As a nonprofit leader, it’s likely that increasing awareness about your organization can be just as challenging as fundraising. While digital marketing and social media outreach can be effective ways to reach new audiences, gaining media coverage can be the key to promoting your mission, and consequently, engaging more supporters and donors.

Pitch a compelling story. Make sure your idea for media coverage is newsworthy. As Jasmine Minor of WISH-TV noted, first ask this critical question: “Why would someone care?” Is your organization celebrating its 10th anniversary? That’s not unusual.

With the holiday and gift-giving season in full swing, it’s important to keep in mind some key strategies that can help you maximize the tax savings of your generous gift. And while you’re making the most of your charitable contributions, it’s vital to know the organization(s) you’re giving to — including their tax-exempt status and how funds are utilized.

In this post, we’ll unpack the key strategies for maximizing the tax value of your donations, how to check out the organizations you’re planning to contribute to, and what scams to watch out for. First, let’s talk strategy.

Specifically, there are four charitable deduction strategies that can effectively provide tax savings: (1) Charitable Bunching, (2) Donor Advised Fund (DAF), (3) Contribute Appreciated Securities, & (4) Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) if the taxpayer is 70 ½ & older.

Charitable bunching is a strategy that allows a taxpayer to “bunch” charitable contributions in one year instead of spreading them out over a longer period. For example, if a taxpayer usually donates $20,000 a year, the taxpayer will contribute $40,000 in Year 1 and then take the higher Standard Deduction in Year 2 if it increases. This strategy is effective for taxpayers who are on the brink of itemizing or taking the standard deduction each year.

Brian Payne, president and CEO Of Central Indiana Community Foundation and president of the Indianapolis Foundation, will retire on June 30, 2023. Recently included in the inaugural “Indiana 250” of the state’s most influential people by The Indianapolis Business Journal and lauded for “big ideas” and the ability to “make things happen” by Indianapolis Monthly, Brian Payne has earned a reputation for innovation and ambitious vision through 22 years of dedicated service.

Since joining in November 2000, Payne is credited with leading significant growth across the philanthropic collaborative, which now includes CICF, The Indianapolis Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation, IMPACT Central Indiana and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana. The collective’s assets have tripled to over $1 billion and annual grant making more than quadrupled to over $95 million under Payne’s leadership.

“Brian Payne has transformed The Indianapolis Foundation during his tenure,” said Greg Hahn, foundation board chair. “Today, we are not just bigger and bolder, but also more equitable and attentive to the voices of the communities we serve. Brian leaves an impressive legacy for our next leader to build upon. I am profoundly grateful for his passion, leadership, and dedication.”

In 2018, the collaborative changed its collective mission, making equity and anti-racism in Central Indiana a multi-generational commitment. CICF and The Indianapolis Foundation have been recognized locally and nationally for the courage of their commitment and their progress. Payne served as one of six community foundation executives on the design task force of NEON – Nexus for Equity + Opportunity Nationwide and CICF is one of the founding members of this national effort to dismantle structural and systemic racism to achieve economic and cultural mobility.

“Going on a racial equity learning journey with my local and national colleagues and our foundations’ board of directors has been the most important opportunity in my career,” Payne said.

Episode 31: Where are you headed with your DEIA efforts? In this conversation with Shari Finnell, GangGang co-founder Mali Jeffers challenges nonprofit leaders to start putting some wheels on equity initiatives. Mali also talks about why she and co-founder Aaron Bacon thought the time was right to launch GangGang during the middle of a pandemic. Listen

Indianapolis Business Journal’s annual Holiday Wish List appears weekly through Dec. 23. Nonprofits can submit up to five items or services (no cash) that are needed by their organization. The remaining deadlines to publish is Dec. 9 for the Dec. 16 issue and Dec. 16 for the Dec. 23 issue. Apply

Indianapolis-based Paramount Schools of Excellence, a charter school system, has announced it will receive an unsolicited $3 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The funds have been earmarked for the ongoing construction of two new school facilities. Read more

Lake Institute on Faith & Giving has released a resource library. The wide range of resources help deepen understanding and practice at the intersection of faith and giving. Read more

The Kendrick Foundation has selected eight non-profit organizations for its 2022-23 season to grantees who address its priority areas of mental health, substance misuse, and physical activity and nutrition. See recipients

Five Native American or First Nations artists have been selected for the prestigious 2023 Eiteljorg Contemporary Art fellowship. Trailblazing mixed media, sculpture, beadwork and photography by the artists will be on exhibit at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art beginning in November 2023. Read more

DONATIONS NEEDED: Caring for a Cause Supportive Services Inc., which has partnered with Toys for Tots, is seeking donated toys and sponsors to adopt families. Email caringforacause2015@gmail.com or call (317) 886-0724.

Free office furniture: Need a printer? Whiteboard? Office chairs? Desks? Conference table? Nonprofits are invited to Indiana Philanthropy Alliance’s Free Furniture Day for Nonprofits on Dec. 13 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Dec. 15 from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Learn more

Fortify your fundraisers: Tips for producing engaging events and vibrant videos webinar on Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. Create active and memorable fundraising event experiences, incorporate “mission moments” into your events, and produce authentic and emotional digital narratives that inspire and facilitate action and giving. Presented by Demio. Cost: Free. Register

Managing risk and due diligence in a disaster webinar on Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. Learn to balance IRS due diligence requirements with the need to move swiftly and minimize the burden on grantee partners during a disaster. Cost: Free. Presented by The Center for Disaster Philanthropy. Register

7 actionable tips to get your board members more engaged with your organization webinar on Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. Learn seven actionable ways to keep your board engaged with the nonprofit mission, communicate effectively, and work together as ambassadors for the organization. Presented by Nonprofit Hub. Cost: Free. Register

Power up your strengths: Foundations cohort from Jan. 30-March 14. Learn more about CliftonStrengths, how to teach or coach others on their strengths, and gain the skills needed to be the strengths cheerleader for your organization. Presented by Purple Ink. Cost: $2,900. Learn more

Board member recruitment basics pre-recorded webinar. Explore new ways to recruit nonprofit board members, expand your pool of candidates, and set your board up for a stronger future. Presented by Boardable. Register

Bosma’s Center for Visionary Solutions is seeking volunteers to help with its connections call-in program. Volunteers will facilitate telephone crossword puzzle activities every Tuesday and Thursday from 1-2 p.m., and Jeopardy and Word Game activities weekly every Wednesday and Friday from 3-4 p.m. Volunteers can oversee the programs remotely or at Bosma's Woodland location. For more information, email Ray Montgomery

Alerding CPA Group The accounting and consulting firms of Alerding CPA Group and Blue & Co., LLC have announced their merger.

Charitable Allies  Documents for nonprofits that work with animals can protect the organization, staff, and the animals they serve while avoiding liability and board conflict. 

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Executive Director - Rush County Community Foundation (Rushville, IN)

President and Chief Executive Officer - Noble, Inc.

Job Seekers, what do you think of Charitable Advisors’ new job board? We moved our job board to HiringOpps in late April. Now, we are anxious to find out how the new system is working as a job seeker. If you have applied for a job using the new system, could you please take 2-minutes to let us know how it is going?