A majority of Americans (52 percent) have high trust in “nonprofits” yet only 34% have high trust in “philanthropy.” Nonprofits had the largest trust decline of American institutions that were included in new polling by advocacy organization Independent Sector, a statistically significant 4 points.

Distrust in philanthropy increased 5 points, to 26 percent. This increase in distrust was driven by a substantial uptick in skepticism of high net-worth individual giving.

The rationale for the split opinion can be found in answers to two questions: How much do you trust nonprofit organizations to do what is right? How much do you trust (companies that engage in corporate philanthropy, private foundations, high net worth individuals engaged in philanthropy) to do what is right?

Data throughout the new report, “Trust in Civil Society: Headwinds and opportunities for American nonprofits and foundations,” show a nation divided with politics possibly playing a key role in the separation.

“While nonprofits remain among our country’s most trusted institutions, we see clear evidence that trust in the charitable sector is declining. This erosion of trust poses a threat that warrants our collective attention. Without trust, the challenges confronting nonprofits and philanthropy become increasingly more difficult,” according to Akilah Watkins, Ph.D., president and CEO of Independent Sector.

Recruiting and retaining committed board members is a never-ending process. For many not-for-profit organizations, determining an appropriate-sized board takes time. Although state law typically sets the minimum number of directors a nonprofit must have on its board, it’s up to each organization to determine how many board members it needs. The number of allowable board members should be stated in the organization’s Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws. Once your board size meets its state requirement, what should you consider? Both small and large boards come with perks and drawbacks.

Smaller boards allow for easier communication and greater cohesiveness among the members. Scheduling is less complicated, and meetings tend to be shorter and more focused. Plus, the members’ higher level of involvement can heighten their satisfaction.

Several studies have indicated that group decision-making is most effective when the group size is five to eight people. But boards on the small side of this range may lack the professional expertise (finance, marketing, information technology, legal, governance, etc.) or diversity necessary to facilitate healthy deliberation and debate. And members may feel overworked. This can lead to burnout and an early departure.

The Kiwanis Club of Indianapolis is accepting applications from local non-profit organizations for a grant of up to $5,000 to test, launch, or expand a program that directly impacts Marion County youth. The application for 2024 funding through the Kiwanis Foundation of Indianapolis is open until Oct. 6. Apply

Conner Prairie has announced plans to renovate its welcome center. The $33 million project, which will be named the Museum Experience Center, will include immersive exhibit spaces, access to collection items, and hands-on learning opportunities. Read

UNITE INDY has changed its name to 2nd Chance Indiana. The organization is continuing its focus on offering employment in place of prison sentences for low-level, first-time offenders. Learn more

The Indiana Homeowner Assistance Fund is accepting applications through Oct. 20. The mortgage assistance fund was created to assist homeowners during the pandemic. It has been funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. Learn more

Herbert Simon Family Foundation has announced three new funding opportunities for individual artists and artists collectives. The program is designed to expand the scale of paid opportunities for artists, particularly those who have been historically outside of the mainstream local arts scene. Learn more

The development of the International District Community Center, a new community center on the city’s Westside, is underway. The nearly 15,000-square-foot building, just south of the new Window to the World project (formerly Lafayette Square Mall), will offer community members employment resources, educational programming, and various activities. Learn more

Centering community voice seminar on Oct. 10 from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Barnes & Thornburg (5th Floor Event Center), 11 S. Meridian St. Gain insights on identifying key stakeholders and voices that should be included in decision-making processes to ensure representation and inclusivity. Presented by Indiana Philanthropic Alliance. Cost: $75 members/ $150 non-members. Register

Find existing data webinar on Oct. 10 from 2-4 p.m. Learn about the strengths, weaknesses, and costs of readily available data sets. Explore the many tools that SAVI provides for locating and exploring data. Presented by SAVI. Register

How storytelling can up your fundraising webinar on Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. Discover the core components of great storytelling, and how to create a culture of storytelling in your organization, especially your board. Presented by DonorPerfect. Register

How nonprofit leaders treat burnout with belonging webinar on Oct. 11 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Burnout can be the gap between expectations and experience, with a healthy dose of feeling overextended and exhausted. If that sounds like your leadership and fundraising team, you’re not alone: the demands of post-pandemic work are greater than ever. Presented by Barnes Dennig. Register

Annual luncheon of Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute on Oct. 12 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Columbia Club, 121 Monument Circle. Join policymakers, business leaders, and community members to learn, network, and contribute to the discussion around Indiana's fiscal policies. Register

Smart ways to attract online donors webinar on Oct. 12 from 2-3:15 p.m. Learn how to stay on top of the latest digital strategies, including revising web copy to attract supporters, creating videos for wider reach, or maximizing social outreach. Presented by Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: $69. Register

Word MS Office refresher (Part 1) on Oct. 13 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Gain a better understanding of business writing using Word features and capabilities. The course is taught through focused discussion, demos, and hands-on practice. Presented by IUPUI Professional Development and Continuing Education. Cost: $75. Register

Starfish Initiative is seeking volunteer mentors to help transform the paths of high school students. The organization offers guidance, support, and mentorship to those facing educational challenges. Learn more

Crossroads of America Council needs volunteers for its Air Show on Oct. 28-29. Learn more and apply

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Community Outreach Liaison - Not-for-profit News/Charitable Advisors