October 8, 2024

by Chelsea Ohlemiller, Charitable Advisors

In the nonprofit sector, leadership is more than just guiding teams—it’s about fostering growth, driving social change, and empowering individuals to make a difference. Nonprofit leaders and employees often face unique challenges, from limited resources to high-stakes decisions that affect entire communities. To thrive, leaders and their teams need continuous inspiration, education, and empowerment.

Leadership literature can provide fresh insights and practical tools to navigate these challenges. Here are five essential leadership books that every nonprofit leader and employee should consider adding to their reading list.

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by Jennifer Turner, Vice President of Philanthropy, Central Indiana Community Foundation

For many of us, the word “endowment” can feel intimidating. It conjures up images of billion-dollar family foundations or Ivy League universities, entities that seem to exist in another dimension from our own.

In reality, an endowment is far more accessible – and versatile – than many realize.

For our purposes, an endowment is a financial asset invested by a not-for-profit and held like a long-term savings account (but with better investment returns). A percentage of the fund is available for withdrawal each year – usually 4-5%. It is the earnings from the investments that can provide revenue for the organization’s mission. The original (principal) investment remains intact to sustain the organization over the long term.

Let’s say a donor plans to leave your organization $100,000 in their estate plan. First off, congrats! But why might you want to use that gift to start an endowment rather than spend it? In a word: sustainability.

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Mid-North Food Pantry hired Steven Slaubaugh as pantry manager. Slaubaugh was previously director of programs and operations at Interfaith Action of Southwest Michigan.

Mid-North Food Pantry named Kelsey Burton as their first executive director. Burton was formerly the Indiana market director of advancement at Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.

Dawn Lang has been named the executive director of Life Centers. Lang was previously a career exploration consultant at Invest Hamilton County.

Foster Success hired Fiona Duffy as a communications coordinator. Duffy was previously the communications manager and editor-in-chief of the literary journal So It Goes at the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library.

Foster Success named Lydia Farris as the donor and volunteer relations graduate assistant. Farris is currently pursuing her Master’s degree at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

Foster Success named Sydney Hylton as program coordinator for health and well-being. Hylton recently earned her master’s degree in homeland security and emergency management.

United Way of Central Indiana's Workforce Pathways Accelerator helps individuals earn industry certifications and connect with employers by overcoming barriers. With $200,000 each in grant funding, Dress for Success Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Urban League are piloting the program, covering training, certification, and career navigators who will provide ongoing support to both workers and employers after hiring. Learn more

HAND Inc. announced the opening of Plum Prairie, its latest affordable housing development in Noblesville, featuring the renovation of two historic homes more than 100 years old and the construction of a new one. Donated by the city of Noblesville, these homes will offer four affordable rental units for low-income residents. Learn more

The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library received a grant from the Indiana Arts Commission. Proceeds will be used for the Youth Writing Centers and the Banned Books Week program. These initiatives celebrate Vonnegut's legacy, empower young voices, and champion free expression.

Thanks to generous donors, the Brownsburg Education Foundation purchased the Young Women of Purpose curriculum, allowing 50 to 60 young women to participate in a character development program that builds leadership skills at East and West middle schools.

The Indianapolis Racial Equity Report Card presents more than 30 indicators describing the state of equity in Indianapolis in seven key areas: the economy, health, education, access, environment, criminal justice, and housing. Based on community input, this report is designed to highlight racial disparities and inequities across multiple sectors in Indianapolis. View the report

The shift to online continuing legal education (CLE) during the pandemic has caused financial strain for local bar associations, which previously relied on in-person classes for revenue. Associations are adjusting by exploring hybrid models and strategic planning, but concerns persist about reduced networking, knowledge retention, and the impact on mentorship for young lawyers. View more

Steps to take to build a planned giving program webinar on Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. Learn how to start or advance your planned-giving efforts to help secure your organization’s future. Presented by Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: $69. Register

Four roles of a leader on Oct. 15 at 11:30 a.m. at Beter Business Bureau, 2601 Fortune Circle E, Ste. 103A. To be an effective leader and build a successful business or non-profit, it's essential to understand and excel in four key roles: recruiting, training, supervising, and coaching. Presented by Indy BBB. Cost: BBB Accredited Businesses & Charities - Free/ Non-Accredited - $45 Learn more and register. Register

Boost your leadership journey webinar on Oct. 16 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Learn the most critical skill for effective and influential leaders. Presented by Stanford Social Innovation Review. Cost: $79. Register

Board oversight & risk management virtual seminar on Oct. 17 from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Learn about strategic succession planning, optimizing your communication through technology, and safeguarding success. Presented by Dean Dorton. Cost: Free. Register

Strategic success for nonprofits: Top techniques in goal setting and project management webinar on Oct. 22 from Noon-2 p.m. Learn essential project management principles and the SMART goal-setting framework. Discover how to plan, execute, and monitor projects effectively using industry-proven techniques. Presented by United Way of Central Indiana. Cost: Free. Register

Transforming fundraising with AI: Innovations and insights for modern nonprofits on Oct. 23 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Salvation Army Indiana Division, 6060 Castleway W. Drive. Learn about the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in fundraising. Presented by AFP Indiana Chapter and partnering with Johnson Grossnickle & Associates. Cost: AFP-IC member: $30 / Non-member: $45. Register

Fundraising essentials for board members interactive virtual training on Nov. 7 from 12:00-1:30 p.m. In this session, individuals looking to fulfill the fundraising responsibilities of a nonprofit board membership will learn successful ways to engage in the four-part fundraising process. Presented by Hedges. Cost: $90. Register 

Keep Indianapolis Beautiful is looking for volunteers to help clean up on Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. - noon at Bean Creek neighborhood Near Southside/Garfield Park. An adult should accompany volunteers under 16 years of age. Register   

An easy way to keep your board in the loop and engaged

An effective nonprofit executive director cultivates strong relationships and partnerships with their organization’s board of directors. 

Nonprofit overhead myths harm organizations’ ability to pay staff

Nonprofit organizations struggle with unrealistic overhead expectations, harming their ability to retain staff. Leaders urge donors to reconsider these standards, as low overhead often undermines operational effectiveness and frontline worker retention.

CHARITABLE ADVISORS FEATURED JOBS

President - Near North Development Corporation

Executive Director - Center for Interfaith Cooperation