The top three priorities for nonprofit managers for the next 12 months are digital transformation (42 percent), reducing costs (38 percent), and seeking new sources of revenue/funding (36 percent). And, more than half (56 percent) of respondents to a new poll said they are evolving to meet new needs of the populations they serve.

Nonprofit leaders are optimistic, although revenue increases have been marginal. Fewer than half (44 percent) of respondents had increased revenue during their most recent fiscal year, down from 76 percent during 2022. Despite this, 69 percent anticipate revenue will increase during the next fiscal year.

The data is from the seventh annual Nonprofit Standards benchmarking survey, from accounting and consulting firm BDO. This survey of more than 250 nonprofit leaders in the United States includes responses to questions regarding changes to revenue, investing in technology, and response to pressure from donors to address environmental and social and governance (ESG) issues.

The data shows that leaders are reexamining organizational purpose. Nearly all (99 percent) surveyed say they have meaningfully expanded or shifted the scope of their mission during the past year.

Before getting into the field of community development, Sharon Clark spent 33 years in higher education — even leading trips around the world as a women’s volleyball coach.

While preparing her team for their next match, she was also fascinated by the communities they visited. In Nicaragua, she noted the strong sense of connectedness shared by women cooking for their village; in Singapore, she marveled at the innovative ways that buildings were organized in relatively small spaces to maximize usefulness.

Community development corporation (CDC) staff and leaders are always pulling from previous experiences to inject new, creative ideas into their programming and capital planning. And when Sharon was asked to be executive director of Aspire House at the beginning of 2023 after 10 years serving on the Board of Directors, she knew her experience would serve her well in championing the CDC’s health/wellness, housing, and technology literacy initiatives in Indy’s Near Northwest neighborhood.

The Christel DeHaan Family Foundation has awarded a $4.1 million grant to the University of Indianapolis. The funds will be used to support the university’s Center for Global Engagement and the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center. Learn more

The Indianapolis Foundation has announced the fourth round of funding awarded through the Elevation Grant Program — 72 grants totaling more than $12 million to be distributed to local nonprofits and initiatives. See recipients

The Kendrick Foundation has awarded more than $522,000 to eight nonprofit organizations to address its priority areas of mental health, substance use disorder, and physical activity and nutrition. Review the grantees

Cultivate Food Rescue, which addresses hunger in Elkhart, St. Joseph, and Marshall counties, has rescued more than 5 million pounds of food since 2016. The organization has a mission to prevent good food from going to waste. Read more

Foster Success, which supports more than 1,000 older foster youth throughout the state, plans to launch a mental health program supporting teens and young adults in the foster care system. Learn more

Butler University has partnered with a New York City-based nonprofit, the Come to Believe Network, to create a two-year college on its Indianapolis campus. The program, which is aimed at first-generation, minority, and low-income students, will initially offering associate degrees in business or allied health. It also is designed to create a pathway for students who want to pursue bachelor’s degrees. Learn more

DONATIONS: Office desks, filing cabinets, and bookcases. Pickup is near Keystone at the Crossing. Contact Marty Stone for more information.

Activating board committees webinar on Nov. 16 from 9:30-11 a.m. Boards that lead with purpose empower high-performing committees. Learn how to maximize productivity through board committees, common structures, and leading practices for effective committee functionality and leadership. Presented by Hedges. Cost: $90 for two people. Register

The Effects of MacKenzie Scott’s Large, Unrestricted Gifts webinar on Dec. 1 at noon. Analyze the effects and emerging impacts of these gifts and investigate whether nonprofits believe the grant increased their impact. Presented by The Center for Effective Philanthropy. Cost: Free. Register

2023 PowerPoint bundle, business refresher series on Dec. 8 and Dec. 15, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn the basic skills of PowerPoint during two in-person workshops. PowerPoint Part 1 is on Dec. 8 and PowerPoint Part 2 is on Dec. 15. Cost: $125 ($75 if taken as a single class.) Presented by IUPUI Office of Professional Development. Register

Employee burnout: It’s real! pre-recorded webinar. According to a Deloitte study, 77 percent of the workforce has experienced burnout. Learn how to define employee burnout, explain the consequences of burnout, and alleviate and prevent burnout. Presented by the HR Nonprofit Peer Group. Cost: Free. Watch

Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad is seeking volunteers to help with its holiday train rides in Noblesville on weekends from Nov. 11-Dec. 23. Volunteering tasks include helping with ticket sales and managing its gift shop. Email Emily Reynolds for more information.

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Vice President - Indy Arts Council