December 12, 2023
FEATURE
Lessons your nonprofit must know about emerging innovations
by Kalie VanDewater and Gabby Houck

It’s no secret that artificial intelligence (AI) is taking the world by storm. And as the pace of AI transformation remains full speed ahead, it’s accelerating a significant shift in donor expectations. Because of this, fundraising will ultimately be a reflection of the nonprofit sector’s ability to harness AI and reap its benefits — responsibly — over the next three to five years. That's why the first day of NonProfit POWER in Baltimore, Md., focused on the role of AI and other technological innovations in nonprofit organizations.

Here are three lessons attendees learned about why nonprofits need to take advantage of artificial intelligence and other innovations.

  1. Embracing AI is a necessity for nonprofits. Thanks to AI, the digital divide between for-profit entities and nonprofits is only getting bigger, Nathan Chappell, founder of Fundraising.AI, author of "The Generosity Crisis," and senior vice president, DonorSearch, shared in his opening keynote, Lessons From the Fundraising.AI Journey. “The digital divide is going to grow very fast very soon if we don't really take this moment seriously,” he said.

So, why AI right now? The answer is simple: You have to — especially given the fact that, since the year 2000, there’s been a 16 percent decrease in charitable giving.

SPONSORS' INSIGHTS
How nonprofit leaders treat burnout with belonging
by Barnes Dennig

During the recent 22nd annual Non-profit Leadership Summit, Alida Miranda-Wolff, CEO and founder of Ethos, gave insights about how nonprofit leaders can treat burnout with belonging. The summit was hosted by Barnes Dennig in conjunction with the Leadership Council for Nonprofits, and the Association for Fundraising Professionals with numerous sponsors: the Better Business Bureau, Chase Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Anne M. Maxfield LLC, Bricker Graydon, Eagle Bank Charitable Foundation, First Financial Bank, PNC Bank, and The Yunker Group.

DMiranda-Wolff’s keynote presentation addressed ready-to-use tools for organizations, understanding your relationship with power, how to use that power responsibly, and how to share that power. She also presented a real-life example of what can help to create conditions for everyone to thrive at work.

Understanding organizational bias

Some of the most pressing obstacles and biases that non-profit organizations face include:

  • Race and ethnicity bias
  • Structural bias
  • Pay inequality
  • Decreased individual contributions

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
Charitable Advisors has named Chelsea Ohlemiller as director of community and content. Ohlemiller, who has a background in education, branding, and building online communities, will be at the forefront of Charitable Advisors’ efforts to engage more closely with Central Indiana’s nonprofit community. Ohlemiller succeeds Shari Finnell, editor, who has moved on to Faith in Indiana after more than three years with the Charitable Advisors team.
Eskenazi Health Foundation has hired Angela White as executive vice president, effective Aug. 5, 2024. She will then succeed Ernie Vargo II, CFRE, as president and chief executive officer when he retires on Jan. 15, 2026. White is a senior consultant and CEO of the strategic and philanthropic consulting firm Johnson, Grossnickle, and Associates.
Child Advocates has promoted Phyllis Armstrong as CEO. Armstrong, an attorney, is currently the vice president of program operations.
Hear Indiana has named Ellyn McCall as CEO. McCall most recently served as interim CEO and has served in leadership roles at Hear Indiana for several years.
IndyGo has named Jennifer Pyrz as interim CEO. Pyrz is currently the agency’s chief development officer and vice president of infrastructure, strategy, and innovation. — The Indianapolis Recorder
The Chris Center in Carmel has promoted Dr. Sandy Moreira as executive director. Moreira previously was chief strategy officer for the organization.
The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation has named Stacia Murphy as senior program officer. Previously, Murphy was senior vice president of enterprise development of Indy Chamber.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Indiana United Ways has plans to award $80 million in capital project matching grants to select nonprofit organizations collaborating with local United Ways. The initiative is designed to accelerate the development of capital projects that help to increase the availability and quality of essential health and human services. Learn more

Little Red Door Cancer Agency's 16th annual Face of Hope Breakfast has raised a record-breaking $452,153 to support critical client services for cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers. Read more

Ascend Indiana has received a $1.7 million grant from the Walton Family Foundation and a $750,000 grant from the Partnership to Advance Youth to scale youth apprenticeship programs across Indiana. Learn more

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis has awarded more than $15 million to 32 affordable housing projects in Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan. The projects will generate more than 1,150 housing units, with 67 percent of the homeownership development units and 19 percent of rentals located in low-income minority communities. See the projects

The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation has announced the second phase of its College Matters initiative, which offers up to $9.7 million in new funding for Marion County public high schools. School leaders are invited to submit proposals identifying strategies to increase college enrollment. Submit a request for applications
Workers riding Workforce Connectors shuttles from Indianapolis to industrial parks in Plainfield and Whitestown can ride for free, starting Jan. 2. The Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority will eliminate its $1-a-trip fee for the route. Learn more

