September 16, 2025

By Erin Tanner, Chief Financial Officer and Jennifer Turner, Vice President of Philanthropy at CICF

The nonprofit sector is heading into one of the most unpredictable year-end giving seasons in recent memory. With the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” set to change charitable tax benefits on January 1, donors may be motivated to give more before the deadline. But what will this mean for nonprofits, both large and small? From major donor strategies to incentives for everyday givers, this article breaks down what you need to know and how to plan for whatever comes next.

After one of the most chaotic fiscal rides in memory, the end-of-year giving season is finally upon the nonprofit sector. What’s more, there are predictions that, if the market holds, donors may look to increase their donations in order to maximize certain tax benefits that will expire January 1st due to the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”. In short, we could see a season of boosted giving this Q4.

That’s our hope, anyway. But if this year has proven anything, it’s that we should take nothing for granted. Nonprofits who have the capacity are encouraged to make budgets for a variety of outcomes—good, bad, and indifferent. We’ll show you how.

But first, how exactly is OBBBA changing the giving game?

Read more  

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

Life Centers has named Jodi Smith director of community partnerships. Smith previously served as state director for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.

91 Place named Bryan Ball as a case manager. Ball previously was a national HIV behavioral surveillance interviewer at Step-Up, Inc.

The Indiana CPA Society has promoted Ali Tonini to vice president of workforce and leadership. Tonini previously was vice president of pipeline and outreach.

Foster Success has named Anastasia Sullivan health and well-being program coordinator. Sullivan previously was executive administrative assistant at Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis. Editor’s Note: This is a correction of the photo from last week.

The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library has received a $250,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. for capacity-building efforts, including strategic planning, board development and fundraising, and a $60,000 operating grant from the Mellon Foundation. The funding will strengthen the museum’s long-term sustainability, expand public programming and enhance its role as a national cultural institution dedicated to preserving Vonnegut’s legacy. 

The Indiana Bar Foundation has awarded more than $4.7 million to 13 Indiana organizations that provide civil legal assistance to low-income Hoosiers. See recipients 

Indianapolis-based Building Tomorrow has received the 2025 Library of Congress Literacy Awards International Prize, which recognizes an organization outside the United States making a significant and measurable contribution to literacy. Read more

The Indy Arts Council announced it met its $300,000 fundraising goal at the 38th annual Start with Art celebration. The event brought together artists, business leaders and community members, featured ARTI Award recognitions and included a successful $15,000 matching challenge to support the fall arts season and the council’s mission of championing arts and culture in Indianapolis. Read more

The United Way of Central Indiana’s Nonprofit Learning Center will return this fall with a free series of interactive trainings for nonprofit professionals. The sessions connect participants with experts, provide resources and offer practical tools. Fall 2025 programming includes two modules: organizational leadership and data and technology. Learn more

Kindelsperger Forum: Philanthropy and Social Justice- Sept. 17 at 8 a.m. at Bosma Enterprises, 6270 Corporate Drive.

Attendees will learn how they can shift to more justice-centered approaches that build deeper trust and impact. Presented by AFP of Indiana. Cost: $30 AFP-IC Member / $45 Nonmember. Register

Fearless Asking: How to Build an Individual Giving Program- Sept. 20 at 10:30 a.m. at the Central Library. 

This workshop will help you understand the current fundraising environment and show you how to overcome your fears so you can ask confidently for the support your nonprofit needs. Presented by Indianapolis Public Library. Cost: Free. Register 

Accounting & Auditing Standards Webinar: Unpacking Top Issues and Trends- Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. 

Topics include recently issued accounting standards, outlook on future changes, and more. Presented by Barnes Dennig. Cost: Free. Register 

Building a Thriving Board Interactive Virtual Training- Oct. 9 from 12:00-1:30 p.m. 

In this session, individuals looking to improve the composition and functionality of a nonprofit board will learn best practices in recruitment, onboarding, offboarding, and how to build a thriving board culture. Presented by Hedges. Cost: $90. Register   

Legal & Identity Protection for Employees Webinar- Oct. 9 at 12 p.m. 

Identity theft and legal challenges can create stress and financial strain. This session will explore ways to offer legal assistance benefits, identity protection, and security-focused resources to support employees. Presented by Indiana Youth Institute. Cost: Free. Register

91 Place needs volunteers for: meal/sweets preparation and/or drop-off, purchasing gifts for unhoused young adults and clients, and seasonal decorating of the transitional homes. Learn more 

Indiana Black Expo needs volunteers for the Circle City Classic. Gain new skills, knowledge, and experience. Learn the perks of being a volunteer, the requirements, and how to apply

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Tap into your board members’ skills and strengths to make the most of their participation in a multiyear fundraising drive.  

SPONSORS' INSIGHTS

Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic Tax Justice for Hard-Working Refugees