Not-for-profit News: October 20, 2026

October 20, 2026

FEATURE

Reclaiming Philanthropy’s Purpose: Hearing, Seeing and Empowering the Community

Feature by Imoleayo Adeyeri

Philanthropy is meant to create change — but what happens when the people closest to a problem aren’t the ones shaping the solutions? For nonprofit leaders and funders, this piece from Imoleayo Adeyeri challenges conventional approaches to giving and makes the case for putting community voices at the center of decisions that shape their futures.

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SPONSOR'S INSIGHTS

Most Job Postings Lose Candidates in the First 3 Sentences. Here's How to Fix It.

By InvigorateHR

You've got roughly 10 seconds before a candidate decides whether to keep reading — or move on. Here's what's driving them away, and what to say instead.

You wrote a job posting. You listed the requirements, the responsibilities, the benefits. You hit publish. And then… crickets.

Sound familiar? You're not alone. But here's the hard truth: the problem usually isn't the job. It's the posting.

Most job descriptions are written for compliance, not candidates. They read like legal documents when they should read like an invitation. And the damage happens fast — in the first three sentences, before a candidate even gets to the good stuff.

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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Indiana Legal Services Inc. has named Tavonna Harris Askew chief executive officer. Askew previously served as executive vice president and general counsel for the Suburban Health Organization.

Dayspring Center has appointed Vincent L. Smith executive director. Smith previously served as executive director of Building and Impacting Communities Inc.

Indiana Dental Association has appointed Chris Beaman as executive director. Beaman was formerly chief of staff for Sigma Theta Tau International.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ball Brothers Foundation has awarded $5.1 million in its second-round of 2026 grants, supporting education, community vitality, arts and culture, and other initiatives across East Central Indiana. See the recipients.

The 2027 Hank Rosso Scholarship is accepting applications through Nov. 30. Administered by the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the scholarship covers 50% of the cost for two nonprofit professionals or volunteers from the same organization to learn and grow together. Eligible organizations must have annual operating budgets of $1 million or less. Learn more and apply.

Indiana Landmarks’ Black Heritage Preservation Program has made more than 100 oral history interviews documenting Black Hoosiers’ experiences and community histories available in a digital archive. Supported by a $100,000 Mellon Foundation grant and a partnership with Indiana University’s Center for Rural Engagement, the project preserves stories from seven Indiana communities for research, education and historic preservation. Explore the collection.

The Indianapolis Cultural Trail Inc. has launched a wayfinding pilot along Washington Street to help residents and visitors better discover downtown Indianapolis’ cultural destinations and neighborhoods. The public is invited to walk or bike the route and share feedback by Dec. 15, helping shape future trail-wide navigation improvements.

The Community Foundation of Boone County has announced the recipients of the final competitive grant cycle for 2026, totaling $232,266 to 25 Boone County-serving nonprofit organizations. These unrestricted grants provide flexible funding to address pressing needs and strengthen support for Boone County. See the recipients.

Jameson Camp has received a $487,500 grant from the Indiana Youth Institute through a statewide initiative funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. The funding will strengthen year-round and summer camp programs, support staff training and expand community awareness, helping more Central Indiana youth access outdoor and environmental education experiences. Learn more.

St. Joseph Hearing + Speech has received a $930,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to launch its 0-2-3 Pathway Initiative, aimed at connecting Indiana infants with hearing loss to earlier intervention and support. The two-year effort will strengthen family enrollment and services, fund a research partnership with Marian University, and improve outcome tracking. Learn more.

Healthy Shelby County has opened The Mary Jane Reed & Robert W. Reed CommunityLink, a 31,000-square-foot center in Shelbyville bringing nonprofit and community-service organizations together under one roof. The facility offers shared work and program spaces, a food pantry, a training kitchen and other resources designed to improve collaboration and accessibility among organizations and individuals. Learn more.

The Indy Learning Team (TILT) has received $150,000 from NewSchools Venture Fund to expand Adira Reads, a literacy platform that helps educators turn student reading data into targeted instruction. The funding will support the organization’s growing network of preschool and K-8 partners, helping more teachers identify students’ needs and adjust instruction to improve literacy outcomes. Learn more.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Public Service Loan Forgiveness – What Is It and How To Benefit | Webinar

Oct. 22 | 3 – 4 p.m.

An expert-led webinar on how to obtain student loan relief from the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, designed to forgive the student loan balances of those employed long-term by a nonprofit organization or government. Presented by National Council of Nonprofits and Public Service Promise. Cost: Free. 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

2026 Nonprofit & Public Sector Seminar | Newfields, 4000 N Michigan Rd, Indianapolis

Nov. 10 | 8:30 a.m.– 3 p.m.

This seminar will provide nonprofit and public-sector leaders with practical strategies for applying artificial intelligence, managing organizational risk, strengthening financial stewardship and navigating emerging challenges. Participants will also explore recent financial reporting and compliance updates affecting nonprofit organizations. Breakfast and lunch provided. Presented by Forvis Mazars. Cost: Free. Register

Preventing Fundraiser Burnout: A Comprehensive Strategy | Webinar

Nov. 12 | 12 — 1 p.m.

This training will explore evidence-based strategies to prevent fundraiser burnout, addressing challenges such as unrealistic donor expectations, board demands and inadequate leadership support. Participants will learn how fundraisers, nonprofit CEOs and organizations can promote sustainable fundraising practices. Presented by IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Cost: $19. Register

Signature Tax Event: Stay Ahead of the Curve | Virtual

Nov. 12 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.

A deep dive into next year’s tax updates, featuring thought-provoking conversations and essential topics that empower your financial and business strategies, covering the critical personal, business, and international aspects of tax planning and legislation, giving you the knowledge you need to prepare. Eligible for up to 2 hours CPE. Presented by Barnes Denning. Cost: Free. Register

Simplex I Workshop | Keystone River Crossing, Indianapolis

Nov. 17–18 | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

This interactive, two-day workshop will certify participants in Level I of the Simplex creative problem-solving process and introduce practical tools for defining challenges, generating ideas, evaluating solutions, developing implementation, and improving collaboration. Presented by Schunk Moreland. Cost: $1450. 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 | Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana

Thanksgiving week meal delivery volunteers are needed, with critical delivery days on Wednesday, Nov. 25 and Friday, Nov 27. Routes are usually 1 hour. Register to help provide a hot meal.

Board Opportunity | NEXT L.E.V.E.L. Family Shelter Inc.

Indianapolis professionals needed to serve on NEXT L.E.V.E.L.’s volunteer founding Board of Directors, including Board Chair or President, Board Treasurer, Legal, Risk and Compliance Director, and Fundraising and Community Partnerships Director. For information or an application, contact Gina Staton.