The Great American Songbook Foundation plans to construct a museum in Carmel, north of the Center for the Performing Arts. The nonprofit has a preliminary agreement with the city of Carmel to locate the museum on 3.7 acres at the northeast corner of City Center Drive and 3rd Avenue Southwest. Learn more
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
2023 Powerpoint refresher series Part 2 workshop on Dec. 15 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Go beyond PowerPoint's basic skills to learn more about immediate and advanced features. Presented by IUPUI Office of Professional Development. Cost: $75. Register

2024 annual outlook for higher education session on Jan. 17 at 3 p.m. Learn about the latest trends and challenges in higher education, as well as insights from recent research related to the value of college degrees. Presented by FORVIS. Cost: Free. Register

Developing a donor engagement plan for 2024 webinar on Jan. 18 from 2-3:15 p.m. Learn how to map out a year-long strategy that keeps donors connected to your cause, while laying a strong foundation for year-end fundraising appeals. Presented by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: $69. Register

Form 990 nonprofit tax filing tips webinar replay. While a Form 990 may seem simple for a non-profit organization, some strategy is involved. When done well, it can create a great opportunity to tell your organization’s story and even attract new donors and grantors. Presented by Barnes Dennig. Cost: Free. Watch
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation seeks volunteers to assist with its annual holiday tree recycling drive on Jan. 5. Volunteers will be helping load and unload trees. Register
RESOURCES
Learn hands-on ways to contribute, build ties with existing donors’ younger family members and friends, and gain insights from experienced fundraisers and consultants.
Concerns that the recipients of large, unrestricted grants from the billionaire philanthropist would experience negative consequences have turned out to be untrue, according to a study.
MARKETPLACE
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.

REAL ESTATE
Grow your organization in a cost-effective, collaborative space that supports your unique needs. Refinery46 goes beyond physical space to focus on you and your organization. In addition to promoting a collaborative and inspiring environment, Refinery46 delivers a full-service workspace for founders, teams, and individuals. Learn more. Visit Refinery46.com, call (317) 762 4646, or email Community Manager Addison.
Nonprofit office space in great location (Butler University area)
Indiana Interchurch Center, which is centrally located in Indianapolis at 1100 W. 42nd St., has available office spaces ranging from 200 to 1,600 square feet for 501(c)3 organizations. Free parking, utilities, high-speed internet, and shared meeting rooms are included. The facility is home to a diverse group of nonprofit and church organizations that are making an impact in the community. Contact Kris Keys or call (317) 923-3617.
Nexus coworking spaces available
Need an affordable, community-oriented work environment? Nexus currently has open desks and dedicated desk options available in its shared coworking space. Month-to-month memberships include free meeting room credits, high-speed internet, printing, and coffee. Nexus members consist of small business owners and nonprofits that are making a positive difference in Indianapolis. Monthly memberships range from $59 to $149. Learn more
The Not-for-profit News is taking a break the week of Dec. 25. Please submit job ads by 10 a.m. Dec. 18. 
CHARITABLE ADVISORS
FEATURED JOB POSTINGS
Executive Director - Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding
JOBS
Executive Leadership (CEO/ED/COO)

Executive Director – INSILC


Indiana State Organizing Director - Stand for Children Leadership Center

Chief Program Officer - Lutheran Social Services of Northern Indiana


Fund Development/Marketing/PR/Advocacy

Director of Development - Horizon House, Inc.

Associate Director of Annual Giving - Ball State University

Development Coordinator - Arthritis Foundation


Director of Marketing - Gleaners Food Bank

Development Operations Manager - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana

Development Director - RISE Indy



Admin Support/Clerical

Student Account Specialist - The Oaks Academy

Administrative Assistant - Dyslexia Institute of Indiana



Finance/Accounting/HR/IT/Facility

Operations Manager - Horizon House, Inc.

Controller - Fathers & Families Center

Controller - Sigma Theta Tau International


Data/Research/Quality Assurance

Equity Research Analyst - The Polis Center - Indiana University

Data and Research Coordinator - Downtown Indy Inc.


Programs/Program Support

Manager of Workforce Pathways Initiatives - United Way of Central Indiana

Lead Match Specialist - Starfish Initiative

Education & Resource Coordinator - Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity

Grants and Development Specialist - Early Learning Indiana


The Advocate (Social Worker) - Indiana Legal Services, Inc.

Project Coordinator - Early Learning Indiana

Outreach Coordinator - Brooke's Place

Case Manager - Use What You've Got Ministry Keeping Families Connected

Director of LSSI Works - Lutheran Social Services of Northern Indiana