November 12, 2024

Blue Avocado: Tom Gardali and Jonathan Becker

If your nonprofit’s strategic planning efforts have ever felt exhausting or frustratingly ineffective, you’re not alone. Too often, planning focuses narrowly on strategy while overlooking the culture that ultimately brings that strategy to life. But what if you could balance both? At Audubon Canyon Ranch, a bold approach to strategic planning did just that, marrying strategy with culture to foster stronger teams and leaders. Read on to discover ten essential tips that helped us transform the planning process—and how you can apply them to ensure your organization’s vision reaches its fullest potential.

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By Alexis Kollay D’Ettorre, Hedges

A case statement, also called a case for support, is a concise, persuasive document that tells a nonprofit organization’s story— why it’s needed, how it’s making a difference, and why people should be excited to support it. We often think of case statements serving a limited purpose, perhaps being a presentation of your work to major funders. However, a case statement has the potential to fill many gaps and meet multiple needs for your organization.

A case statement is a powerful tool that helps nonprofit organizations raise funds, build relationships, develop programs, and fulfill their mission. It serves as a vital component of a successful fundraising strategy and is a valuable asset for any organization. In this article, we will outline what a case statement is and identify the top three benefits of a strong nonprofit case statement.

What is a case statement?

A case statement should inform and convince, which is a practice dating back centuries. Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle is credited with establishing how to effectively make an argument using ethos, logos, and pathos in his treatise Rhetoric (4th century BCE). These three tools are effective devices to persuade an audience, and they come in handy when developing a case statement (Grant Prose for Grant Pros Workshop, 2022). Ethos, referring to ethics, is the establishment of authority or credibility. This is the nonprofit’s opportunity to encourage the reader to trust them by showcasing their qualifications. Logos, referring to logic, is an appeal to the audience’s reason. What data can you use to persuade your audience? Pathos, referring to emotion, is the chance to appeal to an audience’s feelings.

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The Indiana Hospital Association named Scott Tittle as president. Tittle was previously managing director and head of government relations and external affairs at VIUM Capital. — Indianapolis Business Journal

Scott Hackenberg has been named the managing director of lending for the Eastern Region at IFF. Hackenberg was previously the chief lending officer at the Cornerstone Fund in Cleveland, OH.

Project Lead The Way appointed John Williams as executive vice president and chief customer officer. Williams was previously the chief revenue officer at TORSH. — Inside Indiana Business

Kelli Jensen has been named justice director at NAMI Indiana. Jensen previously served as the forensic operations manager at Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.

Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) awarded more than $800,000 in grants to 61 Indiana youth-serving organizations through the Youth Worker Well-Being Project. The second round of grant opportunities were made available for eligible organizations to identify potential gaps and needs in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) and/or trauma-informed workplaces and take steps towards improving workplace conditions for youth workers. Learn more

The Boone County Community Foundation awarded its second Women of Impact Boone County grant for 2024, totaling $12,590, to Down Syndrome Indiana.

More than 140 program alumni, community partners, and neighbors attended the Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center’s 30th anniversary celebration, which also highlighted the success of the Creative Placemaking program. The event raised more than $24,000, which will support programs focused on community building and neighborhood empowerment in Indianapolis. Read more

Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc. celebrated the grand opening of the South Street expansion of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. This new 0.6-mile segment connects the Wholesale and Fountain Square cultural districts and enhances connections to near Southside neighborhoods, and the Stadium Village community to downtown Indianapolis. Read more

New research from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy shows a continued decline in Americans' charitable participation, which accelerated with the pandemic despite an increase in the average donation amount per household. The study, The Giving Environment: Giving During Times of Uncertainty, highlights how COVID-19 altered giving patterns, with fewer people giving overall but higher amounts.

Charitable Advisors has a few sponsorship opportunities available for our popular nonprofit newsletter and upcoming Salary Survey! Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with thousands in the nonprofit community—reach out today to secure your space. If interested email julie@charitableadvisors.com 

Food security and older adults webinar on Nov. 14 at 9 a.m. Join a discussion on the State of Aging in Central Indiana Report which uncovers how individuals creatively manage food insecurity within their local communities and the role of support systems. Presented by SAVI. Cost: Free. Register

Your keys to success in the fast-changing tax world webinar on Nov. 19 at 1:30 p.m. Learn about Sunsetting Provisions of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, mergers and acquisition transactions, and succession planning. Presented by Barnes Dennig. Cost: Free. Register 

Data collection and reporting fundamentals: Best practices and insights webinar on Nov. 19 from Noon – 2 p.m. This session will cover essential skills and best practices for gathering, analyzing, and utilizing data effectively for fundraising and decision making. Presented by United Way of Central Indiana. Cost: Free. Register

Indiana Philanthropy luncheon and awards celebration on Nov. 21 at 11 a.m. at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. 13 individuals, groups, organizations, and corporations across Indiana who have made a significant impact through philanthropy and service will be honored. Presented by Association of Fundraising Professionals – Indiana Chapter. Cost: Starts at $65. Learn more and register

Introduction for Foundation Directory: Finding grant funders webinar on Nov. 21 from 2-4 p.m. This online directory helps 501(c)(3) nonprofits find grantmakers most likely to fund their projects. Presented by the Indianapolis Public Library. Cost: Free. Register

How to walk employees down the development path –Even when one doesn’t exist webinar recording- Catch the replay of Mike Bensi's dynamic session on employee growth and engagement. Dive into career advancement challenges, personal stories, and strategies for effective development conversations. Learn how to support and motivate your team, spark meaningful discussions on career paths, and implement impactful development efforts. Watch

Brightlane Learning needs tutors for unhoused Indianapolis children. They will provide the tools, training, and ongoing support you’ll need to become a life-changing force for children experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. Learn more  

The Eagle Creek Park and the Eagle Creek Park Foundation has continuous volunteer opportunities throughout the year. For information on volunteer positions and how to apply, contact volunteer coordinator Anne Cecere anne.cecere1@indy.gov or 317.327.7123.

New Research on How Older and Younger Generations Give

More than three-quarters of donors approaching retirement and those who have already retired say charitable giving plays a significant role in their lives.

Accounting Procedures Manual Template (Download)

Creating a nonprofit accounting procedures manual seems like too huge a task to get started on. Blue Avocado provide a plug-in-play template, drafting a manual in as little as 30 minutes.  

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