October 7, 2025

Matt Watkins, The Chronicle of Philanthropy

People don’t trust what they can’t understand. And in a country where trust is unraveling, too much nonprofit language feels like being stuck in a conversation where everyone but you knows the code.

Nonprofits help people put food on the table, keep a roof over their heads, care for their families, and find support when no one else shows up. They step in where systems fail and build trust by standing with communities through crisis and change. But for too long, nonprofit and philanthropic work has sounded.

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The Mind Trust named Genevieve Gaines as a senior director of individual and corporate giving. Gaines previously was the chief development officer at Child Advocates, Inc.

Agape Therapeutic Riding Resources named Denisse Jensen as the executive director. Jensen previously served as the chief operations officer at Indy Hygiene Hub.

A Kid Again has promoted Katie Pappas as vice president of philanthropy – national. Pappas previously was the regional executive director - Indiana Chapter.

At Your School has named Courtney Penn as chief of staff. Penn previously was the founder and CEO of Meet the Needs.

The Villages of Indiana raised $152,900 at its 28th annual Golf Classic, surpassing its fundraising goal. Proceeds will provide direct financial assistance to foster families, kinship caregivers and youth who have aged out of foster care. Read more

Prevail received a $120,000 multi-year grant from the Hamilton County Community Foundation. Supporting more than 3,000 survivors annually, the organization plans to expand housing research and resources. Read more

USA Gymnastics plans to move its headquarters to Noblesville, providing new training and office space, a wellness facility, and accommodations for younger athletes interested in pursuing gymnastics through clinics and classes. Construction is expected to begin by spring 2026 and conclude by the end of 2028. Read more

Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana has introduced two new programs: VOA Buddies, for kindergarten through eighth grade, and Next Gen, for high school and college students. The programs empower children and young adults to contribute to their communities through fundraisers, volunteer events and donation drives—helping foster empathy, responsibility and community awareness. Read more

The 2025 Northeast Nonprofit Salary & Benefits Survey is open throughout October for nonprofits in Allen County and surrounding northeast Indiana counties. Participation provides local nonprofits with essential data to stay competitive in attracting and retaining talent. Contact Julie@charitableadvisors.com for your organization’s unique survey link. 

Charitable Advisors has launched a new online professional development calendar that brings nonprofit training and growth opportunities together in one place, making it easier for professionals to learn, connect and grow. See the calendar.

Charitable Advisors has launched the next round of our “Work for a Nonprofit, Make a Difference” campaign, highlighting a different Indiana nonprofit each day. Through engaging videos, the campaign showcases each organization’s mission and the meaningful impact of nonprofit work—inviting others to explore careers that change lives and strengthen communities. Follow us on all social media platforms to see each fun and engaging video, or click here to find them on our website.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Navigating OBBBA Tax Reforms for Exempt Entities

Oct. 8, 3 p.m. | Webinar

Learn about the potential impact of expanded excise taxes related to excess compensation and endowment tax on higher education institutions. Presented by Forvis Mazars. Cost: Free. Register   

What’s Working? Utilizing Program Evaluation to Improve Service Delivery and Outcomes

Oct. 11, 10:30 a.m. | Central Library

This session introduces basic program evaluation strategies to help determine if your program is meeting goals, operating effectively and making an impact in your community. Presented by Indianapolis Public Library. Cost: Free. Register   

Organizational Leadership Debrief

Oct. 21, 9–11 a.m. | Webinar

Participants from the UWCI 2025 Nonprofit Learning Center series are invited to reconnect, discuss challenges, highlight successes, exchange ideas and gain new perspectives. Presented by United Way of Central Indiana. Cost: Free. Register  

Unlocking Housing Regional Forum

Oct. 22, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | Englewood Christian Church, 57 N. Rural St.

Learn how to leverage philanthropic capital through mission-related investments, loan guarantees and grantmaking strategies. Presented by Indiana Philanthropy Alliance. Cost: IPA members $85 / Nonmembers $170. Register  

Leadership Indianapolis’ LEAD

Oct. 22, 29, and Nov. 5, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Lacy School of Business, 625 Butler Way

Develop and practice leadership skills to more effectively lead teams. Presented by Leadership Indianapolis. Cost: $1,000 (scholarships available). Register

Fundraising Essentials for Board Members

Nov. 6, noon–1:30 p.m. | Interactive virtual training

Learn effective ways to fulfill fundraising responsibilities as a nonprofit board member through a four-part fundraising process. Presented by Hedges. Cost: $90. Register  

Big Brothers Big Sisters is seeking volunteers to spend one lunch hour a week mentoring a third- or fourth-grade student at James Russell Lowell School 51 (near northeast side, downtown) from October 2025 through May 2026. This flexible, school-based program makes it easy to make a lasting impact—volunteers simply choose the day that works best for them. Learn more

Ability Allies is accepting applications for volunteer board members. The organization seeks individuals interested in supporting its mission to serve students with disabilities and contribute to a growing, dynamic board. Apply  

Home Repairs for Good needs volunteers for its fifth annual Fall Repair Fest on Oct. 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Edna Martin Christian Center Leadership and Legacy Center, 2259 Ralston Ave. Volunteers will help with outdoor and exterior projects for older adult homeowners and people with disabilities living on low incomes in the Martindale-Brightwood and northeast corridor neighborhoods. Register

Hubs for Understanding and Applying AI in the Nonprofit Sector

AI4NP empowers nonprofits with AI tools, education, and ethical guidance to drive mission impact. NTEN is a go-to repository offering frameworks, tools, and best practices for responsible, equitable AI adoption in the nonprofit sector.

How to Launch a Midlevel Donor Program to Hedge Against Uncertainty

Midlevel donors are a reliable, although sometimes overlooked, source of revenue — and terrific candidates for planned gifts. Read for free with an account

SPONSORS' INSIGHTS

Johnson, Grossnickle & Associates Maximizing a Lean Staff for Optimal Donor Coverage pre-recorded webinar

Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Global Philanthropy Environment Index reviews 95 countries, highlighting where philanthropy thrives or faces challenges.