American Red Cross chief innovation officer Sajit Joseph discusses the opportunity in bringing innovation, AI, and digital transformation to the work of disaster response and blood banking.

In this episode of The Committed Innovator, American Red Cross chief innovation officer Sajit Joseph speaks with McKinsey innovation leader Erik Roth about the challenges and opportunities involved with innovation in a not-for-profit setting, where the goal is the return on impact, and teams can include volunteers.

Things got a bit topsy turvy at the most recent board meeting of the local nonprofit “Do Good, Inc.”:

Board Chair: “I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that our beloved, long-time executive director, Pat, is planning to retire later this year. The good news is that we have a strong internal candidate, Casey, who’s interested in the role.”

Board Members: “Thank goodness we have our next leader lined up, right?” “Hold on, we should do an external search.” “Isn’t that a waste of time and money?” “Casey will be a great ED. Are we done now?” “Casey’s good, but what if there’s a better candidate out there?” ‘Are you saying we have to do an internal AND external search?” “Won’t we lose Casey if we hire someone else?” “Let’s make Casey the acting ED and do a search later if they don’t work out.” “Let’s just ask Pat if we should hire Casey.” “Will we save money if we hire Casey? “Isn’t this the Executive Committee’s job?”

Board Chair: “Oh, great. Now what?”

Going through a leadership transition is hard enough; but add in the variable of an internal candidate (or two) and suddenly boards find themselves navigating all kinds of dynamics, from personalities to internal politics. Early in the process, the board must also address this question: “Should we limit our search to internal candidates, or should we do a broader external search that includes internal candidates as well?”

When the Board Chair from Do Good, Inc. calls you and asks for advice, here's a framework you might share. Boards have used this approach to successfully address the question in a way that elevates the organization's best interests; treats internal candidates fairly and respectfully; ensures an honest, candid, and transparent process; and prioritizes the organization’s goals and values.

$1.5 million was awarded to 91 nonprofits supporting the development of arts and cultural performances, programs, exhibitions, and activities throughout Indianapolis and Marion County. Funding was provided through the 2024 City of Indianapolis Annual Grants Program and the Indy Arts Council. See recipients

United Way of Central Indiana awarded more than $100,000 to local human services nonprofits at Propel. Organizations pitched their innovative ideas on how to reduce barriers for those from under-resourced communities or asset-limited backgrounds. See recipients

The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County provided $9,226.20 in grants for projects that stimulate student learning. Read more

The Equal Grounds Café ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on April 29 at the Indy Art Center, 820 E 67th St. In partnership with Tangram, the new coffee shop offers opportunities for people with disabilities to work, contribute, and learn new skills. Read more

The 2024 Amazon Web Services IMAGINE grant is now accepting applications. This public grant provides up to $200,000 of unrestricted cash funding, up to $100,000 AWS promotional credit, and technical support to help nonprofits accelerate their missions with cloud technology. Apply by June 3

Indiana Black Expo, Inc. is now accepting applications for scholarships for high school seniors and students currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution who exhibit outstanding leadership, scholarship, and community service. Apply by June 7

The Charitable Advisors “Make A Difference. Work for a Nonprofit” campaign highlights the meaningful work and the open positions within the nonprofit sector. If you, or someone you know, is looking for a career with impact and advocacy, visit www.workforanonprofit.com. Nonprofit organizations with open positions, consider posting your opportunities on our job board for ultimate visibility.

Creating an inclusive workplace webinar on May 29 at 1 p.m. Learn strategies for creating a culture of belonging across diverse groups of employees, gain tactics to prevent exclusion in remote/hybrid work environments, and learn how to use conflict management to promote inclusion in the workplace. Presented by Blackbaud. Cost: Free. Register

OMB uniform guidance: What the updates mean for nonprofits webinar on May 30 at 3:30 p.m. Learn about the significant improvements to federal grantmaking rules and what the changes mean for their missions. Presented by National Council of Nonprofits. Cost: Free. Register

2024 Recruit IU Indianapolis on May 31 from 12 - 4:30 p.m. at the IUPUI Campus Center. Identify the best strategies for recruiting IU Indianapolis students and alums for your internship, volunteer, part-time, and full-time opportunities. Presented by IU Indianapolis O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Cost: Free. Register

Get On Board is now accepting nonprofit exhibitors. The in-person event is on June 25 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Apply by June 4

2024 Spark Community Conference from June 4-5. For fundraisers wanting to excel in donor management, program innovation, community engagement, and organizational growth. Presented by DonorPerfect. Cost: Free. Register

United Way of Central Indiana is recruiting volunteers for Go All In Day on June 21. A variety of indoor and outdoor projects – ranging in length from hour-long to all-day activities – will be available for individual volunteers, groups, and families. Interested volunteers can learn more and sign up to reserve their spot at goallinday.com

Foundation For Hope needs volunteers for the trust-based relationship intervention camps in August and November. Learn about the camp and apply

Charitable Allies  When is it time for my nonprofit to sue someone? Options for handling nonprofit conflict

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.