August 20, 2024

With the impending 2024 U.S. elections on the horizon, nonprofit organizations often fear a negative impact on their fundraising.

There is a general perception that money donated to the general elections will lead to a decrease in cause-based fundraising campaigns. This is a legitimate concern when you look at the large amounts of money raised in the last 12 months of the 2024 election cycle. According to the Federal Election Commission, the presidential candidates raised $374.9 million, congressional candidates collected $1.3 billion and political action committees (PACs) raised $3.7 billion.

While these campaign fundraising numbers are substantial, they are small compared to the $499.33 billion estimated charitable giving raised in the U.S. during 2022, according to CCS Fundraising. 

Read more

By Cody Lents, Covi

Organizations of all sizes are adapting to environments that have their people working from anywhere and at any time. With this rapid adoption of new workflows and working styles, the technology infrastructure and the cybersecurity solutions that protect them can seem like a maze of impossible puzzles. Many are overwhelmed just trying to keep up with the number of pieces involved let alone actually solving the challenges themselves.

Let me tell you a story about a simple solution that solves one such challenge.

An organization we recently worked with was experiencing significant team growth. Their staff was spread across various locations, including work from home, and they relied heavily on cloud-based tools like Google Workspaces and Microsoft 365 for collaboration and data storage. With limited IT resources, they were increasingly concerned about the security of their sensitive data and communication channels. The rise in cyber threats targeting organizations like theirs added to their worries. They needed a solution that would secure their network without requiring extensive in-house expertise.

Enter Zero Trust Edge Security. This modern security framework offers comprehensive protection by verifying every access request, regardless of where it originated. It was the right solution for them to secure their remote workforce, cloud applications, and on-premises data seamlessly.

Read more

Brandon Andrews has been named executive director at Brookside Community Development Corporation. Andrews previously served as the director of men’s residential center at Wheeler Mission.

Pack Away Hunger named Nick Reich as executive director. Reich previously served as the president and chief operating officer of Hummingbird Humanity.

The Retired Indiana Public Employees Association (RIPEA) announced the hiring of Aaron Tellez as engagement & development manager. Tellez previously served as pipeline and outreach associate for the Indiana CPA Society.

Indiana Canine Assistant Network promoted Lori Steininger to development and community outreach manager. Steininger was previously an office assistant.

Ivy Tech State College promoted Ahmadzia Momand to college connection coach. Momand previously worked as an administrative support assistant for K-14 initiatives.

The Milk Bank announced Amy Thornburg as its advancement director. Thornberg previously worked as a consultant at Centric Association Services and Management, LLC.

The Indy Public Safety Foundation and IU Health jointly announced a program they are calling the Indy Peace Hospital-Linked Violence Intervention Program. The program aims to reduce the likelihood of future violence by engaging victims of gun violence and their families with long-term services and support. Read more

Dove Recovery House received a $100,000 donation from audiochuck, an Indianapolis based podcast production company. Proceeds will be used for their Steps to Success aftercare program, in which women receive limited rental subsidies and financial assistance with other barriers that might prevent them from making a successful return to independent living.

The Indy Rainbow Chamber of Commerce announces its expansion across the state of Indiana with the establishment of the Indiana Rainbow Chamber of Commerce. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in fostering inclusivity and supporting LGBTQ+ businesses and professionals throughout the entire state. Read more

A new study by researchers at Indiana University and the University of Notre Dame finds that U.S. charitable giving fell by about $20 billion in 2018, the first year of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act’s (TCJA) implementation. The drop was caused by the law’s change to the standard deduction for individual income taxes. 

Subscribe to our Charitable Advisors' "Wants & Wins" email outreach for exclusive updates on the latest donation opportunities, success stories from impactful organizations, and current needs and wishlists where your support can truly make a difference. Stay ahead with timely insights and be the first to discover meaningful ways to both give and receive within the nonprofit sector, as well as submit your organization’s individual “wants”.

Analyze and visualize with charts webinar on Aug. 26 from 9-11 a.m. Learn the fundamentals: what to think about before making a chart, principles for choosing and designing a chart, how to create static data visualizations with Microsoft Excel and a demonstration of other interactive visualization tools such as Datawrapper. Presented by SAVI. Cost: Free. Register

HIPAA Violations – Preventions, reaction, and compliance training on Aug. 27 from 9 a.m.-Noon at Easterseals Crossroads. This session will review and provide necessary updates for your HIPAA privacy and security policies. Presented by INARF. Cost: $109 INARF members/ $199 Nonmembers. Register

Deepen your relationships through authenticity and vulnerability on Aug. 27 from 9 a.m.- Noon at Johnson County Armory, 325 Minuteman Way, Franklin. Develop your leadership abilities, improve your relationships, and increase your resiliency. Presented by Leadership Johnson County. Cost: $59. Franklin or Aspire Chambers/ $69 Nonmembers. Register

Intro to foundation directory: Finding grant funders on Aug. 29 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Central Library. Learn to use the Foundation Directory, a research tool that can help 501(c)(3) nonprofits find grant makers most likely to fund their projects. Presented by the Indianapolis Public Library. Cost: Free. Register   

Effective staff and board roles interactive virtual training on Sept. 19 from 12:00-1:30 p.m. In this session, individuals seeking to maximize the strengths and effectiveness of executive and board leadership will learn the complementary yet distinct roles that staff and board members play in nonprofit organizations. Presented by Hedges. Cost: $90. Register 

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT:

IU McKinney Law is offering virtual Master of Jurisprudence visits for those interested in applying for the 2025 - 2026 academic year. Learn more about the program

Register for a virtual lunch chat or private session 

Conversational Spanish series begins on Aug. 17 at IU Indianapolis University Hall, 301 University Blvd, Room 1006. Regardless of how much Spanish you already know, learning to speak Spanish in your work or daily life will make you more confident in your personal and professional interactions. Presented by IU Indianapolis Professional Development and Continuing Education. Cost: Varies based on module(s) selected.

Register for Intro Module

Register for Basic Module 

Register for Advanced Module  

Connect to a cause: A virtual board leader opportunities virtual event on Aug. 28 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Hear from 10-12 nonprofit community-based organizations as they share stories, information, mission, and board opportunities. Afterward, you will receive information about joining as a board member. Presented by United Way of Central Indiana. Register

Brightlane Learning seeks volunteers for its 2024-2025 school year tutoring program. Both daytime & evening opportunities are available. With just one hour each week, you will help students experiencing homelessness and housing instability complete homework and build grade-level skills. Individuals of all backgrounds and ages 14+ are welcome. Learn more

How do you attract Gen Z Volunteers? Align with their values

The rewards that people gain from volunteering are feeling good about giving back to a cause they care about. This can be enhanced by volunteer opportunities that expand their network, boost their professional goals, and provide fun, creative outlets.

Unlocking organizational communication: Five ways to ignite employee engagement  

The State of Organizations 2023, found that only 25 percent of respondents say their organizations’ leaders are engaged, passionate, and truly inspiring.  

SPONSORS' INSIGHTS

Barnes Dennig The IRS announced it’s moving forward with processing Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims filed between September 14, 2023, and January 31, 2024.

Charitable Allies Background check volunteers and other safety considerations for nonprofits.