July 8, 2025

Charitable Advisors

In the crowded digital space, where every scroll competes with breaking news, celebrity drama, and viral trends, nonprofits face a daunting challenge: how do we rise above the noise and truly connect with people who care?

The answer isn’t just posting more frequently or sharing an occasional success story. The real game-changer is intentional, algorithm-aligned storytelling—a powerful blend of emotional narrative, platform-specific strategy, and data-driven creativity that cuts through the noise and gets seen, shared, and supported.

If your organization is still treating social media as an afterthought or a basic update channel, it’s time to evolve. Here’s how to elevate your impact, visibility, and donor engagement by using the algorithm to your advantage—and telling stories that can’t be ignored.

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By Lee A. Ernst, CEO and Senior Consultant

Individuals, bequests, foundations and corporations gave an estimated $592.5 billion to US charitable organizations last year, according to Giving USA 2025: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for 2024.

Total giving in the United States grew 3.3% in 2024 (adjusted for inflation), fueled by a strong stock market and GDP growth. For the first time in three years, total giving outpaced inflation as inflation rates moderated from those seen in recent years.

JGA is a proud member of the Giving Institute, and sponsor of this crucial annual resource. Here are the highlights from this year’s research 

Have you hired or promoted at your Central Indiana nonprofit? Submit through our online portal.

The Heritage Fund named Edie Blakeslee as the new president and CEO. Blakeslee was previously Vice President of Grantmaking and Community Leadership at the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina.

Olivia Cloer has been promoted to Interim CEO of Charitable Allies. Cloer was previously the chief operating officer and chief of staff.

The Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee has promoted Megan Wagoner to deputy director. Wagoner previously served as the communications and operations manager.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett has appointed Amanda Dehoney-Hinkle as the new director of Indianapolis Animal Care Services, effective July 21. Dehoney-Hinkle previously led Greenfield-Hancock Animal Management and began her career at IACS.

The Lilly Endowment has released its 2024 annual report, highlighting efforts by organizations it supports to strengthen quality of place and community across Indiana and the nation. The report features stories of groups fostering civic connectedness and community vitality, reflecting the Endowment’s long-standing commitment to cultivating a strong sense of place. View Full Report

The Indianapolis Business Journal’s inaugural Nonprofit Excellence Awards will honor Wheeler Mission, Lutheran Child and Family Services, and Dove Recovery House as nonprofits of the year in their categories. The Aug. 5 event will also recognize the National FFA Foundation, Kent Kramer as nonprofit executive of the year, and Taggart Birge as philanthropist of the year. Learn more and see other award winners   

The Kendrick Foundation has awarded $17,500 scholarships to 28 Morgan County residents pursuing health-related careers for the 2025-26 academic year. Recipients are chosen through a competitive process based on academics, extracurriculars and community service. All scholars must plan to return to serve the local community. Learn more

Barnes Dennig is now accepting nominations for its 15th annual Outreach Day, set for Friday, Oct. 24, when the firm will close its offices to assist local nonprofits with major projects. Nominations are open through Friday, Aug. 8, offering organizations a chance to receive hands-on support from the Barnes Dennig team to help advance their missions. Nominate your project   

Do you live, work or volunteer in Hendricks County? If so, the Hendricks County Community Foundation is seeking input for its 2025 Community Needs Assessment Survey. Building on assessments from 2019 and 2022, the initiative aims to engage more than 4,100 individuals to help guide future programs and investments that strengthen community unity, civic engagement, and service delivery. Take the survey

Ball Brothers Foundation hosted a cybersecurity summit on June 11 in Muncie, Indiana, bringing together local leaders and federal experts to address growing cyber threats and strengthen regional resilience. As part of the event, the Foundation announced over $200,000 in grants to support education, law enforcement, and workforce development initiatives aimed at building a robust local cybersecurity talent pipeline. 

Summer Drive-In on July 10 at the Hendricks County 4H Fairgrounds in Danville. This event features a keynote by leadership consultant Rachel Barnhart, breakout roundtable discussions, and networking opportunities. Presented by: Indiana Leadership Association Cost: $15 (includes lunch) Register

Starting a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization on July 16 at 2:00 p.m. at the Central Library. This workshop will help you assess whether starting a nonprofit is right for you. Learn what a nonprofit organization is, and the steps required to start one. Presented by the Indianapolis Public Library. Cost: Free. Walk-ins welcome. Register 

QuickBooks Online Training webinar on July 23–24 from 2–4:30 p.m. Nonprofit accounting expert Gregg Bossen will lead a two-day workshop designed to help nonprofit professionals boost their financial management skills. Participants will learn how to manage donations, track restricted grants, generate essential reports, and more. Webinar covers both intermediate and advanced QuickBooks features tailored to nonprofit needs. Cost: $249 Register

Making Sense of AI & Analytics in HR & Payroll webinar on July 29 at 2 p.m. Learn simple techniques for creating effective AI prompts and define use cases for AI in business management. Presented by Forvis Mazars. Cost: Free. Register

2025 Free Legal Clinic on July 29 from 3- 7 p.m. at the Indianapolis Public Library. Volunteer attorneys will provide FREE, professional eviction sealing and criminal expungement services to qualified patrons. Social workers can provide information and consultations on topics like housing, education, health, food assistance, and many other subject matters. Presented by Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic and Indiana Legal Services. Cost: Free. Register  

Donor Engagement Summit 2025 on July 30 from 9 am - noon at Vision Loft Events on Mass Ave., 235 N. Delaware Street. Explore donor expectations, evolving technology, and mission-driven approaches to fundraising that inspire generosity and deepen community impact. Presented by Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates. Cost: Free. Register

Nonprofit Fundamentals interactive virtual training on Aug. 7 from 12:00-1:30 p.m. Boards that lead with purpose are better equipped to carry out their mission. Learn the purpose and characteristics of nonprofit organizations, how they are structured, governed, and funded, and the unique role they play in society. Presented by Hedges. Cost: $90. Register   

Brooke's Place for Grieving Young People, Inc. needs support group facilitators for their Westside, Eastside, and Northside program nights. Volunteers will provide a safe and supportive environment for children, ages 3-29, and their immediate caregivers to grieve the way they need to grieve. Volunteers must be 16+. No counseling background is required. Training provided. Learn more

Mid-North Food Pantry is seeking a reliable volunteer to pick up food donations from Kroger Downtown and deliver them to the pantry on Monday mornings between 9 and 10 a.m. Volunteers must have a van or SUV and be able to lift boxes up to 15 pounds. If you’re ready to make a hands-on difference and help fight hunger, email Steven at manager@midnorthfoodpantry.org to learn more and get started.

Vision Before Strategy: A Nonprofit’s Guide to Defining Success

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. 

Eight Key Responsibilities for all-volunteer organizations

More than half of the nonprofits in the United States are estimated to be all-volunteer organizations. Download the guide 

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