Not-for-profit News: October 14, 2026

October 14, 2026

FEATURE

Q&A: How Small Nonprofits Can Use AI on Purpose, Without a Tech Team or Extra Budget

Jeff Bennett, Chief Innovation Officer, CICF in conversation with Sterling Curran, Founder and CEO, AI Indy.

Most nonprofits are already using AI, but many have no deliberate plan for it. The best place to start is a conversation with your staff about where you want to use AI and what kind of culture you want around it. That is easier than it sounds, and it does not require a lawyer or a technology specialist. To help small nonprofits begin, CICF partnered with AI Indy, a community organization that helps Hoosiers build practical AI skills. Its founder and CEO, Sterling Curran, answers the questions small nonprofit teams ask most.

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SPONSOR'S INSIGHTS

Planned Giving: “And,” Not “Or”

By John T. Keith, Johnson Grossnickle & Associates

I often hear comments from presidents, board chairs or finance committees that reveal an underlying assumption that planned gifts represent a distraction or disfavored alternative to current donations. Organizational leaders sometimes worry that promoting planned gifts will reduce immediate financial contributions, but research demonstrates the opposite.

Research shows that donors who make a planned gift and choose to share that fact with the organization, on average, increase their annual giving afterward. The act of including the organization in their estate plan elevates the organization’s importance to the donor.

Planned gifts are typically the largest gifts that a donor will ever make. Avoiding discussions about this type of support in the belief that current giving would decline represents a mistaken trade-off. By leaving planned giving out of your campaign, you risk missing larger contributions that could address long-term sustainability into the future.

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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

The Sigma Foundation for Nursing has named Nick Zuniga as executive director. Zuniga previously served as chief administrative officer for the Delta Tau Delta Educational Foundation.

The Boys & Girls Club of Boone County has announced Eric Kammeyer as its chief executive officer. Kammeyer was previously the principal consultant at Kammeyer Solutions LLC.

Dr. Lauren Overhage has joined Damar Services, Inc. as chief of clinical operations. Overhage was the former clinical director at the NeuroDiagnostic Institute (NDI).

Dove House has appointed Melissa Oran, MSW, LCSW, as chief clinical officer. Oran was formerly the child and family service manager at Centerstone.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Important Scholarship Deadline: October 15 – The Association of Fundraising Professionals Indiana Chapter offers membership support scholarships that cover one year of membership dues for selected applicants. Click to apply.

Shepherd Community Center will host three public information sessions for neighbors who receive Medicaid and nonprofit staff who support them to provide information about Medicaid eligibility. Representatives from UnitedHealthcare, CareSource, Anthem and MHS will be available at Shepherd Community’s new location, 4105 E. Washington St., on Oct. 22 from 3-6 p.m., Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to noon, or Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Wortman Family Foundation is accepting interest forms for grants supporting initiatives that enhance quality of life in Shelby and Hancock counties, with a preference for education, health and community-focused projects. Submissions are due Nov. 1. Learn more and apply.

HAND Inc. has completed Home Place Duets, three duplexes providing six three-bedroom affordable rental homes in Carmel. The $3 million development will serve families experiencing homelessness or fleeing domestic violence, with referrals and continuing services provided through Prevail and Family Promise of Hamilton County. Learn more.

Blue River Community Foundation, the City of Shelbyville and Shelby County awarded $200,536 to eight nonprofits through the 2026 City and County Progress Grants program. Projects range from literacy and domestic-violence housing to recovery services, childcare scholarships and facility improvements. See the recipients.

Chin Community of Indiana and Helping Veterans and Families (HVAF) received a combined $75,000 for housing services from Indiana Members Credit Union and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis. The grants will support housing supportive services and housing counseling for prospective homeowners. Learn more.

Leading Hispanics in STEM and Latinas in Tech will bring the SHPE National Convention to Indianapolis Oct. 28–31, welcoming 10,000 STEM students, professionals and leaders. The partnership will also introduce Familia Fest, a free community event connecting Central Indiana children and families with hands-on STEM activities, college opportunities and career resources. Learn more.

