Last year on International Women’s Day, I sat in the audience at the Indianapolis Arts Garden at the Pass the Torch for Women breakfast--witnessing the speakers, the energy, the diversity--and a palpable momentum. Sitting among hundreds of advocates for women’s leadership and advancement, I knew our collective power could move mountains to become a powerful force for women and girls in Indiana—if we could work together to harness it.

From the stage a speaker asked, “Now what? How can we together not lose this feeling? What differences can we make? Let’s make our collective passions to empowering, celebrating, and supporting each other happen every day, not just on this day once a year?”

In the weeks following the event, this call to action, intended to motivate all attendees to make a difference in their communities, began to feel like a personal challenge—calling me to capture the power of that moment, working not in isolation but as a collective community across not-for-profits serve Indiana’s women and girls. How could we pool our networks to advocate unapologetically for the female future in this state?

And from that moment, the INSpire Her Leadership Summit was born!

Here’s to 2024! A new year always brings a sense of new opportunities. In fundraising, we can use this time to evaluate our current fundraising processes, implement new and timely practices, and create actionable plans for a more prosperous future with our donors. JGA anticipates the following five donor trends and offers practical solutions for nonprofits in every sector as we move forward into the new year.

Lilly Endowment Inc. has made a $5.5 million grant to EmployIndy. Proceeds will be used to open a third re-engagement center in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, add two new Yes Indy providers, and increase wages for Yes Indy provider staff. Read more

Hamilton County Leadership Academy is accepting applications for the Class of 2025 starting March 1. Learn about the application process and what they are looking for as they build the 2025 cohort. Meet Up registration

Foster Success recently raised a record $73,833 as part of the nonprofit organization’s FriendsGiving 2023 fundraising campaign. The proceeds will be used to educate young people about finances, connect them to health and wellness programs, and assist them with purchasing their first car or apartment. Read more

The Junior League of Indianapolis 2024 Trust Fund Grant application is now open. 501c3 nonprofit organizations that serve children with mental or physical disabilities in Marion County are encouraged to apply. Applications are due by midnight on March 18. To apply

Registration for the IU Indianapolis 2024 Nonprofit Expo will be held on March 27 from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. at Indiana University Indianapolis. Vendor registration ranges from $100-$250. Register

FORVIS Annual 2024 State of the Nonprofit Sector Report explores how organizations are handling budget concerns amid economic uncertainty to help nonprofits move forward with clarity. Download the report for free.

21st Annual mental health and criminal justice summit on Mar. 8 from 8 a.m.- 4:15 p.m. at Indianapolis Marriott North, 3645 River Crossing Parkway. For mental health providers, nonprofit leaders, and advocates. Presented by NAMI Indiana. Cost: $95 - $155. Register

Strategic planning for nonprofits on Mar. 9 from 2-4 p.m. at the Central Library’s Special Collections Room, 6th floor. A strategic plan enables your nonprofit to look ahead and make plans for the future. Learn when and how to create an effective plan to guide your organization. Presented by The Indianapolis Public Library. Cost: Free. Register

2024 Nonprofit fundraising series, starting Mar. 13, will explore how to build inclusive donor engagement strategies that go beyond transactional giving while fostering passionate partnerships that fuel positive change. Presented by Axelson Center. Cost: $200 for five-series bundle. Register

Nonprofit tech stack: Technology nonprofits need to grow and thrive webinar on Mar. 13 at 2 p.m. Operate more efficiently and effectively with the right mix of hardware, software and tools. Presented by Tech Impact. Cost: Free. Register

Supervising and managing people workshop on Mar. 13 -14. In this session, you’ll gain self-awareness, practice foundational skills, develop personal resilience, and learn to communicate more assertively. Presented by Indiana Chamber. Cost: $649 Chamber members / $749 Non-members. Register

Emotional intelligence: Your way to employee retention webinar replay. Learn the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace, strategies to grow emotional intelligence, and the impact of EQ on your people. Presented by the HR Nonprofit Peer Group. Watch

AmeriCorps Seniors is looking for 55+ years old Foster Grandparent volunteers to help with mentoring and tutoring.  Learn more and apply

Kristi Howard-Shultz Consulting Discover how to build consensus and stay focused with vision boards

Barnes Dennig How non-profit leaders treat burnout with belonging

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Executive Director - Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children