January 14, 2025

by Jeff Bennett, Chief Innovation Officer, Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF)

New Year’s resolutions are notorious for vanishing before the snow melts. Who can give up caffeine when the sun sets at 5 p.m.? Or spend more time in nature when it’s buried under snow?

For your consideration, here are three resolutions that nonprofits can utilize for added sustainability – nearly all of which can all be accomplished indoors over coffee.

Here’s to 2025 and a commitment to better nonprofit management!

1. Reflect On Your Mission: Recommit Or Recalibrate

Why It Matters

A study from nonprofit data researcher Candid shows that nonprofits who wield a clear, accurate mission statement are also more successful at attracting funding. Over time, however, shifting priorities and external pressures can lead to “mission drift,” diluting your focus and potentially harming your organization’s credibility and impact.

What To Do

• Review Your Mission Statement: Gather leadership and key stakeholders to evaluate your mission. Does it still align with your current activities and goals?
• Update Your Strategic Plan: If your plan is outdated, use this time to set new priorities, outline actionable steps, and incorporate feedback from donors, staff, and the community.
• Create A Case For Support: Refresh your materials to reflect your renewed mission, making it compelling for both potential donors as well as long-time partners.

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Submitted by InvigorateHR

Understanding People-Centric Culture 

A people-centric culture is one that prioritizes the needs, well-being, and growth of employees. It goes beyond viewing employees as mere resources and instead recognizes them as valuable individuals who contribute to the organization's success. This approach fosters an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered. 

At the heart of this approach lies employee voice and empowerment. A truly people-centric organization encourages open communication and feedback, actively involving employees in decision-making processes. By creating channels for sharing ideas and innovations, companies can tap into the collective wisdom of their workforce, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. 

Another vital aspect of a people-centric workplace is the focus on well-being. Implementing comprehensive wellness programs, promoting work-life balance, and offering mental health support and resources demonstrate a company's commitment to its employees' overall health and happiness. This holistic approach not only benefits individuals but also contributes to a more productive and positive work environment. 

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Cancer Support Community Indiana welcomed Alex Valdes as the director of operations. Valdes was previously the administrative supervisor at Ascension St. Vincent Health.

The Carmel Symphony Orchestra appointed Lee Clifford as director of marketing. Previously, Clifford served as director of marketing for the American Piano Awards and filmmaker for Audience.

Paul Conrad has been promoted to CEO and president of Affiliated Service Providers of Indiana, Inc. (ASPIN.) Conrad was recently the chief operating officer.

Damien Center named Cory Onward as chief operating officer. Onward previously worked for Cempa Community Care. —Inside Indiana Business

Adult and Child Health named Jeremy Watson as vice president of business development. Watson was previously director of business development at Valle Vista Health System. 

Bosma Enterprises named Marsha Egan as vice president of programs and services. Egan was previously director of rehabilitation. –Inside Indiana Business

Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded more than $171 million to more than two dozen community foundations and partners through its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow initiative. Ranging from $467,000 to $20 million, the grants will fund efforts such as neighborhood and downtown revitalization projects, affordable housing, strengthening early childhood education offerings, and improved delivery of social services. Read more

Damien Center is expanding its near-east side Indianapolis campus by acquiring a vacant apartment building for a 40-unit affordable housing project next to its new headquarters. Estimated to cost $12 - $15 million, the complex will support individuals experiencing homelessness or needing specialized health care services, with construction expected to begin no earlier than 2026. Read more

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art received a second $2.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment, through its Religion and Cultural Institutions Initiative, to create an exhibition featuring Native American tattoo practices, reinstall Western art galleries, and support repatriation research. It will also establish an endowment for future religion- and spirituality-focused projects, building on its prior “Acts of Faith” exhibition and similar initiatives. Read more 

Safe Park Indy opened a second safe lot that will operate on the near northside of Indianapolis, allowing 20 spaces for people experiencing homelessness and living in their cars. Safe Park Indy hopes to continue to expand to accommodate its 370+ person waitlist. Read more

United Way of Central Indiana’s 2025 legislative agenda emphasizes expanding child care, improving housing stability, and reducing medical debt to support Hoosiers’ well-being and strengthen the workforce. By collaborating with lawmakers, employers, and communities, United Way seeks to address these fundamental barriers so individuals can reach their full potential and Indiana can bolster its economic competitiveness. Read more

The Mind Trust opened applications for the third cohort of the Emerging Leaders Fellowship. The fellowship is ideal for educators who are in roles such as Director of Special Education, Assistant Principal, Multilingual Learners Coordinator, or Dean of Culture and are currently employed at an Indianapolis charter or innovation network school. Applications are due February 28. 

The Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation Fellowship is now accepting applications. The Fellows program connects Indiana’s current and future leaders, fostering a statewide network of innovators who challenge barriers with bold, forward-thinking ideas. Apply by February 21.

AI revolution in HR: Beyond the hype, into strategic transformation webinar on Jan. 15 at noon. Learn how to streamline complex HR processes, enhance decision-making capabilities, and create more strategic, data-driven workplace solutions. Presented by InvigorateHR. Cost: Free. Register

Hot Tax Issues in 2025 and Nonprofit Priorities webinar on Jan. 16 at 4 p.m. What charitable nonprofits need to know before the 2025 tax debate begins. Presented by National Council of Nonprofits. Cost: Free. Register 

Donor Communications 2025: Create a Strong Plan on Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. Learn key steps and considerations for creating a strong outreach plan, how to develop the right messages, and ways to unfold your story over time. Presented by Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: $69. Register

A Fresh Perspective on AI for Evaluation on Jan. 17 at 11 a.m. An overview of various AI tools and their evaluative applications in addition to considering the learning curve and potential costs. Presented by Indiana Evaluation Association. Cost: Free IEA members/ $10 Non-members. Register 

5 Ways to Increase Your Nonprofit's Impact with Data webinar on Jan. 28 at 11 a.m. How to collect that data, including how to build organizational processes so the work doesn’t just fall on one person. Presented by Nonprofit Hub. Cost: Free. Register 

Introduction to Foundation Directory: Finding Grant Funders on Jan. 29 from 2-4 p.m. at the Central Library. This online directory helps 501(c)(3) nonprofits find grant makers most likely to fund their projects. Presented by the Indianapolis Public Library. Cost: Free. Register 

Tangram needs volunteers for: board membership, office support (front desk, filing, special projects, etc.), event volunteers (annual Halloween party, holiday gift wrapping, board retreat, etc.), activity leaders (painting, healthy cooking, gardening, etc.), book club, music club, and build a friendship (volunteer one-on-one with a tangram client.) Learn more

4 Proven Strategies to Boost Mid-Level Giving in 2025

Though critical to a healthy donor pipeline, mid-level donors are often overlooked. Here’s how to renew your focus on these donors.

Americans believe the future of philanthropy is local, and more passionate about social impact

The Harris Poll also showed donors are optimistic about utilizing digital means of giving and women playing a larger role in charitable giving.  

SPONSORS' INSIGHTS

Johnson Grossnickle & Associates Building a Brighter Future for Women and Girls Together 

IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Turning a passion into a career