April 1, 2025

Zak Cassel, WFYI

Uncertainty has descended on nonprofits in Indiana — and around the country — as the government reevaluates public funding under new federal and state policies.

Executive orders from President Donald Trump and Governor Mike Braun targeting DEI, gender affirming care, and the environment have already resulted in cuts to nonprofit contracts and grants.

According to a new national analysis, there is cause for concern. Financial data from the Urban Institute shows that 2 in 3 nonprofits have at least one government funding source.

“Our analysis shows that most nonprofits that receive government grants don’t have a large enough operating surplus to weather the removal of these funds,” the report stated. “A prolonged pause or loss of government funding to nonprofits could lead to major disruptions, including a reduction in essential programs and services and fewer nonprofit jobs.”

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By Jill Robisch, First Vice President & Manager, Nonprofit Division

As the nonprofit sector continues to adapt to a post-pandemic world, many organizations have resumed their large-scale fundraising events, aiming for a return to normalcy. However, with increasing uncertainty surrounding state and federal funding, is it time to rethink the traditional approach to these high-cost, resource-intensive fundraisers?

The Return to Large-Scale Events

In the immediate aftermath of COVID-19, many nonprofits pivoted to virtual or hybrid events, discovering new ways to engage donors and reduce overhead costs. Now, with in-person events making a strong comeback, some organizations are eager to revive the familiar gala, auction, or large benefit dinner. These events often serve as significant revenue generators, brand builders, and community engagement tools.

Yet, the landscape has changed. The unknown impact of potential shifts in government funding, inflation concerns, and shifting donor expectations mean nonprofits must be more strategic than ever about how they allocate fundraising resources.

The Uncertain Future of Public Funding

Federal and state funding for nonprofits remains a moving target. With economic fluctuations and shifting legislative priorities, nonprofits reliant on government grants and subsidies may face unpredictable funding streams. Organizations that previously used large fundraisers to supplement government dollars may now need to explore whether these events can reliably fill financial gaps in a sustainable way.

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The Role of Metrics in Strategic Planning

Metrics are essential tools in strategic planning, offering a clear and measurable way to evaluate an organization's effectiveness and alignment with its long-term goals. Without well-defined metrics, organizations risk moving forward without a clear sense of direction, making it difficult to assess progress or success. By answering specific questions like “how much?” or “how well?” metrics provide reliable insights into whether objectives like improving financial sustainability or boosting program efficiency are being met.

Developing Metrics and Aligning Them with Goals

For metrics to drive success, they must be measurable, tied to strategic goals, and based on existing data wherever possible. Using existing data from financial systems, customer feedback, or operational reports can simplify tracking and enable organizations to act quickly. Establishing baselines and targets is also crucial, as baselines provide a starting point, while targets set tangible goals to work toward. Supporting indicators can complement primary metrics, offering a more detailed view of progress and helping organizations refine their strategies in real time.

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CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions named Lisa Schneekloth as president and CEO. Schneekloth previously served as the chief compliance officer.

Indiana Landmarks named Brad Ward as CEO. Ward previously served as the director of community foundations for philanthropy-tech firm Foundant Technologies. ---Indianapolis Business Journal

Arts for Learning has named Tammy Ruel as the director of donor relations and communications. Previously, Ruel held leadership roles at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, The Indianapolis Art Center, and Music for All. 

Amanda Koushyar was named director of finance at Carmel Clay Schools. Koushyar previously served as COO at College Mentors for Kids.

Roberta (Bobbi) Courtright was named outreach and events manager at A Kid Again. Courtright was previously a senior community relations specialist at Lake Michigan Credit Union.

Jewish Community Center named Ethan Cohen the director of membership and recreation. Cohen was previously the assistant director of youth engagement and special events.

Indiana Philanthropy Alliance has named Kristen Bitzegaio the engagement manager. Bitzegaio was previously the executive director for Zionsville Alliance for Mental Wellness.

Village of Merici Inc. has promoted Michelle Harker as the director of development. Harker previously served as the support specialist.

