From the front lines: Nonprofit employees share highs and lows of working during a pandemic, social unrest
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NFPN survey reveals employees’ perceptions about how they’re coping during a crisis — and why some are thinking about leaving their jobs
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by Shari Finnell, editor/writer, Not-for-profit News
Second in a series of articles based on a “How Are You Doing?” survey conducted by Charitable Advisors
As reported in a previous Charitable Advisors’ Not-for-profit News (NFPN) article, a survey revealed that nearly 54 percent of Central Indiana nonprofit employees are thinking about leaving their jobs within the next 12 months. Of the 461 employees who responded to the survey, 40 percent said that timeline would apply to a 90-day timeframe.
With high employee turnover impacting everything from productivity to overall employee morale, numerous survey respondents gave further insights on why they left their job, why they’re thinking about leaving their job and, in some cases, why their employers are getting it right and, consequently, why they’ve decided to stay.
One survey respondent, who asked to remain anonymous, said that the pressures of shut-down orders, downsizing, lack of direction from leadership, an increased workload, and, later, a demand to return to the office amid rising COVID-19 cases led her to resign from her previous position.
The employee, who agreed to a telephone interview, said that she always has been drawn to the nonprofit sector because it’s rewarding to support the Indianapolis community she grew up in. “I have been working with nonprofits for 10 years,” said the employee, who furthered her education by graduating from the Lilly School of Philanthropy in 2018. “I worked briefly in for-profit, in sales, and I really didn’t feel like it was fulfilling for me as an individual.
However, she recently faced the challenging decision of leaving a nonprofit job before securing another. “Going through the pandemic was a time of great uncertainty. It was difficult,” she recalled. “Our organization didn’t have good leadership. While everyone was reacting in the moment, employees’ fears and concerns were not addressed until it was past time to address them. People’s concerns seemed to be dismissed. There’s something to be said for leading with empathy and acknowledging the unknowns, while at the same time accomplishing your goals and getting things done.’
The employee said that she experienced bouts of high anxiety during the pandemic, especially when the outbreak was first reported in Indiana in March 2020. “Uncertainty is a difficult spot for me,” she said. “I was concerned about my own health conditions, and I raised concerns with HR. When I did get answers, the response was, “Hold tight.” She also faced similar challenges in connecting with her direct supervisor. “They were very dismissive of our concerns,” she said.
When employees were asked to come into the office — before the city’s “stay-at-home” order was lifted. “I flatly rejected,” she said. To her, that request reflected “tone deafness” to employees’ fears and concerns.
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Donor engagement and retention techniques: Invest time now to solidify donor relationships
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by Andy Canada, senior consultant, director of data analytics, Johnson, Grossnickle and Associate
While we need to work to engage all of our donors, many nonprofits have experienced the benefit of an influx of new donors in response to the pandemic’s challenges. What can you do to engage and retain these new donors as well as deepen your relationships with your existing donor pool?
Donor Engagement
While we are operating in unusual times, you do not want to throw out your tried-and-true ways of engaging and stewarding your donors. But, you might consider adding the following strategies as well.
Personal connections: Think creatively about how to create personal connections with donors, such as engaging with donors via FaceTime to capture a specific meaningful moment at your organization. Engage board members, leadership team members, volunteers, and other donors in thank you calls. Hearing from someone new will expand donors’ connections and engagement with your organization.
Technology techniques: Using technology to your advantage has hopefully become easier than ever over the past year. There are multiple platforms that can be very effective with donors who are now more familiar with different means of communicating. Tell your story from the perspective of those you serve — send short video messages telling the story of how lives have been changed by gifts from generous donors. You might also share short “day in the life” videos from the heart of your organization—such as the teacher, direct care staff, curator, cook—to give a glimpse into real-world impact.
Peer engagement: Encourage peer-to-peer fundraising or use third-party events to deepen engagement and spread your reach. Personal referrals will never go out of style. Identify donors who can advocate on your behalf to reach out and engage new donors. This will create an additional touchpoint and provide a way to ask for additional support from a peer or for a specific program.
Donor Retention
Research from the Fundraising Effectiveness Project indicates first time donors only donate again about 20 percent of the time. However, if a donor makes a second donation, the chance of them continuing to contribute is 60 percent. Invest in new donors now, because retaining a donor for multiple years will more than make up for the initial investment.
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NeighborLink Indianapolis Foundation has promoted Rachel Nelson to executive director. Nelson previously was the director of external affairs and communications for the organization.
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Leadership Academy of Madison County has named Jesse Reynolds as executive director. Reynolds previously was director of community relations for the Office of Lawrence Township Trustee. — Inside Indiana Business
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CREA Foundation, Inc. has named Arvetta Jideonwo as executive director and head of social impact. Jideonwo most recently served as executive director for Bosma Visionary Opportunities Foundation.
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Starfish Initiative has named Crystal Givens as president and chief executive officer. Givens previously held positions at Child Care Aware of America and Early Learning Indiana.
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Indiana Humanities has hired Marlena Ratchford as bookkeeper and program assistant. Ratchford previously served as a program manager for the Indiana State Department of Health.
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Kiwanis Children’s Fund has named Michael Malik as director of development. Malik previously served as major gifts director for United Way of Central Indiana.
