Our features during September 2023 will focus on staffing issues nonprofits may be facing.

by Matt Gayer, executive director, Catalogue for Philanthropy, Forbes contributor

One of my favorite parts of my day-to-day is talking with a wide range of nonprofit executive directors who are leading critical work in the community. Universally, one of the biggest worries I hear most often right now is the hiring, retaining, and engaging of staff.

In 2021, a troubling 26.2 percent of nonprofits across the U.S. reported job vacancy rates of 20-29 percent. Many of the local leaders I speak with share that they can’t keep up with inflation for salaries and overhead. This is especially true at small nonprofits that continue to see heightened demand for basic services in their communities.

As the reality of entering and staying in the nonprofit workforce becomes less attractive or sustainable, the long-term consequences of turnover and burnout in our sector grow more devastating. For the community-based nonprofits in our network that operate on lean budgets and teams, the impacts of these uncertainties are compounded with less access to institutional funding or networks of high-net-worth donors. Even if they know turnover is an issue, they lack the budgets to follow many of the "traditional" engagement tips.

As many executives are aware, human resources (HR) is a vital function of any organization. An effective HR plan helps maintain a happy, inclusive, compliant, and effective workforce. If you want your organization to succeed, you must put into place strategies that allow your greatest asset — your people — to succeed.

At InvigorateHR, we understand how essential HR is for organizations to achieve their mission. Founded by Jeremy York in 2013, InvigorateHR is a human resource consulting firm that partners with its clients to develop solutions that are tailored for short-term and long-term success.

We work with a variety of nonprofit organizations, partnering with them on everyday people management strategies, compensation analyses, training, and one-off issues. As the world of work evolves, HR must as well.

Friends of Indy Animals has received a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support the construction of a new animal welfare center. The funds are in addition to the $3 million granted last year by the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust and $18 million dedicated by the city. The new Indianapolis Animal Care Services Center is designed to alleviate overcrowding at the shelter each year. Learn more

PACE has raised nearly $32,000 during its 2023 Recovery Celebration 5K walk. Proceeds will be used to expand support services at the Recovery Resource Center, including assistance with transportation, transitional housing, utilities, and household items, as well as parental education classes. Learn more

The Girl Coalition of Indiana, a statewide innovation startup inspired by the Girl Scouts, has released the 2023 Indiana Girl Report in partnership with the Indiana Youth Institute. The report, which was developed through qualitative and quantitative research, provides insights into the critical challenges girls are experiencing. Download the report

Find talent at IUPUI's Intern Fair on Sept. 26 from 1-4 p.m. at the IUPUI Campus Center. Employers can recruit students from a variety of majors and levels of experience to fit their intern needs. Cost: $250 for nonprofits. Learn more. Email Brian Benedict with questions

Nominations are now open for Recorder Media Group's 2024 Champions of Diversity Awards. The annual recognition, which is in its 17th year, honors individuals who are taking action to ensure inclusion and diversity objectives are achieved. Six awards will be distributed. Nominate. Deadline to apply is Sept. 29.

Free strategic planning and coaching for nonprofits. Executive Volunteer Services provides pro bono planning and coaching services to central Indiana nonprofits by leveraging the expertise of retired nonprofit and business executives. To learn more, contact Ellen Rosenthal

Is your nonprofit competitive? Are you paying nonprofit market wages? Find out in the 2023 Central Indiana Nonprofit Salary report. Download

2023 MS Office software refresher series starts Sept. 15. Six course series to learn skills in Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word. Presented by IUPUI Professional Development & Continuing Education. Cost: $450 (10% discount for whole series) or $75 per class. Register

Strategic planning for nonprofits session on Sept. 16 at 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Central Library’s Special Collections Room, sixth floor. Learn how to develop a strategic plan that enables your nonprofit to effectively make plans. Presented by The Indianapolis Public Library. Cost: Free. Register

Fearless asking: How to build an individual giving program workshop on Sept. 16 at 2-4 p.m. at the Central Library Special Collections Room, sixth floor. Learn about the latest in fundraising and how to overcome your fears so that you can confidently ask for the support your nonprofit needs. Cost: Free. Presented by The Indianapolis Public Library. Register

Leveraging data analysis to boost major gifts webinar on Sept. 19 at 2 p.m. How can major gift teams know which donors are most likely to give? Data may hold the answer — and leveraging it can help your organization save time and resources. Presented by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: Free. Register

Strategic planning for innovation, equity, and inclusion: The role of the board webinar on Sept. 20 at noon. By providing support to both individuals and organizations, Mosaic aims to shift power, elevate new voices, and grow the perspectives included on not-for-profit boards. Presented by Leadership Indianapolis and CICF. Cost: Free. Learn more and register

Effective staff and board roles webinar on Sept. 21 from 9:30-11 a.m. Boards that lead with purpose can work more effectively as a team. Learn the complementary yet distinct roles that staff and board members play in nonprofit organizations. Presented by Hedges. Cost: $90 for two people from the same organization. Register

Indy Hunger Network needs volunteers at How the Other Half Eats on Sept. 28 from 5:30-8:45 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center. Volunteers will be assisting with greeting guests, handling registration, managing parking, setting up and taking down signs, etc. Email Sarah-Jehanne Benraiss to learn more.

The Athenaeum needs volunteers to help with the 15th annual GermanFest, on Oct. 7, at 401 E. Michigan St. Volunteers are needed for 3- to 4-hour shifts throughout the day. Positions include event setup and teardown, VIP/volunteer booth, merchandise/info booth, bartender (must have permit), and games. Register

InvigorateHR  Are your employee benefits aligned with employees wants?

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