sector to tackle alone. But when businesses, nonprofits, and governments combine their strengths, the result is transformative. This article explores how cross-sector collaboration not only leads to real, lasting change but also benefits everyone involved—businesses grow stronger, nonprofits expand their impact, and government policies create sustainable solutions.

From long-standing corporate partnerships like CENTURY 21 and Easterseals to the powerful role of public-private collaboration in workforce development, the examples show that doing good is also good business. If you're a leader in any sector and want to be part of something that drives both social impact and organizational success, this article is for you. Click through to see how cross-sector collaboration is not just a strategy—it’s the future.

Submitted by Lilly Family School of Philanthropy 

The Next Generation of Philanthropy report examines how Generation Z and Millennials are reshaping charitable giving, emphasizing issue-driven, flexible philanthropy with fewer restrictions. Based on data from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the report highlights that younger donors prioritize basic needs and religious giving over education and the arts. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z donors who support religious causes are less likely to give to secular ones, and overall giving rates have declined since 2008. Additionally, younger donors are highly responsive to current events, favor social and environmental causes, and integrate philanthropy into everyday activities such as ethical purchasing and social media advocacy.

As digital natives, Gen Z and Millennials lead in online giving and leverage technology to research causes, engage with nonprofits, and collaborate on philanthropic efforts. They prefer long-term, trust-based relationships with organizations, often starting their engagement through volunteering before donating financially. Economic factors, including student loan debt and changing workforce dynamics, have influenced their approach to giving, making nonprofit organizations' engagement strategies crucial in fostering sustained support. By understanding these trends, philanthropic leaders can better connect with next-generation donors and adapt to their evolving expectations.

Read the report

The Domestic Violence Prevention Network named Mariann McGee Bernlohr as interim director. McGee Bernlohr brings nearly two decades of nonprofit leadership and strategic consulting experience.

Indiana Health Care Foundation named Shannon Harris as executive director. Harris was previously a health care advisor and consultant at Shannon Harris Consulting.

United Way of Central Indiana named Dennis Trinkle as vice president of technology and operations. Trinkle previously served as senior vice president of talent, strategy, and partnerships at TechPoint.

United Way of Central Indiana named Doyia Turner as the senior director of internal communications. Turner was previously the leader of strategic communications and transformation at Teradata. 

United Way of Central Indiana’s Parent Advisory Council awarded $250,000 in grants to nine nonprofits focused on mental health, housing, financial literacy, and removing barriers for families. Chosen by a group of 14 parents and caregivers, the grants aim to address rising community challenges like the cost of living, homelessness, and mental health stressors. See recipients 

The Crosser Family Foundation, a fund of the Hamilton County Community Foundation, has announced $404,676 in grants awarded to 21 nonprofits to support organizations that focus on community engagement, housing, health, and youth development. See recipients

The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s 2025 Pitch Your Passion competition awarded over $119,000 in scholarships to 15 students from six states who collaborated in groups to pitch innovative solutions to pressing social issues. Read more

The Heroes Foundation has awarded $223,500 to support nine impactful cancer-related projects across Indiana in 2025. Partnering with five leading organizations, the grants aim to provide support for patients, advance cancer research, and promote prevention education. This funding reflects the collective commitment of donors to improving outcomes for Hoosiers affected by cancer. Read more

PACE, Indiana’s leading re-entry agency, is raising awareness for Second Chance Month this April by spotlighting the formerly incarcerated individuals' barriers and the programs that help them succeed. They're encouraging Hoosiers to show support for second chances by posting on social media using the hashtag #ReentryMatters.

New board members? The Welcome to the Board booklet offers a concise introduction to how boards and nonprofit organizations operate. It is designed to complement your organization’s onboarding efforts by explaining key practices and providing insight into the challenges and opportunities you may face as a board member. Download for free  

Avoid Data Pitfalls webinar on April 28 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. This module will teach you to think critically about data, making you aware of what can cause noise and how to use data effectively despite these limitations. Presented by SAVI. Cost: Free. Register 

AI Readiness: Microsoft Copilot Strategy & Road Map webinar on April 28 at 2 p.m. Outline what AI agents need to improve business outcomes and how to implement Copilot tools securely. 1 CPE credit. Presented by Forvis Mazars. Cost: Free. Register

How to Build a Monthly Giving or Sustainer Program webinar on May 8 from 2-3:15 p.m. Learn what it takes to set up a recurring gifts program that grows year over year. Presented by Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: $69. Register

Making the Ask webinar on May 13 from noon - 1 p.m. Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or new to asking for support, learn practical strategies to engage donors, build confidence, and secure the gifts your nonprofit needs. Presented by National Bank of Indianapolis and Hedges. Cost: Free. Register  

HR Best Practices for an Ever-Evolving World webinar replay. Jeremy York of InvigorateHR explores demographic shifts and the changing expectations in the current and future workforce, discusses AI’s influence on workforce management and privacy, and examines workplace culture and retention strategies to align with the workplace evolution. Presented by the Nonprofit HR Peer Group. Cost: Free. Watch

Overdose Lifeline needs volunteers to assemble overdose reversal kits on May 13 and May 27 from 5-7 p.m. at Indiana Interchurch Center, 1100 W 42nd Street. Fill out the volunteer waiver and email it to Lindsey Blake 

The 3 ‘Rs’ of Equitable Community Engagement

The knowledge that communities hold is precious, and the ethical use of this knowledge for institutional purposes requires the three “Rs” of ethical community engagement: Research, Relationships, and Remuneration.

What BoardSource Learned from a Recent Community Conversation

Nonprofit board leaders are facing common challenges—including unclear roles, weak board-staff partnerships, recruitment hurdles, and discomfort with fundraising—and BoardSource offers curated resources to help boards navigate change and strengthen their impact. 

SPONSORS' INSIGHTS

Johnson, Grossnickle, & Associates  Five Questions a Feasibility Study Should Answer

Dean Dorton  Best Practices for a Nonprofit Finance Committee