December 10, 2024

This post was provided by an individual unaffiliated with Charitable Advisors. Therefore, the views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of Charitable Advisors.

by Melissa Norman, CEO of Choices Coordinated Care Solutions

In social services, where organizations are tasked with supporting vulnerable populations with complex needs, the importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives cannot be overstated. While some organizations are reevaluating or stepping back from their DEIB commitments, it is critical to recognize that staying the course is essential not only for the effectiveness of our organizations but also for the communities we serve.

Social services organizations operate at the intersection of various social issues, addressing challenges related to poverty, health disparities, and systemic injustice. In these spaces, diversity is not merely an asset; it is a necessity. A workforce that reflects a range of backgrounds perspectives can enhance understanding and empathy, leading to more effective and culturally responsive services. When our team members reflect the communities they serve, clients are more likely to feel understood, respected, and empowered. At Choices, we are proud to have team members with lived experience in areas of substance use disorder or who experience mental health challenges. These team members bring invaluable insights, which leads to more personalized care.

Read more

A collaboration between Bank of America and the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

The 2023 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy examines the giving patterns, priorities, and attitudes of affluent U.S. households for the year 2022. This study is the ninth in a series of biennial studies researched and written by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy in partnership with Bank of America. All these studies provide valuable information about affluent giving across multiple dimensions that can be used by nonprofit governing boards and professionals, charitable advisors, donors, and others interested in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. 

To inform longitudinal tracking of affluent philanthropic activity, many areas analyzed in this study build on those examined in the previous studies in this series: giving patterns; perceptions; motivations; decision-making; strategies; values; traditions; volunteering; donors’ contributions to political candidates, campaigns, and committees; perspectives on ways to achieve social impact; and demographic dimensions. In addition, the current study presents new areas of research to gain a broader understanding of the giving patterns of America’s affluent households. Some of the newer research themes include a special section on organizational outreach to affluent households, donors’ contributions to affinity groups and racial justice issues, and affluent households’ conscious consumerism.

• Most (85.1 percent) affluent households gave to charity in 2022 
• More than a third (36.8 percent) of affluent individuals volunteered their time
• On average, affluent donor households gave $34,917 to charity in 2022. By comparison, donor households in the general population gave $2,581.

Download report for free

By Amandula Anderson, Executive Director, Indiana Region

For more than a decade, IFF, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), has championed nonprofits in Indiana to shape more equitable and vibrant communities through flexible lending, comprehensive real estate consulting, and capacity-building programs. As a nonprofit, IFF understands that mission-driven organizations are vital to successful community development, and our goal is to provide other nonprofits with the resources and support they need to effectively strengthen their communities. 

One example of what that looks like in practice is IFF’s Stronger Nonprofits Initiative (SNI), funded by JPMorgan Chase, which helps nonprofits navigate systemic barriers preventing them from accessing capital and real estate opportunities that can help them expand their capacity and impact. Employing a cohort-based model that brought together nearly 30 nonprofit leaders for an 18-24 month program, SNI is designed to help organizations build financial resiliency, forge relationships that can be leveraged for knowledge-sharing, and access real estate consulting services that help them make more well-informed facility decisions.  

That has helped organizations like Kheprw Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to cultivating young leaders, make their visions for stronger communities a reality. After graduating from SNI, Kheprw Institute acquired a 17.5-acre urban farm that now serves as a center for urban agriculture and entrepreneurship – promoting self-reliance among local residents. Kheprw’s participation in the SNI program provided valuable financial management insights and peer connections that helped the organization prepare for this purchase. With additional support from a local foundation and a loan from IFF, Kheprw closed on the property in September 2022, positioning itself to expand its programming and community impact. Applications will be released in the fall of 2025 for the next SNI cohort. Click here to join the newsletter list to receive up-to-date information about the upcoming cohort. 

Read more 

Second Helpings named Cory Kloep as chief operating officer. Kloep was previously project manager at Outlier AI.