The Kiwanis Club of Indianapolis presented $64,000 in scholarships to 21 Marion County high school seniors at its 50th Annual Abe Lincoln Awards Program. Since 1976, more than $1.4 million has been awarded to over 900 students. See this year's recipients 

Progress House, Indiana's oldest and largest recovery residence, has completed a $4 million renovation and expansion of its main facility in Downtown Indianapolis. The project aims to provide a high-quality, supportive environment for individuals in recovery, combining improved amenities with essential services like counseling and healthcare. Read more  

Indianapolis Bar Association has modified its Indy LawyerFinder program by providing an enhanced online referral platform at indylawyerfinder.com. This online-only platform uses AI technology to match clients with attorneys who best suit their needs and provides robust legal information and resources online. The current phone intake service will be discontinued in May. 

The Arc of Indiana has received a grant from the CareSource Foundation to expand its Advocacy Leadership Network, which empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through leadership and advocacy training. Launched in 2023, the program will grow in 2025 to reach more participants across Indiana, fostering greater inclusion and policy change for people with IDD. Read more 

Dove Recovery House for Women recently launched the Heart Work Book Club, sponsored by Merchants Bank of Indiana, as part of its 25th Anniversary celebration. This book club is designed to deepen the understanding of substance use disorder through storytelling and shared experiences. Read more

Subscribe to Charitable Advisors' "Wants & Wins" email newsletter for exclusive updates on the latest donation opportunities, inspiring success stories from impactful organizations, and current needs where your support can make a meaningful difference. Stay informed with timely insights and be the first to explore valuable ways to give and receive within the nonprofit sector, while also having the opportunity to submit your organization’s specific needs.

How To Find and Attract Board Members for a Nonprofit webinar on April 7 at 11 a.m. Discover effective strategies to find, attract, and engage ideal board members, building a high-performing team to support your mission and long-term success. Presented by SCORE. Cost: Free. Register 

Frame the problem webinar on April 7 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Identify your goal and determine how to use data to help you meet your goal. Presented by SAVI. Cost: Free. Register 

Skills-Based Hiring and Employee-Centric Development masterclass on April 8 from 9 a.m.- noon. Learn innovative strategies for skills-based hiring and employee development that challenge traditional approaches, unlock hidden talent, and foster more equitable and dynamic workplace environments. Presented by InvigorateHR. Cost: $399. Register

Real-Time Data Collection Innovation on the Charitable Sector webinar on April 8 at noon. Explore how the Charity Insights Canada Project is providing timely, actionable insights into emerging trends and critical needs in the nonprofit sector through innovative, weekly surveys of registered charities. Presented by Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Cost: Free. Register

Building a Coalition: The Essentials of Collaboration webinar on April 8 from noon - 2 p.m. Learn what makes for an effective coalition and ways to use it to drive successful policy initiatives. Presented by United Way of Central Indiana. Cost: Free. Register  

2025 Out-of-School Learning Summit from April 29-30 at Embassy Suites in Plainfield. This event brings together youth programs, community partners, and afterschool advocates to connect, access practical resources, and advance learning beyond the school day for all youth in Indiana. Presented by Indiana Afterschool Network. Cost: Starts at $150. Register 

United Way of Central Indiana is partnering with over 80 organizations across the seven-county Central Indiana region on April 25 for a day entirely dedicated to volunteering. For individuals, families, or coworkers, there is a project for everyone- indoors, outdoors, short- and sweet or all-day action. Sign up

5 Signs a Remote Worker is Burnt Out

This article highlights five key strategies for managers to identify and address signs of burnout in remote employees by focusing on behavioral and communication cues, even in virtual settings. 

Transforming Nonprofit Data: Revolutionizing Efficiency and Ethical Insights with AI Tools {Podcast}

This podcast explores how AI tools like Avid are transforming nonprofit data management by unifying systems, providing actionable insights, and empowering staff to focus on impactful work and donor relationships.

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