May 6, 2025

Dr. Amy Haile, Blue Avocado

When crisis strikes, will your nonprofit be ready? Too few organizations are prepared for the inevitable leadership transitions that can shake their foundations. In this compelling and deeply personal article, a nonprofit leader shares the real-life emergency that exposed her organization’s lack of a succession plan—and how that experience inspired a roadmap for others. If you think succession planning is something you can put off, think again. Here's how to start—and sustain—a meaningful, strategic process that protects your mission and your team.

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Submitted by InvigorateHR

In the modern workplace, the traditional 9-to-5 model is rapidly becoming a relic of the past. Flexible schedules have emerged as a transformative approach that benefits both employees and employers, reshaping how we conceptualize work and productivity.  

The Human Side of Flexibility 

For employees, flexible scheduling represents far more than a convenient option—it's a lifeline to balanced living. Imagine a working parent who can adjust their hours to attend a child's school event, or a creative professional who discovers their most productive hours are outside the traditional workday. This approach acknowledges that people are not machines, but complex individuals with unique rhythms and responsibilities. 

The psychological impact is profound. When employees feel trusted to manage their own time, they experience increased job satisfaction and reduced stress. This trust translates directly into motivation, with workers more likely to go above and beyond when their employer respects their individual needs. Companies that embrace flexibility often see a remarkable transformation in workplace culture—from a rigid, clock-watching environment to a dynamic, results-oriented ecosystem.

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Brooke's Place for Grieving Young People Inc. has named Shelley Raper as its corporate relations manager. Raper previously worked as a retail banker at PNC.

The Crossroads of America Council, Scouting America has named John Cary as scout executive and CEO. Cary previously served as scout executive of LaSalle Council in South Bend, IN. 

Dance Kaleidoscope named Kim Galloway as the operations manager. Galloway has been a dance educator for the last 17 years.

Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana promoted Breeanna Bongayan Pea to senior director of talent management. Bongayan Pea previously served as the talent management director. –Inside Indiana Business

The Charitable Advisors “Work for a Nonprofit, Make a Difference.” campaign has launched! Job seekers can find current nonprofit openings, resources to help navigate their job search, and other insights on the Job Seeker HQ resource page as well as Download the Job Seeker Toolkit. Follow us on social media to see firsthand why it’s powerful, and critical for our communities, to work for a nonprofit. 

Tangram has been awarded a 2025 Power to the Parent grant from United Way of Central Indiana. This grant will allow Tangram to expand vital programming that strengthens the support system for families impacted by disability, focusing on caregiver wellness, peer connection, and access to meaningful resources. See recipients

The Mind Trust awarded $50,000 through its Go Further Literacy Fund to support 21 innovative, community-led projects aimed at improving literacy in Indianapolis. Launched in response to pandemic-related learning disruptions, the fund has distributed $230,000 since 2020 to initiatives like sensory-friendly reading spaces and incentive-based programs that engage families and support diverse learning needs. See recipients  

More than 1,250 volunteers joined United Way of Central Indiana’s fourth annual Go All IN Day, an organized day of community service across the region. Volunteers helped over 80 community organizations complete projects on their to-do lists across Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, and Morgan counties.  

Get On Board is now accepting nonprofit exhibitors for the June 23 event at Newfields. This community event is a great place for Indy’s nonprofit organizations to connect with people looking for opportunities to serve as board members, committee members, and volunteers. Apply

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Systems for Action program is seeking proposals for community-led pilot studies that explore how aligning medical, public health, and social service systems can help dismantle systemic racism and improve health equity. Apply by June 4   

Enrollment is now open for Indy Summer Learning Labs, a free or low-cost five-week program offering academic instruction and enrichment activities for Marion County students entering grades 1–9. Run by The Mind Trust, the program has shown strong results in math and reading gains since 2021 and includes licensed teacher-led lessons, field trips, arts, and STEM activities at 50+ sites. Enroll

2025 Lead with Purpose, an interactive eight-session online training series, 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  

Innovative Benefits: Supporting the Mental Well-Being of Employees webinar on May 15 at noon. This session will explore ways organizations can integrate mental health support into benefits offerings, including access to counseling, wellness programs, and supportive workplace policies. Presented by Indiana Youth Institute. Cost: Free. Register

Volunteer Engagement: Building Stronger, Lasting Partnerships online discussion on May 16 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Receive resources for creating effective volunteer programs, strategies for recognizing and appreciating volunteers, and ways to build long-term partnerships. Presented by United Way of Central Indiana. Cost: Free. Register

QuickBooks Online for Nonprofits: The Essentials webinar on May 20 from noon – 3 p.m. Learn the basics of setting up and entering the most common transactions nonprofits need to make. Presented by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: $159. Register 

Hybrid Horizons: Mastering the Future of Work pre-recorded webinar. Explore practical tools for navigating hybrid environments and innovative strategies for optimizing collaboration, communication, and connectedness. Presented by United Way of Central Indiana. Cost: Free. Watch

Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank needs fresh produce pickup volunteers from May to October to collect food from various farmers at Fishers and Noblesville Farmers Markets on Saturdays. Learn more and sign up

Five Internal Controls for the Very Small Nonprofit

When your entire nonprofit is just a handful of people with overlapping roles, how can you protect against potential wrongdoing? 

What is an Advisory Board and Should We Have One?

Here are some guidelines for advisory committees, as well as a sample letter inviting an individual to join such a group.  

SPONSORS' INSIGHTS

Charitable Allies Growing a Nonprofit: Structuring Your Nonprofit for Success  

Dean Dorton  Is it Time to Upgrade Your Nonprofit Accounting Solution?