The trust-based philanthropy movement has arisen over the past decade with a crucial vision of empowering nonprofit and community-based organizations as collaborators with grant makers, not simply as beneficiaries of their support.

This movement invites us to ask a profound question: Do we understand what philanthropy is? And can philanthropy have the impact it seeks without this shared understanding?

The trust-based philanthropy movement initially focused on the groundbreaking idea of multi-year, unrestricted operating grants. This form of support can be crucial for nonprofits, especially start-ups, those serving marginalized communities, and those led by people of color. But few foundations have felt comfortable making these kinds of grants. Other beliefs and practices may offer different but still effective ways to get at the problem. For example:

In the human services sector, we are well-versed in the language of impact. Our missions drive us to help make a considerable difference in the lives of our residents, families, and neighbors. We recognize our local needs and proudly answer the call to serve.

We know the impact that can be made for people. Now, how about the impact we can make on our economy? It’s a question nonprofits rarely ask.

Upon my arrival at United Way of Central Indiana in 2022, I began to wonder about our sector’s role in our local economy. United Way deploys millions of dollars every year into community organizations. Could we identify what effect those investments have on job creation, employee compensation and overall spending? You know, the buzzwords that economists and elected officials love to hear.

Thanks to our partners at the Indiana Business Research Center (IBRC) at Indiana University, we have, for the first time, an economic impact picture of United Way’s investments to more than 300 community partners across Central Indiana.

In the recently released report, “United Way of Central Indiana’s Economic Impact,” you’ll find details of the secondary effect of United Way’s grants in the region over the last two and a half years.

The Not-for-profit News is taking a break the week of Dec. 25. Please submit job ads by 10 a.m. on Dec. 18.

Indianapolis Business Journal's annual holiday wish list will be published Fridays in December. Nonprofit requests are limited to five items or services. The deadline to submit requests for the Dec. 15 and Dec. 22 issues is one week before publication. Email Terry Carnes with questions. Submit request

IndyStar's 2023 Season for Sharing grants is accepting applications from nonprofits. In 2022, the publication awarded $100,000 to nine Central Indiana organizations. Learn more

Eligible Indiana community-based youth-serving organizations can sign up for access to no-cost telemedicine and virtual mental health services for youth workers. The services are provided by First Stop Health https://www.fshealth.com/. Interested organizations must complete an Eligibility Verification Survey by Dec. 8.

BoardSource's Leading with Intent survey is now open. The survey tracks and analyzes trends in nonprofit board leadership. BoardSource will gift participants a complimentary digital publication of their choice. Take the survey

Intro to foundation directory: Finding grant funders session on Dec. 6 from 2-4 p.m. at the Central Library’s Special Collections Room, 6th floor. Learn to use 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

Chart of accounts considerations for nonprofits using QuickBooks Online webinar on Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. A chart of accounts is often inherited and must be modified to meet an organization's data needs. Learn how to address those data needs as they change over time. Presented by FORVIS. Cost: Free. Register

Find existing data workshop on Dec. 14 from 1-3 p.m. Answering the questions necessary to achieve goals requires locating and using the right data and tools. Learn the strengths, weaknesses, and costs of readily available data sets. Presented by SAVI. Cost: Free. Register

2024 Champions of Diversity Awards dinner on Jan. 12, 2024, at JW Marriott Indianapolis, 10 West St. The event will feature local, state, and national diversity champions who continue to make a positive impact on minority communities in Indiana and across the country. Learn more

How to improve fundraiser satisfaction and retention webinar replay. Gain insights from a national survey of fundraisers about job satisfaction, including how short staffing and burnout impacts their work. Presented by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: Free. Watch

VISTA is seeking more members for projects involving mitigating food insecurity, addressing climate challenges, and at-risk students. Learn more and apply

VonLehman CPA & Advisory Firm VonLehman merges with Dean Dorton on Jan. 1, 2024. Dean Dorton is a leading professional services firm delivering certified public accounting, business advisory, and technology solutions.

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.