February 18, 2025

National Council of Nonprofits

Executive orders (EOs) signed by the President hold the power of law, directing federal agencies and shaping national policies. These orders can significantly impact organizations, including nonprofits, which must navigate a changing landscape when new EOs are signed or existing ones are altered. President Trump’s administration issued numerous EOs that touched on a wide variety of issues, affecting everything from funding to operations for nonprofits.

For nonprofits, especially those involved with federal grants, contracts, or areas like diversity, immigration, or environmental protection, staying informed about executive orders is essential. EOs can directly influence programs, policies, and funding, and understanding their implications is key to managing potential challenges.

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By Kate Brierty, Hedges Senior Consultant

As we settle into 2025, one thing is crystal clear: change is ever-present. For nonprofits, this means staying agile amid technological advancements, shifting societal needs, and evolving stakeholder expectations. It’s a lot to juggle, but here’s the good news: focusing on what’s within your control can help cut through the noise. That’s where strategic planning comes in—a tried-and-true way to stay focused and mission-driven in a constantly shifting world. 

Having a strong strategic plan to guide and unite your organization can be a game-changer as organizations look to successfully navigate all of this change. If your nonprofit has a strategic plan in place, you’re ahead of the game. But let’s be honest, keeping those plans relevant and actionable isn’t always easy. At Hedges, we’ve seen how a strong plan—one that adapts with your organization while staying focused on your organization’s priorities—can propel a nonprofit to new heights.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the trends shaping strategic planning in 2025 and how your organization can incorporate these strategies to ensure your strategic plan is as relevant and adaptable as your team needs it to be.

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Brooke's Place for Grieving Young People, Inc. named Debbie Chandler as the advancement director. Chandler was previously director of development and communications at the IndyGo Foundation.

Brooke's Place for Grieving Young People, Inc. promoted Lindsay Wasik to therapy services director. Wasik previously served as the therapy services manager.

We are halfway there! Thank you to the organizations who have completed the 2025 Central Indiana Nonprofit Salary Survey! If you haven’t completed the survey, we still need your help. Please complete it by Feb. 28. Complete the form to participate.  

The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County has received a $7,394,505 community leadership implementation grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The funding was awarded through the Endowment’s Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII) initiative, which aims to enhance the quality of life in communities across the state. Read more

Dove Recovery House for Women has officially broken ground on a pivotal 8,000-square-foot expansion of its Indianapolis campus, made possible by $4 million in funding from philanthropic organizations, government partners, and individual donors. The expansion at 34th and Meridian Street will add 15 new residential beds, increasing total capacity from 40 to 55 beds which is urgently needed with over 200 women on the waitlist. 

The Meridian Foundation named six nonprofits as 2024 Arago Honor recipients to support, accelerate, and celebrate nonprofit innovation. Grants awarded range from $12,000 - $30,000. See honorees

Indiana Humanities is accepting applications from towns (15,000 or fewer residents) to host the Smithsonian exhibit Voices and Votes in 2026. Part of the Museum on Main Street program, Indiana Humanities and Smithsonian staff will help hosts create high-quality exhibits, including a unique section showcasing their community’s story. Applications are due Feb. 21. Learn more

The Heroes Foundation’s 25th annual fundraiser, An Evening With Heroes, raised over $715,000 to serve Hoosiers touched by cancer. Proceeds will be used to further the foundation's mission of providing meaningful support to cancer patients, education to promote cancer prevention, and resources to advance research for a cure.

JD Finish Line Foundation has launched its Louder than Words funding cycle for nonprofits located in or serving the Far East Side of Indianapolis, focusing on health and wellness, workforce development, and safe communities. Applications are due by March 15.

Questions, contact Marty Posch mposch@jdnorthamerica.com.

United Way of Central Indiana’s Propel pitch competition is now accepting five-minute video pitches from nonprofits in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, or Putnam counties to share innovative strategies that reduce barriers for under-resourced communities. Apply by Feb. 28  

Fight-Flight-Freeze webinar on Feb. 20 at noon. Stress from work, home, health, or disasters can feel overwhelming—but as a leader, others rely on you to navigate the storm. Learn how to outsmart your brain and lead effectively in crisis. Presented by Leadership Johnson County. Cost: $20. Register

Championing Equity: Best Practices for Inclusion in Human Services webinar on Feb. 21 at 8:30 a.m. This call is open to any professional in Central Indiana – no matter the experience level. Presented by United Way of Central Indiana. Cost: Free. Register

Developing an Effective Board of Directors on Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. at the Central Library. This workshop will help you understand the basic responsibilities of nonprofit boards and identify methods for improving board effectiveness. Presented by the Indianapolis Public Library. Cost: Free. Register

Strategic Planning for Nonprofits on March 1 at 10:30 a.m. at the Central Library. 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 

Beyond the Game: Pacers’ Pascal Siakam & Dakota Whyte’s Impact on Sports, Philanthropy, & Education on March 3 at 4:30 p.m. at Indiana University Indianapolis, Hines Halls. A fresh look at how athletes have the opportunity to leverage their success to make an impact on communities. Presented by IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Cost: Free. Register

Build Her Up: 2025 Women’s Leadership Summit on March 3 from 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S Pennsylvania Street. With engaging speakers and networking opportunities, the summit will advance women's leadership for meaningful community impact. Open to the public. Presented by Junior League of Indianapolis. Cost: $100. Register 

Wheeler Mission needs women volunteers at The Center for Women & Children, 3208 E. Michigan St., to serve meals on Colts Caring Mondays. Sign up

United Way of Central Indiana is recruiting volunteers for Go All In Day on April 25. A variety of indoor and outdoor projects – ranging in length from hour-long to all-day activities – will be available for individual volunteers, businesses, groups, and families. Interested volunteers can learn more and sign up to reserve their spot at goallinday.com

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