The Witham Family YMCA will become Boone County’s first Center for Working Families site, expanding access to one-on-one coaching and resources that help residents find better jobs, increase income and build long-term financial stability. The new partnership with United Way of Central Indiana will begin enrolling participants in January 2027, bringing the network to 15 sites across Central Indiana. Learn more

New Hope of Indiana received a $7.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to strengthen the nonprofit’s long-term sustainability and support its work serving individuals with disabilities. The investment includes $6.5 million to establish New Hope’s first endowment, along with funding for technology, staff development, succession planning, fundraising, organizational growth and stronger community storytelling. Learn more.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Preserving the American Dream: Private Equity’s Fair Housing Implications | Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Ave, Indianapolis

TODAY, Oct. 13 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Explore how private equity firms affect housing markets and fair housing outcomes, including affordable homeownership for local families and rental habitability, evictions and other concerns affecting Hoosier tenants. Presented by the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana. Cost: Free. Register

Unpacking Indiana's State Budget Process | Webinar

Oct. 21 | 12 - 1:30 p.m.

An informative webinar designed to help human services professionals better understand how the state budget is developed and what it means for their organizations and the communities they serve. Presented by Indiana Coalition for Human Services (ICHS). Cost: Free. Register

The Kindelsperger Forum - The Power of Place: How Community Shapes Philanthropy | INHP, 2960 N Meridian St, Indianapolis

Oct. 21 | 8 - 9:45 a.m.

Fundraising professionals come together for conversation and learning on the ways our community shapes philanthropy. Presented by Johnson Grossnickle + Associates in partnership with AFP Indiana. Cost: $30 members, $45 non-members. Register

Personal Peace Practices: Autumn Retreat | Eagle Creek Park, Peace Learning Center

Oct. 25 | 1 – 4 p.m.

A hands-on afternoon to explore how nature, creativity, and gentle movement can support emotional balance and calm the nervous system.

No experience with meditation, movement, or art is needed, just give yourself permission to pause. Presented by Peace Learning Center. Cost: $20. Register

The Leadership Handoff: Preparing Nonprofits for ED/CEO Transitions

| Webinar

Nov. 4 | 12 – 1 p.m.

Charitable Advisor's Bryan Orander and Brooke Tichenor will lead you through the processes and timeline of a successful nonprofit leadership transition. Presented by Charitable Advisors. Cost: Free. Register

Charitable Planning Trends for Professional Advisors | Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts

Nov. 10 | 2:30 – 5:30 p.m.

A free, practical look at the top 10 trends shaping charitable planning right now, led by Forbes charitable tax columnist Bryan Clontz, with CLE and CFP credit pending. Designed for estate planning and elder law attorneys, financial planners, investment advisors, and other professionals who help clients with charitable giving. Presented by CICF. Cost: Free. Register

Scaling your Mid-Level Donor Portfolio: Leveraging Data and AI for Smarter Fundraising | Webinar

Nov. 12 |2 p.m.

A discussion on how data, AI, and technology can help advancement teams uncover major gift potential within their mid-level donor base, strengthen donor pipelines, and make more strategic fundraising decisions. Presented by Johnson Grossnickle + Associates. Cost: Free. Register

Exit Interview Insights: What Departing Employees Really Want You to Know | Webinar

Nov. 18 | 12 – 1 p.m.

Learn how to make exit interviews more meaningful by asking the right questions, identifying retention trends and using employee feedback to strengthen your organization. Valid for 1 PDC for SHRM-CP^® or SHRM-SCP^® recertification. Presented by InvigorateHR. Cost: Free. Register

Nonprofit Job Seeker Guidance & Q&A | Webinar

Nov. 19 | 12 – 1 p.m.

Explore nonprofit career opportunities with insights into hiring trends, what employers seek and practical tips for strengthening your resume, networking and interview skills. Get your questions answered during a live Q&A. Presented by Charitable Advisors. Cost: Free. Register

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteer Opportunity | Foster Success

Volunteers needed to decorate and write messages in birthday cards for teens and young adults with lived experience in foster care Oct 29,1 – 3 p.m. at 550 N. Meridian St. Suite 100, Indianapolis. Register

Volunteer Opportunity | Home Repairs for Good

Volunteer for Home Repairs for Good's Fall Repair Fest'26, Oct 24, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., tackling multiple outdoor and exterior projects for homeowners 62+ or with a disability living on very low incomes in the Martindale-Brightwood and northeast corridor neighborhoods. No skills required. Register

Volunteer Opportunity | Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation

MDFF needs volunteers to support their annual family Holiday Party on Indy's northside on December 5. Email Amy