October 15, 2024

By Drew Lindsay, Chronicle of Philanthropy

I can’t tell you much about the donor behind the recent $500,000 gift to Mount Calvary Christian. Neither can officials at the central Pennsylvania school.

Jared Griest, who leads Mount Calvary, found out about the donation in a phone call shortly after the school’s annual event for grandparents of students. The donor was in attendance, he says. Otherwise, Griest knows nothing. Such selfless generosity, he says, “is pretty amazing.”

Plenty of donors duck the bouquets of praise tossed after big gifts. But Mount Calvary’s story comes with a twist. Whoever made the gift — man or woman, couple or family — cloaked their identity by donating through a startup. 

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By Jill Robisch, National Bank of Indianapolis

Nonprofit organizations, known for their mission-driven work and commitment to community welfare, are increasingly becoming targets of a sophisticated scam. This scam involves fraudulent donors sending counterfeit checks to nonprofits, only to follow up with a request to return a portion of the funds—before the organization realizes the check is bogus.

Here's how the scam typically unfolds:

1. Initial Contact: The scam begins when a supposed donor reaches out to the nonprofit, often presenting themselves as a well-meaning individual or a representative of a company. They express a desire to make a substantial donation, often targeting smaller nonprofits that may be less equipped to verify the legitimacy of the funds.

2. The Fake Check: The donor sends a check for a significant amount, which the nonprofit deposits into its bank account. The check appears genuine, and the nonprofit, eager to put the funds to good use, may not immediately question its authenticity.

3. The Refund Request: After the check is deposited, the scammer contacts the nonprofit again, claiming that they accidentally overpaid or need a portion of the funds back for some reason—such as an emergency or to cover a different expense. They request that the nonprofit wire the excess funds back or send a separate check.

4. The Revelation: After the nonprofit sends the requested refund, the original check bounces, as it was fraudulent. The organization is left with a loss, not only of the funds they returned but also of any bank fees incurred.

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Tom Crishon has joined the Arc of Indiana as chief legal officer. Crishon previously served as general counsel and legal director at Indiana Disability Rights.

David Dalton has joined the Arc of Indiana as chief operations officer. Dalton previously served as partnership liaison at the Mosaic Center for Work, Life + Learning, a community-based unit within IU Health.

Hannah Swogger has been named assistant director of workforce readiness at Foster Success. Swogger was previously communications director at the Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY).

The Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY) has named DJ Cleveland its new director of marketing and communications. Cleveland previously provided strategic communications consulting for small businesses.

Lilly Endowment Inc. has gifted $1 million toward enhancing Progress House, the oldest and largest recovery residence in Indiana and a subsidiary of Aspire Indiana Health. Progress House serves 300 individuals annually who are seeking treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). The grant will support Aspire Indiana Health’s efforts to renovate and expand Progress House to better serve clients and increase its capacity to help more individuals. Read more

The Generosity Commission’s Capstone Report, a rigorous analysis of generosity today, is now available. As fewer people are giving to and volunteering with nonprofits, the Generosity Commission shares research and recommendations to protect and promote the future of generosity in the United States. Download the report

INARF is accepting applications for the INARF Leadership Academy - Class of 2025. The robust curriculum combines equal parts data, strategy, finance, leadership, and communication, taught by industry experts and experienced leaders. Participants will also learn from one another through group work, small group projects, presentations, and advisory group discussions. The cost is $1,295. Apply by Nov. 6 to Kim Wasiak at kwasiak@inarf.org. More information

A new city homeless shelter is set to break ground this fall on the east side of downtown and is expected to open in late 2026. The housing hub will include an emergency shelter, a day center, and housing navigation services. Read more

The Indianapolis Gives Challenge is approaching, and local charities are invited to participate in this friendly fundraising competition. The top teams will win cash prizes from Indianapolis Monthly, with $75,000 being given away to participating nonprofits, thanks to Lilly. The Challenge runs from 5 p.m. ET on Monday, Dec. 2, to 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, Dec. 12.  More information and registration

Empathy in the workplace: Embracing disabilities awareness webinar on Oct. 18 at noon. This webinar will cover empathetic communication techniques, strategies for creating an inclusive culture, and approaches to addressing unconscious bias. Earn one SHRM Professional Development Credit. Presented by InvigorateHR. Cost: Free. Register

Community Impact Symposium on Oct. 24 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. at Prindle Institute, 2961 W County Road 225 S, Greencastle. Speakers will provide a framework for approaching collaborative solutions to community issues, highlight statewide projects addressing mental health and substance use needs, and share resources to guide new projects to success. Presented by the Putnam County Community Foundation. Cost: $15. Register

Data and drafts: Racial equity in housing and economics in Indianapolis on Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. at Bier Brewery. Join a conversation using the Indianapolis Racial Equity Report Card to better understand how race plays a role in housing and economics in Indianapolis. Presented by Savi. Cost: Free. Register

Learning & leading together conference on Oct. 24 at the Wyndham Noblesville Hotel. Session topics include purpose-driven change in the era of AI, strategic decision-making, and marketing. Presented by the Indiana Leadership Association. Cost: $95, includes lunch and beverage service for the day. Register

How to use project & change management for digital transformation webinar on Oct. 28 at 3 p.m. This webinar will describe steps organizations should take to set a course for a thriving, inclusive change management process. Presented by Forvis Mazars. Cost: Free. Register

Accounting & auditing standards--Unpacking top issues and trends virtual event on Oct. 28 from 9-10:45 a.m. Join nationally recognized assurance thought leaders as they unpack need-to-know issues in accounting and auditing. Earn 2.0 hours of CPE. Presented by Barnes Dennig. Cost: Free. Register

Mid-North Food Pantry is seeking volunteers for clinic days on Oct. 15, Nov. 19, Dec. 10, Jan. 21, Feb. 18, March 18, and April 15 to help provide health screenings for our neighbors. Sign up here

The Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation (MDLF) is seeking Hoosier leaders, executives, and industry experts from various fields and regions to join the Smart Network. This initiative connects Fellows with leaders to help sharpen and broaden their Capstone projects and support their professional growth. Learn more and apply to the Smart Network  

The Do's and Don'ts of Hybrid Work for Nonprofit Leaders

Research suggests that remote and hybrid work improves talent acquisition and retention, while in-office work (five days a week) is better for cultural cohesion.

Nonprofit Executive Pay Rises, but Inflation and Gender Gap Issues Persist, Report Finds

Smaller organizations have made modest strides in pay equity for women since 2012, but the nonprofits with the deepest pockets have seen the gap expand.

CHARITABLE ADVISORS FEATURED JOBS

Executive Director - WonderLab Museum of Science, Health & Technology



President - Near North Development Corporation

Executive Director - Center for Interfaith Cooperation