In part one of this two-part series, we discussed the important role diversity plays on nonprofit boards. When actively leveraged, diversity, equity and inclusion create a more productive culture leading to innovative solutions that maximize grant-making outcomes and the organization's ability to connect with the communities they serve.

Today, we will discuss how to attract and retain diversity on nonprofit boards. While it is a challenge to attract or recruit diverse board members, the biggest challenge is to retain them. It is a journey that involves three steps:

Now, let's take a closer look at how to actually attract and retain diverse board members.

Building a culture of philanthropy: it probably sounds like a dream — but kind of hard to achieve.

We had the opportunity recently to discuss this topic on a webinar with Danielle Shockey, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, where she shared insights from her work growing a culture of philanthropy among the staff and volunteers at her organization.

I’m excited to share some of the main points from our discussion.

What is a culture of philanthropy? We define it as: “One in which everyone — board, all staff, and the CEO — has a part to play in raising resources for the organization.”

The key driver behind a culture of philanthropy is the relationship — not just money.

When you have this culture in place, you are able to more closely connect fundraising to mission and programming. This, in turn, allows you to see donors holistically and be more donor-centric, utilize the strengths of the entire team, integrate the board in fundraising, and, ultimately, raise more money!

Here are five key steps to building a culture of philanthropy:

New Hope of Indiana has reported a record-breaking $121,000 in donations following its Fourth Annual Silver Cup Celebration fundraiser. The nonprofit organization will use the funds to help Hoosiers with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

As part of an effort to generate new ideas on fighting hunger, Gleaners Food Bank is investing in an “agri-hub solutions center.” The facility, which will be located on on the west side of Indianapolis, will allow researchers to test, refine and teach innovative ideas in hunger relief — from improvements in the management of food supply chains to maximizing distribution efficiencies. Read

Villages of Indiana, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and the Indiana State Department of Child Services have partnered to fund the hiring and training of 24 adoption professionals during a three-year period. The initiative will focus on recruiting adoptive families for hard-to-place children, including older and special needs children. Read

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art is nearing the completion of Project 2021, a $55 million capital and endowment campaign that is funding transformational changes to the museum’s galleries and programming spaces while also tripling the museum’s operating endowment.

Josiah White's, formerly known as White's Residential & Family Services, has opened a new training lab that will be used as part of an advanced manufacturing training program. The Wabash, Ind., nonprofit is partnering with Conexus Indiana to launch the Catapult program. Read

The Journey is accepting nominations for its 2022 Journey Fellows. Two fellowships are available. The Executive Journey Fellowship is focused on renewal for experienced youth workers in positions of influence. The Journey Fellowship for New Professionals in Youth Work is applicable for full-time youth workers with up to 10 years of paid experience. The application deadline is Nov. 28. Apply

The 2021 Central Indiana Salary Survey has been released to the public. More than 286 area nonprofits participated in the 2021 survey. The survey solicits compensation and benefits information for 26 common nonprofit positions and then segments the information based on organization size, by either annual budget or number of staff. Free download

Diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace certificate program, a self-paced online course. Participants can start the course any time before March 31, 2022. Presented by University of South Florida. Cost: $99. Learn more and register

Relevant, local data makes a difference for non-profits webinar on Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. Gain insights from the 2021 Not-for-Profit Compensation & Benefits Benchmarking Study, a report on how to operate more efficiently, govern more effectively, and attract and retain employees and volunteers. Presented by BarnesDennig. Cost: Free. Register

The four principles of purpose-driven board leadership virtual discussion on Nov. 4 from 2-3 p.m. Evaluate what needs to change so that boards are better equipped to govern social sector organizations. Presented by BoardSource. Cost: Free. Register

Fundraising essentials for board members webinar on Nov. 4 from 10:30 a.m.-noon. Individuals looking to fulfill the fundraising responsibilities of nonprofit board membership will learn successful ways to engage in the four-part fundraising process. Offered by Hedges, with presenting sponsors Faegre Drinker and Katz, Sapper and Miller and supporting sponsor FirstPerson Advisors. Cost: $60. Register

Creating positive change in the community through equity, diversity, and inclusion virtual event on Nov. 9 from 6-7:30 p.m. Leaders from Johnson County’s public school, higher education, and health care systems will talk about the changes their organizations are making to incorporate equity, diversity, and inclusion into their everyday work. Presented by Spirit and Place Festival. Cost: Free. Register by Nov. 8

Child Advocates needs volunteers to sponsor the community’s most vulnerable youth for the 2021 Holiday Gift Drive. The organization is collecting gifts from Oct. 18-Nov. 19. Learn more

United Way of Central Indiana has a significant need for volunteers for the ReadUP program, an initiative that helps third graders get on track with grade-level literacy. Educators have seen widening learning gaps because of the pandemic. Learn more

Alerding CPA Group How to use Quickbooks' new customer groups

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