June 3, 2025

By Chelsea Ohlemiller, Director of Community & Content, Charitable Advisors

As the “Work for a Nonprofit, Make a Difference” campaign wraps up, I find myself reflecting not only on the progress we’ve made but also on the road still ahead. In my role as Director of Community & Content at Charitable Advisors, I’ve had the privilege of spending the last several weeks in the field — meeting with nonprofit professionals, listening to their stories, and witnessing their passion and dedication firsthand.

And let me tell you — this campaign wasn’t just about filling jobs. It was about lifting voices, bridging gaps, and inspiring action.

During the month of May, we had the honor of highlighting more than 25 nonprofit organizations through our video outreach efforts. Each story we shared was a glimpse into the heart of this sector — a space filled with mission-driven individuals doing the hard, necessary work of caring for our communities. Alongside those stories, we saw over 200 job applications submitted and more than 130 new job seeker accounts created on our nonprofit job board. Those numbers represent real people taking steps toward meaningful work. That’s not just success — that’s momentum.

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By Michael Budd, president and CEO of Indiana United Ways, and Denise Luster, chief strategic intelligence and information officer for United Way of Central Indiana

The data is striking. 

Over one in four workers in Indiana’s most common jobs struggled to get by in 2023.  

Yet many of these workers earned too much to qualify for government assistance. Among them: child care workers, nursing assistants, cashiers, food service workers – the very people who keep our economy running. 

In all, more than 1 million Hoosier households could not afford a basic household budget that year. And some 31% of Indiana families with children struggled to make ends meet.

In May, Indiana United Ways and United Way of Central Indiana published the newest ALICE report, in collaboration with research partner United for ALICE. Released annually, the report shows the depth and nuance of need in our communities. It shines a light on households that are in poverty or considered ALICE, an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. 

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

Pink Ribbon Connection named April Williams as the next executive director. Williams previously served as executive director of Friends of Hamilton County Parks. – This search was conducted by Charitable Advisors.

Wheeler Mission has promoted Brian Crispin to chief marketing & communications officer. Crispin was previously senior director, community relations & development. 

Wheeler Mission has hired Arvetta Jideonwo as chief development officer. Jideonwo previously served as CEO of SGS For Good.

Horizon House, Inc. has named Jennifer Neer as development communications manager. Neer was previously the director of development and marketing at the Center for Interfaith Cooperation.

United Way of Central Indiana is awarding $130,000 in grants to nine local nonprofits to help them strengthen their internal operations and long-term sustainability. The funding, through the Capacity Fund, supports efforts like staff training, organizational development, and program evaluations. Read more

Aspire Indiana Health has been awarded $3.5 million from the Hamilton County Council and Hamilton County Commissioners for the creation of a behavioral health urgent care center in Noblesville focused on helping people experiencing mental health, substance abuse, and psychiatric crisis. Read more

Foster Success announced a new partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to help educate and empower foster youth as they transition into adulthood. Anthem’s support will bolster Foster Success’s Opportunity Passport^® program , which helps participants build financial literacy, grow their savings, and receive matching funds for essential purchases like a vehicle, housing, or educational expenses. Read more

The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation's 2025 Lookback Report highlights its commitment to advancing education, health, and the vitality of Indianapolis, awarding 160 grants totaling $56 million, releasing 22 reports, and hosting 158 convenings from 2020 to 2024. Notable initiatives include an $11.6 million investment in youth apprenticeship programs and the launch of a free community data tool featuring nearly 300 graphs to support data-driven decision-making. Read more

Indiana University Health has received a $20 million gift from Indianapolis residents Sarah and John Lechleiter and Deborah and Randall Tobias to advance medical research and patient care by expanding clinical trial access, supporting genomic research, and attracting top talent. Read more  

The Indianapolis Rotary Foundation is accepting applications for its 2025 Community Grant program. The Foundation intends to award three grants of $25,000 each and two grants of $10,000 each. Applicants must be 501(c)3 nonprofits that serve the charitable and educational needs of Central Indiana. Applications are due by June 18. Apply  

The Meridian Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2025 Arago Honor Awards, which recognize organizations that develop creative and disruptive solutions to address community challenges. Nominations or applications are due by September 15. 

Policy Pulse: Adapting to Change in a Dynamic Landscape on June 13 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Attendees will gain insights into effective advocacy and proactive measures to ensure their organizations thrive amidst change. Presented by United Way of Central Indiana. Cost: Free. Register 

Real Talk About Board Service online workshop on June 16 at noon. Part of the Get On Board series, hear from board members who served at varied sizes, scopes and missions about how they have impacted the causes they care about and what they have learned along the way. Presented by Leadership Indianapolis. Cost: Free. Register   

2025 Lead with Purpose is an interactive eight-session online training series from Aug. 7-Nov. 20 from noon -1:30 p.m. This series prepares individuals to apply their skills, interests, and experiences in effective nonprofit board service. Presented by Hedges. Sponsors include KSM, Faegre Drinker, the National Bank of Indianapolis, and the Community Foundation of Hancock County. Cost: $500 for two participants from the same organization, or $90 per individual session. Register   

Making the Business Case for Skills-Based Talent Strategy prerecorded webinar. Join Natalie Wenzler for an overview of skills-based talent strategy, how to start changing your hiring process immediately, and what to consider as you implement the practices into your organization. Presented by HR Peer Group. Cost: Free. Register

Spark! Fishers offers more than 100 volunteer opportunities for the week-long annual festival from June 23 to 28. Choose from a variety of opportunities: 5k run, car & art show, parade, kids’ zone, and more. Register

Muncie Habitat for Humanity is gearing up for a record-breaking build season and is in need of volunteers. Join them on the build site Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays from 9 a.m.–2 p.m.—no experience needed, just a willingness to lend a hand and change lives. Register

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For decades, federal research funding has fueled U.S. innovation and global leadership, due to a powerful partnership with higher education. Explore how continued investment can secure the future.  

A New Look at Strategic Pathways for Solving Social Problems at Scale

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