Defining the desired outcome and what constitutes success in measurable terms helps stakeholders align their actions and priorities, ensuring that every effort is geared toward achieving this shared vision.

When imagining the future of a nonprofit organization, we often delve straight into strategic planning. We start thinking of all the possibilities of what our organization might look like in the future: all the programs we could add, all the ways we could expand and grow. However, before we go all the way down that rabbit hole, we must ask one crucial question: What does success look like?

Perhaps because my nonprofit works with food, I like to think of this question in terms of planning a dinner party. That is, you can ask someone else to plan a wonderful dinner party for you, but what a “wonderful party” looks like for one person may be a nightmare scenario for another. Having a clear vision of what success looks like to you provides both a clear goal and destination for the entire organization. Defining the desired outcome in measurable terms helps stakeholders align their actions and priorities, ensuring that every effort is geared toward achieving this shared vision.

by Kristi Howard Shultz, Kristi Howard-Shultz Consulting

Connecting the admiration often attributed to nonprofit leaders with the compensation they deserve for their valuable work is a frequent struggle in our industry. When faced with the additional challenge of lower salaries and fewer benefits than the for-profit sector, it’s not surprising that we face high turnover and burnout rates. In an industry focused on the care and concern of our clients, it’s time to start showing equal compassion to our staff.

David Westenberger, CEO of Indiana Youth Services Association (IYSA), said it best: “Within our field, we haven’t done a very good job of taking care of our own people doing the work. In the field of youth work and social services, in particular, people in the field eventually mirror the population they serve.” A 2022 IYSA survey revealed challenges for nonprofit workers, finding that 64% of employees rated their financial wellness as fair, poor, or very poor.

Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded a $30 million grant to United Way of Central Indiana to help fund construction and renovation projects for eligible not-for-profit groups. The grant replenishes United Way’s Capital Projects Fund, which helps not-for-profits purchase, build, upgrade, or expand their facilities to better serve their clients. Read more

The Indianapolis Colts donated $1 for every ticket sold for the January 6th Houston Texans game– a gift totaling $65,925 to United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI). Proceeds will be used to support UWCI’s mission. Read more

IndyBar Foundation’s Community Empowerment Grant is now accepting applications. The funds must be used to support a program that reinforces the foundation’s mission: to advance justice and lead positive change in Indianapolis through philanthropy, education, and service. Applications due March 31.

The International Center is accepting applications for The Festival Fund. Grants ranging from $200 - $2,000 are awarded to organizations that enrich life by celebrating cultural diversity and expression and showcasing the growing number of nationalities represented in Central Indiana. Attend an information session on Jan. 31 at noon. Apply

MCCOY Youth Day at the Statehouse 2024 is February 19. Join youth from all over Indiana as they watch the Indiana General Assembly in Action. Families and youth groups are invited to participate in this engaging event. Register

Domestic Violence Network unveils a new three-year, community wide plan focusing on Black and African American women who have experienced domestic violence. The plan takes a family approach, focusing on healing and having access to the right resources. They'll hold support groups and training opportunities for service providers and community members. Read more

Disability Legal Services of Indiana is now doing business as Ability Allies with a new tagline: “Advocacy for Students with Disabilities.” Read more

Nonprofit Learning Center (NLC) 2024 presents a series of four modules from Jan. 23 – April 2 focused on the success, impact, and sustainability of community organizations in Central Indiana. Registration is open to all nonprofit and human service professionals. Presented by United Way of Central Indiana. Cost: free. Register

Harness the power of AI: Practical uses for accountants webinar on Feb. 1 at 2:00 p.m. Recognize how artificial intelligence is transforming the accounting profession by automating routine tasks. Use AI to brainstorm, document policies and procedures, research, analyze documents, write emails, and more. Presented by Dean Dorton (Formally VonLehman CPA & Advisory Firm.) Cost: free. Register

How to harness power and be an effective social changemaker webinar on Feb. 7 from 2-3:30 p.m. Learn fundamentals of power, debunk the common myths surrounding it, and unveil how to harness power for a positive impact on individuals, organizations, and society. Presented by Stanford Social Innovation Review. Cost: $99. Register

Enhancing recurring giving: Leveraging donor psychology and digital engagement webinar on Feb. 13 at 1 p.m. This interactive webinar delves into the strategies for nurturing and growing recurring giving programs. By blending insights from donor psychology with the latest digital engagement techniques, participants will explore how to create personalized and meaningful experiences for donors. Presented by Nonprofit Tech for Good. Cost: Free. Register

Navigating the current tides will be Feb. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Ave, Indianapolis. Learn various key topics, including accounting and auditing updates, legal strategies, investment management and controls, cybersecurity, and succession planning. Presented by FORVIS. Cost: Free. Register

Ladies Under Construction Inc. wants to add great leaders to their Board of Directors and leadership team. The organization is a mentor outreach and leadership nonprofit serving girls ages 8-18. Interested candidates should have a background in one of the following: finance, fundraising, program development, marketing or nonprofit management. More information

Camp to Belong Indiana is seeking board and committee members. Camp to Belong is a national organization dedicated to reuniting brothers and sisters who have become separated in foster care through a week of camp in the summer and other events throughout the year. Camp to Belong Indiana is seeking individuals with a background in accounting, finance, human resources, fundraising or who have experience with the foster care system. Submit application

Ability Allies (Formerly Disability Legal Services of Indiana, Inc.) is seeking new board members for opportunities for fundraising, expanding services, strategic planning, and financial viability, which are just a few of the exciting initiatives. Submit application

Barnes Dennig The 2023 non-profit compensation, benefits, and benchmarking study

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