We are living through an era of unprecedented challenges and opportunities. The climate crisis, global health challenges, and changes in social values are upending individual priorities. Globalization and geopolitics are shifting the world’s tectonic plates. How we live and work is being constantly reinvented by advances in technology and the emergence of generations who were “born digital.”

How should leaders navigate this moment? What does leadership look like in an era where turbulence and disruption are the norm?

The answer to those questions can’t be divorced from the answer to another one: What does an organization that thrives during such unstable times look like? For decades, organizations were designed and managed for an industrial environment. They were geared toward preserving stability, scale, and predictability with a focus on maximizing earnings for shareholders, and they paid little attention to the broader—often unintended—impact of their actions. Not anymore. Many organizations have recently decided that this approach is ill-suited to today’s complex challenges, and especially ill-suited to the host of societal demands companies must now consider.

Economic volatility and increased uncertainty have triggered a deep decline in donations to nonprofits, according to the Giving USA 2023 report.1 This drop has created a resource scarcity and increased funding competition among organizations. They are under added pressure to demonstrate quantifiable results, proving that their programs and services are making a material difference in the lives of those served.

In the commercial world, when companies don’t provide value and fail to succeed, they go broke. While there has been improvement within the nonprofit sector in terms of performance measurement, many organizations lack this level of structural accountability.2 They continue providing programs and services without producing rigorous data that expresses their value.

To prove tangible results, organizations must establish performance metrics, then collect and analyze data. This vital process allows them to measure their impact, communicate their value, and improve their strategies.

Lilly Endowment Inc. awards more than $21.5 million in grants to help 28 Indiana colleges and universities boost Science of Reading instruction methods. Earlier this year, Indiana enacted a law requiring Indiana school districts to adopt curricula that are aligned with these methods, which include phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Read more

Hamilton County Community Foundation, Women’s Fund of Central Indiana and Senior Fund of Central Indiana announced more than $1.5 million in grants to not-for-profits in Central Indiana. Learn more about the organizations funded

Marion County residents can get assistance paying their heating bills through the winter assistance fund. The annual program is open to low-income Marion County residents who do not qualify for government energy assistance programs. To apply

Women’s Fund of Central Indiana’s executive women of color leadership program is accepting applications. The program is designed to develop, coach, and empower women of color to move into higher-level leadership roles, preparing them for positions of power and influence and to leave career, civic, and community legacies. Learn more and apply

IndyHumane’s Operation Pit Stop program aims to reduce the number of dogs in the shelter by offering spay/neuter services to large-breed dogs. The organization’s goal is to perform 300 surgeries in high-need neighborhoods.

Nonprofit Learning Center (NLC) presents a four-module series from January 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. To register

Don't burn yourself out: How to identify and prevent burnout webinar on Jan. 9 at Noon. Presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals- Indiana Chapter. This event is open to non-members. Cost: free. Register

The future of philanthropy: Reimagining an inclusive philanthropic community on Jan. 17 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at United Way of Central Indiana, 2955 N Meridian St., #300. Delve into the heart of inclusivity within philanthropy, emphasizing the power of diverse voices in shaping more effective, equitable, and impactful philanthropic initiatives. Presented by Association of Fundraising Professionals, Indiana Chapter. Cost: $30 AFP Members/ $45 nonmembers. Register

Emotional Intelligence: Your way to employee retention webinar on Feb. 7 at Noon. Jeremy York shares the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace, strategies to grow emotional intelligence, and the impact of EQ on your people. Hosted by Charitable Advisors. Cost: free. Register

Proven strategies for connecting with major donors webinar on Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. Explore the fundraising outlook for 2024, identify trends shaping major giving, and share the strategies they’re using to build strong ties with major donors. Presented by Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: $69. Register

Exploring an immanent understanding of beneficiary accountability in nonprofit organizations webinar on Feb. 13 from 12:00 p.m. to 1 p.m. A rapidly growing number of public and private foundations have started to experiment with innovative philanthropic practices that share power with stakeholders. Discussion on controversial practices like participatory grantmaking and accountability measures. Presented by IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Cost: Free. Register

Do you have a heart for youth and want to help others? Become a Starfish Initiative Mentor in 2024. Starfish Initiative provides mentoring to local students preparing for college and career success. Learn more. Contact Hope Munn mentor@starfishinitiative.org or (317) 588-6304.

Gleaners Food Bank needs volunteers to help with their drive-thru food pantry, which serves more than 1,000 households each day. Volunteers will load cars and direct traffic. Ages 13+. Individuals and groups of up to 25 volunteers are welcome. Learn more

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.

Executive Director - Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding