Lessons from a cross-racial team about building belonging |
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by Christal M. Cherry and Dr. Renee Rubin Ross, contributors to BoardSource
As nonprofit consultants, we’ve found the need for board guidance and support with regards to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) has been steadily growing over the years. When it comes to this important work, we know that just diversity, or recruiting board members from different racial backgrounds alone, is not enough. Boards of historically white-led organizations must do more to intentionally work to build diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into board culture.
Recently, we received an inquiry from an organization that wanted to hire consultants to lead conversations around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. While we didn’t receive many details from the organization upfront, we later learned that several Women of Color (WOC) had resigned from the board after a contentious governance committee meeting. Unfortunately, it seemed like these women were weary from the consistent disrespect and racism that they experienced being on this mostly white and wealthy board serving people of color (POC).
Our observations of situations like the one mentioned above align with BoardSource’s recent Leading with Intent report, which found that the majority of boards are committed to understanding the diversity of the community it serves yet have not been able to raise their awareness and understanding of the relevance of racial inequality to the organization’s mission.
We know with the current climate that some people are exhausted and sick of hearing about this work. Others believe it to be a trend and feel that nonprofits are not authentically interested in changing their behaviors and cultures. In some cases, this is true. But there are genuine disruptive leaders that know what we know:
There is no longer a choice. The world is changing and to stay relevant, ethical, and just, nonprofits have a responsibility to look inwards and critique their leadership, positions in the community, and poor behavior when it comes to building trust with People of Color. This includes board members, staff, volunteers, donors, and clients.
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The tug-of-war of retirement |
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by Ann D. Murtlow, President and CEO, United Way of Central Indiana
My retirement clock is ticking. After more than four decades, it’s difficult to believe only a couple months remain for me as a full-time member of the workforce.
If I could describe what this feels like inside my head as of today, I would say it's like the game tug-of-war. Two equally strong teams are pulling as hard as they can to force the other across the center line. On one side of my brain is Team Look Back and Reflect. The other is Team Dream On.
Team Look Back has been my focus since announcing my retirement early this year. I enjoy reflecting on my career — from my early days as a chemical engineer working in the utility industry to the leap from for-profit to nonprofit leadership at United Way of Central Indiana. Team Look Back is pulling with all its might and reminding me of so many United Way accomplishments, including how we built and strengthened relationships in the community, made important, data-informed decisions, advocated for strong public policies, increased funding to scale successful programs and initiatives, and served our community during one of the most stressful times in its history. Personally, I’m also reminded of how lucky and proud I am to have worked alongside some of the brightest people who will now guide United Way into the future.
But in my head, Team Dream On is yanking on that rope just as hard as Team Look Back. I see a promising road ahead for United Way of Central Indiana. I’m energized thinking about the skills, passions, energies, and determinations a new leader will bring to this organization and to our community. United Way is on the verge of a new strategic plan, and I have all the confidence in the world for the “Changing of the Guard” to jump in and set a new course for the years ahead.
In retirement, I am dreaming for some rest and more time with my family, but I will be cheering on my colleagues in the sector as they charge ahead and make an even greater impact in our communities.
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Ann Murtlow: Leading Change at United Way of Central Indiana
As she approaches retirement, United Way of Central Indiana’s CEO Ann Murtlow gives her insights on helping the organization create a more focused strategy, embrace technology, and change its operations and a longstanding funding model. Murtlow also reflects on changes in corporate giving and the responsibilities and rewards for those who choose a career path in the nonprofit industry.
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American Pianists Association has named Leigh Ann Hirschman director of advancement. Hirschman previously was head of development for Trinity Haven. |
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Indiana Philanthropy Alliance has hired JoAnna Ness as director of community foundation programs. Ness formerly was communications director for Steuben County Community Foundation. |
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Indiana Philanthropy Alliance has hired Nick McLain as communications manager. McLain previously was communications manager for the Indiana Library Federation. |
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Indiana Youth Institute has hired Michele Sullivan as vice president of advancement. Sullivan previously was senior manager of local engagement for the National FFA Organization. |
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AgriNovus has hired Geoff Zentz as senior director of innovation. He most recently was the gBETA managing director at gener8tor in Indianapolis. — Inside Indiana Business
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Crossroads of America Council has promoted Leslie Hurst to vice president of community relations. Hurst previously was director of development for the organization. — Inside Indiana Business
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Tune into Charitable Advisors’ new podcast! Join us each week as we share the latest updates about Central Indiana’ nonprofit community and talk to the incredible people who make it work. You’ll gain new perspectives, insights, and pathways to carry out your nonprofit mission and increase your impact.
Lilly Endowment has awarded the city of Indianapolis a $25 million grant to expand trails and greenways in support of the Connected Communities Initiative, according to the Central Indiana Community Foundation. The grant, which will fund walking trails, bike lanes and other on- and off-street infrastructure, also includes $5.25 million in matching funds that can be used to attract additional federal and state dollars to the project. Read more
The New York Life Foundation has awarded Brooke’s Place for Grieving Young People a $100,000 Grief Reach grant over two years. The funding, administered by the National Alliance for Children’s Grief, will ensure that school communities have dedicated bereavement resources to meet the needs of grieving students and their families. Read more
Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana has announced that its new medical manufacturing facility at 38th Street and Sheridan Avenue is scheduled to open Wednesday. The facility, built in partnership with Cook Medical, is registered as a medical device manufacturer with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is expected to generate 100 new local jobs, with the goal of employing residents within the surrounding neighborhood. Read more
Local nonprofits focused on human services can win funding in amounts ranging from $2,500 to $30,000 for their new ideas as part of a United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI) competition. UWCI is accepting applications for its Propel pitch contest until May 6. The event is on June 14. Learn more
The Indiana Professional Chapter of Society of Professional Journalists honored The Indiana Citizen with a first-place award for its 2021 Redistricting Project. The nonprofit, nonpartisan civic engagement platform was recognized for its comprehensive coverage of the decennial redrawing of congressional and legislative district lines. Read more
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Which topics would you be interested in learning about? Responses may shape future webinars.
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Employee Retention Tax Credit: How to Maximize my Refund
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New Lease Accounting Standard: What is it? What Do I Need to Do?
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How to Position Your Compensation and Benefits to Retain Top Talent
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Financial Reporting and QuickBooks Online for Not-for-Profits
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Grant writing: From start to funded 6-week co-hort. Learn the steps it takes to think like a funder, find the right grants and write winning proposals during this virtual program. The program is for youth-serving organizations. Presented by Indiana Youth Institute. Apply by June 1.
Insight series: What New Orleans might be telling Indianapolis panel discussion on May 11 at 3 p.m. at the University of Indianapolis. Tulane University Professor Doug Harris shares findings from his book Charter School City: What the End of Traditional Public Schools in New Orleans Means for Education. Presented by the Center of Excellence in Leadership and Learning. Cost: Free. Register
Smart ways to strengthen your next grant proposal webinar on May 12 at 2 p.m. Learn insider tips from a grant maker and consultant who has helped numerous nonprofits raise millions of dollars from foundations. Presented by Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: $69. Register
HR Nonprofit Peer Group webinar on May 19 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Delve into the mind of today’s employee: What are they seeking? What prompts them to look for a new opportunity? Learn the importance of culture, how to exceed employees’ needs, and how to locate the ideal candidate. Presented by VonLehman CPA & Advisory Firm. Cost: Free. Register
Equity and collaboration in racing panel discussion on May 19 at 1 p.m. at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St. Learn about the equity and inclusion work being done within the world of IMS and connect with local civic leaders. Presented by Leadership Indianapolis, in partnership with the Leadership Indianapolis Cost: $25. Register
How to attract — and keep — top fundraisers webinar on May 24 from 2-3:15 p.m. Learn how to attract and advance fundraisers’ careers without a large budget, promote employee well-being, and prevent employee burnout. Presented by Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: $69. Register
Frame the problem webinar on May 25 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Before you can begin using data to inform decisions, identify what you are trying to accomplish and determine how data can help you. Presented by SAVI Data Literacy. Cost: Free. Register
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Heart and Soul Clinic in Westfield is seeking individuals to serve on its board, beginning in 2023. The clinic provides free healthcare to uninsured and underinsured individuals in Central Indiana. Applicants should have some familiarity with governance and a passion for the mission of the clinic. Contact Lisa Lisa@heartandsoulclinic.org to learn more. |
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As the demand for governance increases, some organizations have found that adding a Chief Governance Office catalyzes board performance by tackling common sources of inconsistent governance.
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Fundraisers say the way they communicate with donors has changed. Conversations have gotten deeper and more meaningful — and donors know what they want to support.
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Our sponsor marketplace serves to further connect our readers with our advertisers who are focused on serving nonprofits. To learn about each sponsor's nonprofit services, click on its logo.
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FUND DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGIC PLANNING
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BANKING/
ASSET MANAGEMENT
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Private month-to-month offices for lease
Two furnished micro-offices and a premium suite are available at Nexus Impact Center for month-to-month rentals. Rentals include free meeting room credits, access to high-speed internet, free printing, and complimentary coffee. Tenants also have the opportunity to engage with other small businesses and nonprofits. Rates start at $393/month. https://www.nexusimpactcenter.org/offices
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NEW JOB BOARD NOW LIVE!
“I opened a new account yesterday and posted a job. It was an easy process! I appreciate this, so we can post every time we need it.”
Post your openings on Charitable Advisors’ new job board. We have transitioned to a more streamlined platform for job postings. Use the coupon code 75OFF to get a $75 discount on any job ad placed between now and May 20. View this video to learn how to set up an account and place your first job. You also can preview this step-by-step guide. Employers can continue to access their applicants on the ExactHire Job site for jobs posted through April 25. If you’re seeking a new career, create an account and apply for a job here.
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