Not-for-profit News - January 21, 2025

View as webpage

January 21, 2025

FEATURE

When Does Interim Nonprofit Leadership Make Sense?

David C. Harris & Kathy O. Brozek- Blue Avocado

At a time of a leadership transition, planned or unplanned, more and more organizations are using interim leaders (aka interims) to help the board address organizational challenges, large and small, that may have existed during the tenure of the previous leader.

Even if a nonprofit organization does not have any glaring deficiencies, interim leadership — either provided by a professional interim leader, or sometimes a board or staff member with capacity — can allow the board to obtain an objective assessment of the structures in place for achieving its mission and insight into what they should be looking for once they start the search for their next leader.

SPONSOR'S INSIGHT

Five Key Trends for Philanthropy and Fundraising in 2025

By Lee Ernst, Johnson Grossnickle & Associates

In order to grow, you must embrace change. I’m personally a big believer in this sentiment and it’s a fitting statement as we to reflect on how things are changing in the nonprofit world. Key donor demographic shifts, new technology, and a shift in the way donors choose and support missions provide both opportunity – and challenge – for nonprofit leaders in 2025.

Here are five key trends the consulting team at Johnson Grossnickle & Associates (JGA) sees in our national volunteer work and in talks daily with our clients.

1. National trends are greatly influencing giving landscape

Trust in institutions are at an all-time low with the American public, and nonprofits are no exception. While an unprecedented wealth transfer from the remaining Boomers and senior Gen X generation provides an incredible opportunity for philanthropy, income disparity is increasing and the needs that nonprofits address have never been greater.

News submission

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Playworks Indiana has promoted Audrey Hallmann to executive director. Hallmann previously served as the organization's regional director.

The Retired Indiana Public Employees Association has hired Desiree Harrison as its member success manager, a newly created role. Harrison previously served as membership manager for the MIBOR Realtor Association.

University of Indianapolis promoted Tamara Wolske as interim executive director, Center for Aging & Community. Wolske was previously interim academic program director & assistant professor emerita.

The STEM Connection named Alexandra Hall as marketing & communications coordinator. Hall previously served in public relations for the Mid-Western Region of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Fathers and Families Center (FFC) received an $8 million grant to expand its Strong Fathers Program beyond Marion County, offering men resources for personal growth, parenting, co-parenting, and employment— including opportunities for certifications in construction, CDL, or other skilled trades. Read more

IndyGo’s planned 24-mile Blue Line bus rapid transit route in Indianapolis recently secured a $149.9 million DOT grant—along with a previously announced $22 million grant—covering nearly 43% of the $400 million project and paving the way for dedicated bus lanes. Construction is expected to start early this year and open by 2028, connecting major city hubs like downtown, the state capitol, and the airport. Read more

The Fairbanks School of Public Health Initiative has saved Indiana millions of dollars by analyzing the impact of prenatal care, blood pressure screenings, and fall prevention programs made possible by the new funding. The study found these efforts saved $95 million by reducing healthcare treatment costs and preventing premature deaths. Read more

The Hendricks County Community Foundation is accepting applications for the Community Impact Grant program to offer financial assistance for charitable programs and projects serving Hendricks County. Apply by Feb. 13.

Indianapolis charter school enrollment increased by 6% during the 2024-2025 school year, according to an analysis of Indiana Department of Education enrollment data conducted by The Mind Trust. The analysis also found that 61% of students attending public schools within or near Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) boundaries are enrolled in either public charter schools or innovation network schools. Read more

New Board members? The Welcome to the Board booklet is a quick primer on “how boards and not-for-profits work.” It should complement your organization’s efforts to explain how and why they do things, and give you an understanding of the challenges and opportunities you may encounter as a board member. Download for free

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Cracking the Code: How to Raise More Money with Smarter Processes webinar on Jan. 23 at 2 p.m. Even the most complicated data is based on real people, so this session skips over the boring tech talk, going straight into his human approach. Presented by DonorPerfect. Cost: Free. Register

