March 11, 2025

Written by Erin Tanner, Chief Financial Officer, Central Indiana Community Foundation 

Before looking at several tips to stabilize your nonprofit finances, let’s address the obvious. In the wake of the federal grant freeze and subsequent legal back-and-forth, an alarming level of uncertainty has entered the nonprofit sector. The Urban Institute recently created a map quantifying the risk level to nonprofits posed by the freeze. While it provides a critical level of awareness, it’s hardly comforting.  

From the Urban Institute: 

In all but two of the 437 congressional districts in the United States, the typical nonprofit could not cover its expenses without its government grants. And in every state, between 60 and 80 percent of nonprofits that receive government grants would be at risk of a financial shortfall. 

Short of a reversal of government policy, nonprofits want to know what they can do to stabilize finances and ride out the storm as best they can.

I’d wager that most folks reading this article didn’t join a nonprofit to prepare financial statements, navigate an audit, or monitor cash flow. You likely got into it because you love serving your community. 

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Submitted by Covi

Leadership Summary

Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a sophisticated, costly phishing attack that targets employees, 3rd-party contractors, and organizations, often causing millions in losses. Identifying a few “red flags” like a sudden sense of urgency, abnormal financial requests, or inconsistent grammar can help you recognize BEC attempts before they impact your organization.

Top Ways to Protect Against BEC

Strong cybersecurity habits—like multi-factor authentication, continuous vulnerability management, and anti-phishing and account takeover protection for your email system and cloud platforms—are essential in keeping both employees and the entire organization safe from BEC. Each one of these practices can help safeguard your people and prevent critical financial and reputational harm.

Cybercriminals have long exploited our reliance on email for business, and of all cyberattacks, Business Email Compromise stands out as one of the most financially devastating. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Report, over 21,000 incidents of BEC occurred in 2023, accounting for nearly $3 billion in losses—a figure that only continues to climb. This tactic is particularly damaging because it exploits natural trust and helpfulness, making detection difficult and fund recovery challenging.

BEC attacks are on the rise and becoming more sophisticated, so knowing the signs can help you avoid a costly mistake. Let's break down how it works, common red flags, and protective measures your organization can adopt.

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Indiana University has named Patrick Hopkins the next dean of the Kelley School of Business. Hopkins is currently a professor of accounting at the school. - Indianapolis Business Journal

The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) has named Tessa Lomax its systemic investigations coordinator. Lomax is a recent graduate of Indiana State University.

Christian Theological Seminary promoted Stephanie Seeger as alumni engagement & communications officer. Seeger was previously the content producer.

Village2Village Project named Andrea Corey the marketing support specialist. Corey previously served as director of development and marketing at LifeSmart Youth.  

HealthNet named Beth Eiler as executive director of behavior health. Eiler previously served as vice president of behavioral health services at Aspire Indiana Health.

At Your School promoted Robert Babcock to director of quality. Babcock was previously a training and evaluation manager. 

United Way of Central Indiana is awarding $1.2 million in grants to 33 nonprofits outside its accredited partner network. The grants include $500,000 from the Basic Needs Fund to 27 nonprofits and $700,000 from the Family Opportunity Fund to eight nonprofits. Two organizations are receiving grants from both funds. See recipients

Horizon House, in partnership with Englewood Community Development Corporation, has been selected for the 17th Indiana Supportive Housing Institute. This four-month program is designed to accelerate affordable housing development with critical support services for people experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis. See press release

Youth Mentoring Initiative and Fishers Youth Assistance Program have combined forces to form Fishers Youth Initiative (FYI), a new nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that young people within the Hamilton Southeastern School District have every opportunity to build a positive future. Learn more

Hamilton County Leadership Academy (HCLA) is accepting applications for the Class of 2026. HCLA empowers participants and alumni to drive and amplify community impact through unique access to knowledge, leaders, and organizations. Submit your application by April 1.

Applications are being accepted for the 2025 James T. Morris Global Leadership Series. This is a five-month professional development program designed to enhance cultural knowledge, foster collaboration, and cultivate globally minded leadership. Apply by April 30.

How Non-Profits Safeguard Their Finances Against Uncertainty webinar on March 13 at 1 p.m. Learn about expense prioritization and build and safeguard financial reserves. Presented by Barnes Dennig. Cost: Free. Register

Volunteer Recruitment, Retention, and More on March 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the Central Library. Learn best practices and proven methods to recruit and retain volunteers. Participants will receive tools to help guide the development of a strong and lasting volunteer workforce. Presented by The Indianapolis Public Library. Cost: Free. Register  

Tell stories with data webinar on March 17 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Find the compelling narrative in your data, connect facts that build an argument, and use graphics to communicate your point. Presented by SAVI. Cost: Free. Register 

Beyond the Bell 2025 Community Conversation Series on March 18 from 4:45-8 p.m. (program begins at 6 p.m.) at Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center, 2990 W. 71st St. Hear from a panel of education experts on current issues in K-12 education. Dinner will be served and childcare will be available. Presented by The Mind Trust. Register  

Future-Proof Fundraising: Building Stability in an Unpredictable Economy on March 19 from 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. at Bosma Enterprises, 6270 Corporate Drive. Economic ups and downs are an inherent part of a market economy, but smart fundraising strategies help organizations build resilience and stability. Presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Indiana Chapter. Cost: $30 Members/ $45 Non-members. Register

Actionable Insights into DAF Donors webinar on March 20 at 2 p.m. Explore new research, reveal key giving strategies, and share practical ways to engage DAF donors and inspire their generosity toward your mission. Presented by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: $69. Register

Remaking the Commons: Forming a Moral Imagination for Possession and Philanthropy in Place on April 11 at 4 p.m. by livestream or at Witherspoon Presbyterian Church, 3535 W Kessler Blvd N Drive. Dr. Willie Jennings challenges us to consider whether our built environments are fundamentally immoral amid rising homelessness and diminishing affordable housing, urging us to reimagine community through a faithful practice of giving. Presented by IU’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Cost: Free. Register

Key Trends in Philanthropy for 2025 webinar replay. Learn the five major trends shaping the future of charitable giving and strategies to help nonprofits thrive. Presented by Johnson, Grossnickle & Associates. Cost: Free. Watch

The Salvation Army - Harbor Light Center needs a volunteer housekeeping helper. Learn more

Brightlane Learning needs volunteer tutors to support students experiencing homelessness. More than just academic help, tutors provide mentorship, stability, and encouragement. No prior tutoring experience required; training and ongoing support are provided. Flexible opportunities are available to work with K-12 students at schools, shelters, and community centers. Apply 

A Nonprofit Partnership

With some creative thinking, a nonprofit’s board member was able to forge a nonprofit partnership that advanced two causes that she cared deeply about. 

Intentional Storytelling for Nonprofits: The Why Behind Every Word

By focusing on meaningful, mission-driven content, organizations can foster deeper engagement, build trust, and create lasting donor relationships. 

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