October 14, 2025

By Amanda ReCupido at Blue Avocado

No one wants a crisis, but with a little foresight and some planning, it doesn’t have to be the end of the world for your organization.

It’s really all about semantics. Crisis. Scary. Risk management. Sounds financial. Issues mitigation. Now you’re just using fancy words. Whatever you call it, though, you need to plan for it. 

As someone who’s handled many a crisis for many a nonprofit, believe me when I say you need to plan for everything that could possibly go wrong — and even the situations you can’t think of, because those will happen too.

From protests to employee issues to a global pandemic, I’ve seen it all. Here are some tips to put together a proactive plan for your organization — for whatever it is you want to call it.

Planning for the Unplanned

Crises aren’t necessarily what happens, but how it’s communicated — whether something is communicated poorly, or simply not at all.

Having a proactive plan in place establishes a measured process to follow, including legal review to ensure timely, clear, and consistent communications to the right audiences at the right time. If you can get out ahead of a situation, you can control the narrative and contain any potential damage — and even come out ahead.

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LifeSmart Youth has named Chrissy Petersen as CEO. Petersen previously served as executive director of Westminster Neighborhood Services.

The Central Indiana Community Foundation has named Diana Coyle director of nonprofit services and sustainability. Coyle previously served as executive director of the Hamilton County Leadership Academy.

Javier Garcia has joined the Central Indiana Community Foundation as senior manager of facility operations. Garcia previously served as service manager at Willow Lake Apartments in northwest Indianapolis.

The Central Indiana Community Foundation named Ben Tebbe as senior philanthropic advisor. Tebbe was previously the community leadership officer at The Indianapolis Foundation.

Hope Academy has received a $200,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to enhance its family engagement and outpatient recovery programs. The funding will allow the school to build on nearly 20 years of service to teens in recovery while expanding critical resources for families. Read more

Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank’s Harvest Dinner fundraiser raised more than $31,000, surpassing its fundraising goal. Proceeds will support the organization’s full-service pantry, micro-site pantry, and sunflower box program for homebound neighbors. Read more

Noble has opened Noble Art, its new headquarters for art therapy in Speedway. The space serves as both a creative studio and community hub where people with disabilities can showcase and sell their work. With areas for teaching, collaboration, and expression, it offers opportunities to develop skills, build confidence, and connect with the broader community through art. Read more

Indiana University law and business students are developing a nonprofit law firm model to help close the justice gap for residents who earn too much to qualify for legal aid but cannot afford traditional representation. The model would combine licensed attorneys and trained allied legal professionals to provide affordable services in areas such as family law and debt collection, helping address Indiana’s lawyer shortage and expand access to justice statewide. Read more

Child Care Answers and the United Way of Central Indiana have launched the Central Indiana Child Care Alliance, a shared services initiative designed to help family childcare providers reduce costs, access business support, and strengthen program quality. In its first year, 10 Marion County providers will participate, with plans to expand regionally to improve sustainability and increase access to high-quality early education for children and families. Read more

Microsoft Elevate provides affordable and accessible technology to help nonprofits of all sizes achieve their missions. Organizations can register to get started with Microsoft’s nonprofit grants and discounts.

Learn more about Microsoft’s nonprofit offers.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Blended Giving: The Ethics Behind Strategic Donor Conversations

Oct. 15 at noon | Webinar

This session explores ethical strategies for elevating donors into major and planned giving, including how to prioritize blended approaches, navigate transparent conversations, and identify red flags through real-world scenarios. Presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Indiana Chapter. Cost: Free. Register

The Future of Workplace Mental Health: How Employers Can Tackle Loneliness and Burnout

Oct. 16 at 11 a.m. | Webinar

Learn strategies organizations can use to support employees and managers in addressing stress, burnout, and mental health. Presented by SHRM. Cost: Free. Register

Indiana Conference for Women: Robust, Radiant, Rejuvenate

Oct. 23 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. | JW Marriott Indianapolis

This educational and inspirational event helps women build careers, develop professionally, and live rewarding, healthy, and fulfilling lives. Presented by the Indiana Conference for Women. Cost: $365. Breakfast and lunch are included. Register

Data and Drafts: Racial Equity in Housing and Economics in Indianapolis

Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. | Bier Brewery

Join a conversation using the Indianapolis Racial Equity Report Card to better understand how race influences housing and economics in Indianapolis. Presented by The Polis Center. Cost: Free. Register

2025 IEDA Practitioner’s Forum

Oct. 28–30 | Oakwood Resort, Syracuse

Topics include optimizing leadership, leading with confidence, effective board management, and more. Presented by the Indiana Economic Development Association. Cost: $599. Register

Empowering Nonprofits: Leveraging AI for Human Resources |Webinar replay

Key takeaways include: AI doesn’t replace people—it enhances their capacity; ethical AI is nonnegotiable; and successful AI adoption requires planning and buy-in. Presented by the HR Nonprofit Peer Group. Cost: Free. Register 

Brooke’s Place for Grieving Young People Inc. is seeking support group facilitators for its Westside, Eastside and Northside program nights. Volunteers will help provide a safe, supportive environment for children ages 3 to 29 and their caregivers to grieve in their own way. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. No counseling experience is required; training is provided. Register

The 5 stages of charitable giving

Realizing a philanthropic vision can begin at any age — and will evolve over a lifetime. Here’s how you and your family can make a meaningful impact that can last for generations.

Should your nonprofit find an outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO)?

Board members are often stretched thin by their many roles and responsibilities. A strategic partner can share the load – while supporting the organization’s mission.

SPONSORS' INSIGHTS

United Way of Central Indiana UW Providers Council brings child care professionals to the table

IFF Receives Top Aeris® Ratings for 12th Consecutive Year