Accelerating Your Mission with Nonprofit Financial Reporting webinar on Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. Join for an informative webinar to learn what is driving forward-thinking nonprofits to place a strong emphasis on outcome metrics and how to access them efficiently through real-time reporting and dashboards. Presented by Forvis Mazers. Cost: Free. Register

So, You Know Your Why. Now What? on Jan. 30 from 9 a.m.-Noon at Johnson County Armory, 325 Minuteman Way, Franklin. Uncover the key attributes of the 9 WHYs, the power of your WHY, and the proven strategies to improve your confidence through effective communication to impact your life and career. Presented by Leadership Johnson County. Cost: $59 Franklin College/Chamber/Aspire. $69 Nonmembers. Register

2025 Indiana Work-Based Learning conference on Feb. 13 at the Embassy Suites in Noblesville. This conference is a convening of best practices and sharing of ideas toward growth and partnership within workforce and education. Presented by Project Lead The Way. Cost: Starts at $50. Register by Jan. 30

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

NAMI Indiana is recruiting compassionate volunteers with lived experience to support families in mental health crises through the NAMI in the Lobby program at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health in Indianapolis and Centerstone in Columbus. An upcoming volunteer training, scheduled for February 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will equip participants with empathetic listening skills, mental health resources, and practical strategies for providing critical support. To apply, contact Miranda Dehaai.

The Indiana Women in Need Foundation (IWIN) is seeking passionate, dedicated Board of Directors members—particularly someone with HR expertise—to advance its 25-year mission of providing relief to Hoosier breast cancer patients. In this volunteer leadership role, you’ll leverage your professional skills, collaborate with committed advocates, and fulfill a financial commitment to make a meaningful impact in the fight against breast cancer. Learn more

Brightlane Learning will host a tutor volunteer training session on January 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 2955 N Meridian St, Suite 250. The session aims to equip volunteers with the tools needed to support K-12 students impacted by homelessness in achieving academic success. Apply.

Young Professionals Advisory Council Kickoff on Feb. 12 from 5-7 p.m. at Gainbridge Fieldhouse is searching for volunteers ages 21 to 40 from diverse professional backgrounds. Help spread the word, raise awareness, and champion every child’s right to a safe, loving home. Presented by The Villages of Indiana. Cost: Free Register

RESOURCES

New Year’s Resolutions for Nonprofits — and Tips to Make Them Work

Whether you want to sharpen your leadership, fundraising, or grant-seeking skills this year, here is guidance on how to improve.

Prepping Your Nonprofit's Fundraising Strategy for Trump 2.0

The author believes that “rage giving” will be as strong as ever for liberal-aligned organizations before Trump’s first 100 days in office, but it will come in waves.

SPONSORS' INSIGHTS

Charitable Allies Can you remove a board member?

Barnes Dennig Bringing Struggling Non-Profits Back from the Brink {video}

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.

FINANCE

ACCOUNTING

FUND DEVELOPMENT

STRATEGIC PLANNING

EDUCATION

HUMAN

RESOURCES

Barnes Dennig

McGovern Consulting Group

Lilly Family School

InvigorateHR

VonLehman + Dean Dorton

Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates

Schunk Moreland Strategies

BANKING/

ASSET MANAGEMENT

TRANSITION

LEGAL

TECHNOLOGY

The National Bank of Indianapolis

VonLehman + Dean Dorton

DESIGN AGENCY

CHARITABLE GIVING

JOB SEEKER

SmallBox

CICF

Interview Ally

Submit rentals or event spaces

REAL ESTATE

Elevate Your Organization to a Prime Location – Lease Available Now!

5,000 sf office space for lease. Join Willow Marketing in their iconic building at 36th & Meridian. Newly designed, flexible co-working space for a hybrid workforce. Move-In Ready: Beautifully and creatively restored with a mix of art deco and contemporary with terrazzo and stained concrete floors, skylights, bright windows, sliding barn doors, and a mix of open areas and private offices. See brochure and video. Contact Lindsey@reliantpartners.us or Text/Call: 317-449-9697.