The earthquakes that struck southeastern Turkey and northern Syria in early February 2023 have killed at least 47,000 people and disrupted everyday life for some 26 million more.

Survivors of big disasters like these earthquakes — among the worst in the region’s history — certainly need food, water, medications, blankets, and other goods. But they also need psychological first aid — that is, immediate mental-health counseling along with support that strengthens their connections with their friends, relatives, and decision makers.

As scholars who study how disaster survivors benefit from preserving connections to people in their networks, we know that these social ties help with the recovery from traumatic events that cause significant upheaval.

Since 2015, United Way of Central Indiana has partnered with volunteers, community organizations, and groups across Marion, Boone, Hendricks and Morgan counties to administer the IRS grant that supports the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program — known locally as Indy Free Tax Prep.

Indy Free Tax Prep allows qualified individuals and families to file a complete and thorough tax return for free. Last year, 138 IRS-certified volunteers prepared nearly 4,400 tax returns for central Indiana residents resulting in $6 million in refunds.

The program’s success is due to the hundreds of volunteers who want to contribute to their community in a meaningful way. It’s all about making tax season less taxing for our neighbors.

As one volunteer recently commented, “I really love volunteering for Indy Free Tax Prep because you are learning and helping the community at the same time. It’s the best feeling.”

This year, our goal is to have 250 volunteers prepare more than 6,500 returns.

All Indy Free Tax Prep volunteers who prepare returns must pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards to be certified. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information. In addition to requiring volunteers to certify their knowledge of the tax laws, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA site prior to filing. They also assist taxpayers with the preparation of thousands of Facilitated Self-Assistance returns.

Charitable Advisors’ nonprofit salary survey has been extended through March 13, giving you one last chance to help us make an impact. Participating in the survey is a great opportunity to contribute to one of the most insightful reports on nonprofit salary benchmarks in Central Indiana. Survey results will ensure your team is competitive in attracting nonprofit talent at market rate.

Check here to see if your organization already has completed the salary survey.

If not, take the following steps to have your Central Indiana nonprofit represented:

As a thank you for your participation, your organization will receive an early edition of the full report — which includes salary information from about 250 or more Central Indiana organizations in 26 categories of job roles. Participants will receive the salary report in June — months before it is distributed to the public in September.

Review our past edition to learn more about this annual survey.

Questions? Contact Julie at [email protected]

Re-released Big Car Collaborative co-founders Shauta Marsh and Jim Walker talk about the responsibilities of nonprofits in taking on the difficult challenges and social issues in their communities.

https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/23937579Big Car Collaborative co-founders Shauta Marsh and Jim Walker talk about the responsibilities of nonprofits in taking on the difficult challenges and social issues in their communities. Listen

United Way of Central Indiana has recognized five winners of its ELEVATE awards, an annual event that honors the region’s top young philanthropists between the ages of 21 and 40. Learn more about the award recipients

The Marion County Re-entry Coalition and the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic have partnered to develop the Expungement Process Map, a guide to assist with the legal process of clearing prior convictions off an individual’s record. Review the map

The International Center has been awarded a $120,000 grant from the Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation to facilitate the commission and installation of a unique art piece at the Indianapolis International Airport. Learn more

The International Center’s James T. Morris Global Leadership Series is now accepting grant applications. Interested individuals can apply on the center’s website through April 30.

Starting a nonprofit workshop on March 11 at 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Assess whether starting a nonprofit is the right move for you. Learn what a nonprofit organization is, and the steps required to start one. Presented by The Indianapolis Public Library. Register

Intro to FDO: Finding grant funders session on March 11 at 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Learn to use Foundation Directory Online (FDO), a research tool that can help 501(c)(3) nonprofits find grant makers most likely to fund their projects. Presented by The Indianapolis Public Library. Register

2023 Putnam-Montgomery nonprofit learning series starts March 14 from 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m., at Crawfordsville Country Club, 3272 Country Club Road. Presented by the Putnam County Community Foundation and the Montgomery County Community Foundation. Cost: $30. Includes breakfast. Register

Compensation and total rewards for nonprofits webinar on March 15 at noon-1 p.m. Review a resourceful tool that charts the market value of common positions and typical benefits. Gain insights helpful for budgeting, hiring competitively, and retaining current staff. Presented by VonLehman CPA & Advisory Firm. Register

2023 State of the Nonprofit Sector Report webinar on March 15 at 11 a.m. Discover key findings from an annual study, including in-depth information on tax-exempt organizations throughout the nation. Presented by FORVIS. Register

Powerpoint MS Office software session on March 17 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn new tips to expand capabilities, and how to produce engaging PowerPoint presentations. The course includes focused discussion, demos, and hands-on practice. Cost: $75 per class. Presented by IUPUI Professional Development and Continuing Education. Register

Planning effective programs workshop on March 18 at 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Discover the main components of a solid program plan that will allow your organization to provide quality services to your community. Presented by The Indianapolis Public Library. Register

Indy Center For Conflict Resolution is seeking volunteer mediators. The collaborative aims to reduce violence in Indianapolis by developing, implementing, and evaluating community-based interventions related to conflict and quality-of-life issues. Selected volunteers will undergo extensive training and an internship period. Apply

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Executive Director – Prosperity Indiana