As an activity requiring significant expertise, impact measurement can be costly and intimidating. Add this to the fact that while donors are motivated to give by proof of results, the dominant narrative of keeping overhead costs low undercuts activities like research and measurement — and you have a temptation for nonprofits to skip measurement altogether.

However, impact measurement is mission critical. After all, it is essentially an assessment of whether or how well an organization is living up to its mission. Thankfully, regardless of how small the budget there is a lot that organizations can do to maximize their impact measurement dollars.

This activity consists of desk research to identify evaluations of similar approaches, evidence maps, literature reviews, research papers, industry-approved validations of the approach and other pre-existing verifications of the approaches the organization is using.

See, for example, this literature review of mentorship models, which establishes effectiveness of youth mentoring across “social, behavioral, emotional and academic domains” — while also noting the need for higher-quality studies. An organization employing a mentorship model could therefore focus its resources on measuring a specific aspect of the model.

by Colleen Swanson, senior manager, CPA, VonLehman CPA & Advisory Firm

Nonprofits typically don’t pass on donations from its donor base no matter what the size. Modest donations, after all, add up. But those big donations and regular large donors can make a world of difference to an organization’s financial security.

Unfortunately, major donors don’t usually knock on a charity’s door and hand over millions of dollars. You must work to find them and then earn their trust and confidence. Here are seven practical suggestions:

1. Push your annual appeal. Your annual appeal is a great way to accumulate undesignated money. Typically, this funding is used to pay day-to-day operational expenses and to support your overall mission — and whatever is left over can be used for new initiatives, program expansion and other projects. Annual appeals usually have a secondary purpose: They enable you to strengthen bonds with your nonprofit’s supporters. To keep your annual appeal robust and even grow it, spend time evaluating current donors to determine whether they’ve reached their full giving-level potential. Focus on those who’ve made large contributions in the past but might not have done so in recent years or on mid-level donors who may be prepared to take the next step but need a nudge.

2. Research prospects. A donor’s record of contributing to similar or complementary nonprofits can indicate a willingness to at least listen to your pitch. As the names of potential donors cross your radar, gather information about their community involvement and philanthropic interests. Then tailor your message to your audience and who will deliver that message.

Episode 36: Facing challenges recruiting employees for your nonprofit? Join Charitable Advisors' Shari Finnell and Bryan Orander in this conversation with Dr. Jim Dalton, president and CEO of Damar Services. Jim talks about Damar's innovative program Hire Today, Start Tomorrow, which has helped the organization hire more employees despite numerous challenges. Listen

Glick Philanthropies has announced grants awarded totaling $1.37 million to organizations in Central Indiana that support the arts, education, access to basic needs, economic mobility, and strengthening the Far Eastside Indianapolis community. See recipients  

The Junior League of Indianapolis has announced that it has generated more than $140,000 from its 51st annual Holiday Mart shopping event. The funds will be used to support its philanthropic focus of serving central Indiana children who are in the foster or kinship care system. Read more

Life Centers has raised more than $71,000 during Giving Tuesday, including $40,000 in matching funds provided by a donor. Proceeds will be used for the nonprofit organization’s ultrasound ministry.  

Brooke's Place for Grieving Young People has received a $50,000 grant as part of the Colt’s Kicking the Stigma Action Grant program. The funds will support Brooke’s Place’s Youth Grief Access Project, an initiative enacted to help the mental health of grieving children flourish. Learn more

Indiana Wesleyan University has acquired the assets of the financially troubled Indianapolis-based coding school Eleven Fifty Academy. Indiana Wesleyan will continue to operate the school as a not-for-profit organization. Read more

Donations requested: Horizon House is accepting donations of thermal clothing and underwear to help people who experiencing homelessness warm. Drop off donations at Horizon House, 1033 E. Washington St., during normal business hours. Learn more 

Donation: Four-drawer filing cabinet. Must pick up in the Castleton area. Contact Bryan@CharitableAdvisors.com  

Affirmative care: Providing mental health services for Latinx LGBTQ+ youth webinar on Jan. 18 at noon. Gain insights from Dr. Duarte-Velez about the issues impacting the mental health of LGBTQ+ Latinx/Hispanic youth, including disparities and social stigma. Presented by Aspin. Cost: Free. Register

2023 Public policy virtual session update on Jan. 24 at 9 a.m. As part of a legislative session, United Way’s policy team will review what is happening with bills related to the state’s 2023 Public Policy Agenda and answer questions. Presented by United Way of Central Indiana. Cost: Free. Register  

HIPAA & Recognized Security Practices webinar on Feb. 3 at 11 a.m. - noon. Get insights from cybersecurity experts about updates on HIPAA and security practices, as well as the benefits of implementation and considerations for healthcare organization. Presented by FORVIS. Cost: Free. Register

Emerging social media trends for nonprofits on Feb. 22 at 1 p.m. With social media tools and trends constantly evolving, learn the steps to be successful by embracing a strategy of flexibility and early adoption. Presented by Nonprofit Tech for Good. Cost: $20. Register

Gleaner Food Bank is seeking volunteers to assist clients during their visit to the nonprofit’s onsite food pantry. Duties include loading cars with food and directing traffic at various points. Must be at least 13 years old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Register

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Executive Director - Indiana Optometric Association