More than three years after the murder of George Floyd sparked a widespread racial reckoning, a sizable minority of nonprofits still lack clear goals and guidelines for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in their organizations, according to a new survey. 

More than one in four nonprofits has yet to articulate its DEI values — like its stance on racial or gender equity — in 2023, according to a new survey of more than 140 communications professionals by the membership-based Communications Network. While some nonprofits have made significant progress in attracting more diverse leadership or improving accessibility features on websites and social media, nearly 70 percent of communications professionals say they still encounter examples of institutional racism in their work, on par with those surveyed in 2019.

Those findings reflect a growing division between the nonprofits most committed to building stronger practices and those still grappling with even the basic tenets of DEI, says Anita Sharma, a strategic communications and research consultant who authored the report.

“For some organizations, this has become intentional and foundational to their work,” says Sharma, while others are “still struggling to get to that place” where DEI is more than an afterthought or an acronym with only vague implications. More than a third of communications leaders surveyed say they feel unsure as to whether they have a strong understanding of the meaning of DEI concepts like equity and inclusion.

As we approach the new year, many of us reflect on how to increase our positive impact on our local communities. Joining a nonprofit board is a wonderful and altruistic way to serve your community and causes.

Through our professional engagements, our team is often brought into organizations to assist with board leadership and development, helping support the role of the board and its committees in line with their strategic plans. We talk to board members and agency leadership about the qualities and skills desired in board members and how to align them for a successful board engagement. 

If want to become a board member, first consider, how much do you know about the role? Next, ask yourself how much do you know about the organization that is requesting your time, talent, and treasure? After working with numerous organizations with diverse pools of board members for 35 years, we recommend reflecting on the following questions and tips before signing on the dotted line.

Why are you considering joining a board? There are a lot of reasons and motivations for being connected to a nonprofit through a volunteer commitment; joining its board is just one. Board membership can be a significant commitment. What do you have the capacity to give beyond what you are doing today? Can you give more time to a committee or task force or are you truly ready for board leadership?

The National Bank of Indianapolis is recognizing its 30th anniversary by giving back to the Central Indiana community. The bank has awarded $30,000 to four Central Indiana nonprofits to provide the community with safe and affordable homes. See recipients

Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana and Cook Medical has announced that IMPACT Central Indiana & The Indianapolis Foundation will distribute $100,000 in proceeds from its 38th and Sheridan manufacturing facility project. The funds will help reduce food insecurity on the northeast side of Indianapolis. Learn more

Central Indiana Senior Fund, a fund of Central Indiana Community Foundation, has issued $910,000 in grants to 42 organizations serving Central Indiana seniors. The fund invests in programs that serve individuals 55 and older with low- to moderate-income or who have experienced isolation from community resources and opportunities. Read more

United Way of Central Indiana has announced $950,000 in grants to 13 community organizations from its Social Innovation Fund. The funds will support workforce development, address food insecurity, and increase access to health care, transportation, housing, education, and social capital. See recipients

The Indy Meridian Foundation has named 11 nonprofit innovation recipients for an Arago Honor in 2023. Each nonprofit has received a $10,000 unrestricted grant. That brings the total of awardees to 26 since the innovation recognition program was launched. See recipients  

The Paramount Theatre Centre & Ballroom in Anderson has been recognized as one of two surviving “atmospheric” theaters in Indiana designed by John Eberson. The architect once said the style was meant to capture the sense of an exotic setting “canopied by a soft moonlit sky.” Learn more

Developing a donor engagement plan for 2024 webinar on Jan. 18 from 2-3:15 p.m. Learn how to map out a donor engagement strategy that you can adjust as current events or economic conditions warrant. Presented by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: $69 Register 

Succession planning for success webinar on Jan. 25 at 3 p.m. Gain insights about succession planning for the sustainability of your nonprofit. Explore key aspects of leadership transition and how organizations can proactively manage this complex process. Presented by FORVIS. Cost: Free. Register

Is the fractional model right for your organization? webinar replay. Learn how the fractional model works and the difference between fractional services and traditional bookkeeping services. Presented by Barnes Dennig. Cost: Free. Watch

How nonprofits use tech to meet their mission webinar replay. Gain insights from a panel of nonprofit leaders on how to make the most of modern technology to streamline, expand, or improve nonprofit outcomes. Presented by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: Free. Watch

Southeast Community Services is seeking volunteers to distribute food to guests on Mondays from 2-4 p.m. and Thursdays from 3-5:30 p.m. Learn more

FORVIS Don’t be a cybersecurity headline

Johnson, Grossnickle & Associates Inspiring transformational gifts: A discussion guide for enhancing relationship-based fundraising

Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy India and China see growth in online giving

Better Business Bureau Public has highest trust for veterans organizations

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