October 21, 2025

Written by Robin Elmerick, Senior Director of Effective Philanthropy, CICF

It’s more important than ever to stay informed about how changes in the tax law may affect your charitable giving. The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) creates challenges as well as opportunities for structuring your philanthropy. We encourage you to reach out to your attorney, CPA, and financial advisor to evaluate how the changes in the law impact your own situation. 

As always, the CICF Collaborative (which includes Central Indiana Community Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation, IMPACT Central Indiana, the Indianapolis Foundation, and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana) is happy to work side-by-side with you and your tax advisors to build a plan for 2025 and beyond that not only supports your plans to make a difference in the community, but also addresses the rule changes under the OBBBA. 

To help you along this journey, we’ve provided the checklist below of issues to discuss with your advisors. 

Evaluate whether “bunching” may be right for you. 

The OBBBA increases the 2025 standard deduction to $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for married couples filing jointly. The higher standard deduction will likely impact tax-motivated charitable giving, even with the expected uptick in the number of itemizers thanks to the OBBBA’s state and local tax deduction allowances (subscriptions required to the Wall Street Journal). There are important exceptions and nuances to consider, which you’ll want to discuss with your advisors. For example, if you are 65 or older, you’re eligible to receive an additional $6,000 “bonus” deduction—but it begins to phase out if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds $75,000. 

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Have you hired or promoted at your Central Indiana nonprofit? Submit through our online portal.

The Indiana State Bar Association has named John Maley president. Maley previously was a partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP.

Kiwanis International has promoted Jenny Morlan to chief marketing and communications officer. Morlan previously was director of communications.

The International Violin Competition of Indianapolis has named Sean Dunlavy director of development. Dunlavy was previously founder and managing director at Hollystone Capital LLC.

Home Repairs for Good has named Angela Hussey project manager. Hussey has worked in the mortgage, real estate and new home building industries.

Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana, in partnership with Seeds of Hope and several community organizations, recently celebrated the grand opening of the Marvetta & Anthony Grimes Family Center. The new facility is an affordable housing community focused on recovery and hope for families on the west side of Indianapolis. Read more

Indianapolis-based In Pursuit Of Inc. is a new nonprofit providing free professional attire, interview preparation and job coaching to veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals and men facing financial hardship as they pursue career opportunities. Its recent kickoff event collected more than 100 suits, 100 dress shirts and pants, and raised 20% of the funds needed for a transition van to improve service to the community and protect the quality of donated clothing. Read more

The Margaret Mary Health Foundation has exceeded its $10 million goal for the “Ensuring Generations of Care” campaign, which will fund the replacement of Batesville’s Margaret Mary Health hospital. The new facility is scheduled to open in summer 2026. Read more   

The 2025 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy: Charitable Giving by Affluent Households has been released. Developed by Bank of America in partnership with the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the report examines the philanthropic behaviors of affluent households in the United States. Read more

Applications are open for the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute, which offers premier training with leaders and innovators dedicated to advancing philanthropy in Indiana. The program prepares the next generation of philanthropic leaders. Applications are due Oct. 31.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Beyond Barriers: Building a Workforce of All Abilities | Webinar

Oct. 21 at noon

This webinar will explore how organizations are creating workplaces that recognize and elevate the strengths of individuals across the ability spectrum. Presented by Indy SHRM. Cost: Free. Register

Avoiding Data Pitfalls | Webinar

Oct. 27 from 9 to 11 a.m.

This workshop equips participants with fundamental skills to critically analyze data and recognize the impact of various factors on their results. Presented by The Polis Center. Cost: Free. Register

Why Your Best P2P Fundraisers Are Hiding in Your Year-End Donor List | Webinar

Oct. 30 at 2 p.m.

Learn actionable recruitment strategies for turning your most loyal donors into enthusiastic peer-to-peer advocates. Presented by NonProfit PRO. Cost: Free. Register

Strategic Planning for Small Nonprofits | Martin University, 2186 N. Sherman Drive

Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Learn how to create a dynamic roadmap that inspires your team, excites your funders and clarifies priorities. Presented by The Indianapolis Foundation. Cost: Free. Register  

Activating Board Committees | Interactive Virtual Training

Nov. 20 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

This session will help participants maximize productivity through board committees by exploring common structures and leading practices for effective functionality and leadership. Presented by Hedges. Cost: $90. Register

Freewheelin’ Community Bikes Volunteer Information Session

Join Freewheelin’ Community Bikes on Nov. 10 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to learn how you can get involved and make a difference in your community. Learn more

How can nonprofits better collaborate and share resources with each other?

Nonprofit leaders share practical strategies for nonprofit collaboration, including trust-building, shared goals, technology use, and resource pooling to maximize impact and reduce redundancy.

Reframing Your Nonprofit’s Fundraising Mindset

Shift from a scarcity mindset to a strategy of abundance to unlock innovation and sustainable growth. Learn how you can focus on strengths, mission-driven goals, and empowered teams to fuel fundraising success.