Indianapolis Bar Foundation named Amber Finley as its next president in 2027. Finley currently serves as corporation counsel at the City of Lawrence. —The Indiana Lawyer

Ivy Tech Hamilton County received $18,000 from Circle of Ivy, the women’s philanthropy circle of the Ivy Tech Foundation. Proceeds will be used to support projects including CNA training equipment, translation devices, and nursing exam preparation, empowering first-generation students and strengthening the community. Read more  

The United Way of Central Indiana launched the Central Indiana Digital Equity Plan to ensure access to affordable internet, digital devices, and literacy for all Hoosiers. Targeting the unique needs of a seven-county area, the plan outlines four key goals to bridge the digital divide and calls for community involvement to advance connectivity over the next five years. Organizations interested in implementing the plan, contact Jonathan Jones jonathan.jones@uwci.org

Indiana Youth Institute named thirty-six exceptional youth workers of color from across the state for the Emerging Leaders of Color Fellowship cohort launching in January 2025 as part of the Indiana Youth Worker Well-Being Project. Participants will engage in an intensive six-month training and development series designed to enhance leadership capabilities and provide opportunities to cultivate robust community networks. See recipients. 

HealthNet, an Indianapolis health care provider serving low-income families, received a $2.5 million grant from Jeff Bezos' Day 1 Families Fund to expand its Homeless Initiative Program. The funding will support a social work "entry point team" and a "no wrong door" approach to connect families facing homelessness with housing resources and stabilize them before they experience shelter stays or street homelessness. Read more 

Giving Tuesday Survey- Were you a donor or fundraiser participating in this year’s Giving Tuesday? If so, we’d love to hear from you and collect your experiences, successes, and more. Take the survey now.

Small scale development workshop on Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Englewood Community Development Corporation, 57 N. Rural Street. Gain a comprehensive overview of the real estate landscape and learn actionable strategies for navigating the industry. Presented by LISC Indianapolis. Cost: $170. Register

Paving the way to prosperity: Empowering employment for economic mobility webinar on Dec. 13 at 8:30 a.m. Professionals can listen in and discuss topics relevant to the sector, exchange resources, and share learnings and expertise. Presented by United Way of Central Indiana. Cost: Free. Register

Strengthening your organization's financial future webinar on Jan. 8 at 10 a.m. Learn how to optimize financial reports and QuickBooks Online, streamline 990 and tax reports, and navigate audits, reviews, and compilations. Presented by Barnes Dennig. Cost: Free. Register

Corporate philanthropy in turbulent times webinar on Jan. 15 at 1 p.m. Gain practical insights on how to strategize, streamline, and partner to ensure you are prepared for the unexpected and maintain focus on your organization’s priorities. Presented by Indiana Philanthropy Alliance. Cost: Free for IPA members/ $50 for non-members. Register

Seeking general-operating grants pre-recorded webinar. How can you make a compelling case for unrestricted support to foundation decision-makers and help secure a strong future for your nonprofit? Presented by Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: $89. Register

Seeds of Caring is in need of volunteers for the second annual MLK Day of Youth Service on Jan. 20 from 9:30 – 11:15 a.m. & 1:30 – 3:15 p.m. at Madam Walker Legacy Center. Assist with the following activities: assemble cleaning kits for recently housed neighbors, make breakfast kits for kids experiencing food insecurity, create sun catchers for senior friends to brighten their day, design “Use Your Voice” posters, and more. Register  

Melinda French Gates Plans To Match $1 Million In Givingtuesday Gifts To Groups That Support Women

Last year the overall number of people who participated declined. Matches like French Gates help catalyze people to give. 

How to Strengthen Your Grant Proposals and Avoid Common Mistakes

Writing grant proposals has become increasingly complex. Veteran fundraisers share their advice to help you navigate the shifting landscape and win grants.  

SPONSORS' INSIGHTS

Barnes Dennig Cincinnati Non-Profit Compensation & Benefits Study report

Charitable Allies Public Support Test for 501c3 Public Charities: What is it and Does your Nonprofit Pass it?

CHARITABLE ADVISORS' FEATURED JOBS

President and CEO - Community Foundation of Wabash County