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Indiana Historical Society has awarded $500,000 from its Heritage Support Grants program to 18 local historical societies from across the state. The initiative is supported by a grant from Lilly Endowment, which plans to award a total of $2.5 million to local historical organizations until 2024. See recipients
The Indiana Department of Education has awarded the Greater Educational Opportunities Foundation an $8.3 million grant to help more underserved students access college learning while still enrolled in high school. Read/watch video
The Community Connections for People with Disabilities grant program is issuing more than $1.58 million in federal funding to 12 communities that are partnering with nonprofits to increase community and workplace inclusion for people with disabilities. Read
CareSource has announced a sponsorship of $25,000 for NAMI Indiana, the state chapter for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, to support and expand the organization's work with Crisis Intervention Teams in Indiana.
The Health Resource and Service Administration has awarded Affiliated Service Providers in Indiana, Inc., a $2.2 million grant to train healthcare paraprofessionals. The program, which leads to a certification, will offer training on how to assist families dealing with substance use disorders and domestic violence. Read
Foster Success has launched a workforce readiness program to support teens and young adults who are currently in foster care or have previously been in the system. The Workforce Readiness program, which is designed to ensure the participants find consistent employment, is funded by a five-year Lilly Endowment grant. Read
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Stakeholder feedback: The key to smart decision-making webinar on Sept. 14 at noon. Learn how to obtain important information to expand your services, improve or change current programs and deepen donor relationships and/or engagement. Presented by Johnson Grossnickle and Associates. Cost: Free. Register
Madam C.J. Walker’s Gospel of Giving online lecture featuring Dr. Tyrone McKinley Freeman, an author and associate professor at IU Lilly School of Philanthropy, on Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. Presented by the Indianapolis Public Library. Cost: Free. Register
What is supported employment? webinar on Sept. 16 at 12:30 p.m. This session outlines how supported employment can benefit people with disabilities and enhance your organization’s inclusive environment, and how to partner with agencies providing these services. Presented by Tangram. Cost: Free. Register
Repairing the breach webinar on Sept. 21 at noon. This session allows participants to hear from community workers involved with collaborative efforts around repairing the relationship between citizens and law enforcement. The session, part of a three-part Public Safety & Criminal Justice series, is hosted by Leadership Indianapolis. Cost: $30. Register
Recruiting and retaining a dynamic board webinar on Sept. 23 at 11 a.m. Learn the life cycle of organizations, understand major steps involved in forming the board structure, and prepare a board growth strategy. Presented by BKD. Cost: Free. Register
Great governance webinar on Sept. 30 at 9 a.m. Identify the legal and core responsibilities of board service, differentiate between governance and management and demonstrate strong risk management through policies and procedure. Presented by BKD. Cost: Free. Register
Together IRL (in real life) symposium on Oct. 5-6 will explore various topics, including Closing the Racial Wealth Gap and Faith & Action. The event also includes the Philanthropy Leads dinner, featuring a fireside chat with Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and Lilly Endowment CEO Clay Robbins. Hosted by Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute. Cost: $75-$200. IPA members/ $100-$350 nonmembers. Register
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United Way of Central Indiana is looking for volunteers to help prepare the materials used for its ReadUP program. Volunteers will be assigned with various tasks, including arranging and labeling books and making program folders. Register. Send questions to Tony Hart
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This tool, presented by Charitable Advisors, helps teams prepare for an unexpected leadership departure or illness. Spend 30 minutes with your executive committee and current ED/CEO to talk through our Emergency Succession template and identify who would do what in the case of an illness or unexpected departure. Download
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Establish a board policy that specifies the process for calling and conducting an executive session, guidelines for the routine use of them, and issues that are acceptable for closed meetings. Download the resource
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Our sponsor marketplace serves to further connect our readers with our advertisers who are focused on serving nonprofits. To learn about each sponsor's nonprofit services, click on its logo.
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FUND DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGIC PLANNING
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BANKING/
ASSET MANAGEMENT
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MEETING ROOM OR EVENT SPACE
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Space available for nonprofit in Fountain Square area
Rental spaces available for nonprofits in newly renovated 6,200-square-foot building at 2119 Prospect St. Available as a single space or two spaces with designated entrance and bathrooms, HVAC and common areas, with parking in an adjacent lot. Buildout to suit. Contact Harold Miller, 317-753-2034.
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CHARITABLE ADVISORS
FEATURED JOB POSTINGS
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Could you lead an organization that has assisted four thousand victims of crime and abuse victims each year and helps them move forward or start in a new life? Do you feel passionate about advocating on behalf of marginalized and traumatized individuals? Prevail has offered a full range of comprehensive, restorative services to victims for the past 35 years and is a recognized leader in victim advocacy. We empower victims of crime and abuse on their path to healing, while engaging the community to support safe, healthy relationships. Programs and services including housing opportunities are offered to teens and adults along with their children.
Would you like to help transform the lives of children with motor challenges and celebrate alongside families as their children achieve various developmental milestones such as walking, talking, and other self-help skills. You can lead an organization that offers the only Conductive Education program in the state of Indiana. The Jackson Center equips children with motor challenges associated with cerebral palsy, brain injury, and stroke with the physical ability and confidence to attain the highest quality of independent life. Our primary focus is the practice of Conductive Education, which develops motor skills through repetition, peer interaction, and positive reinforcement while integrating with traditional therapy.
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