3 traps to avoid in year-end fundraising |
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by Chris Maddocks, contributor, The Chronicle of Philanthropy
According to a mid-year survey of nonprofits, nearly 44 percent expect a decline in year-end fundraising revenue due to a recent slowdown in giving. Anxiety and hard times can lead to questionable tactics. We’ve seen it before: Short-term wins can erode donor trust, spark animosity among “competing” organizations, and increase donor fatigue.
No matter how tempting they may seem, here are three tactics to avoid as we seek gifts in the final quarter of the year.
Do not engage in competitive advertising on search engines
Search-engine advertising on platforms like Bing and Google can be one of the most effective and efficient ways to boost online revenue. When a potential donor enters a search term for a specific cause, the top results usually are paid advertisements. These ads ensure that donors quickly find a way to donate without scrolling through pages of results.
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What counts as an in-kind donation? How do you write an acknowledgment for an in-kind donation? |
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by Charitable Allies
What are in-kind donations? Generally speaking, in-kind donations are when a donor donates a non-monetary donation. It’s important to note that donated time (volunteering) is not tax-deductible, but if the volunteer provided goods to help complete the volunteer job, those things would be tax deductible. For example, if a volunteer offers to re-paint a nonprofit’s facility, the time is not deductible, but the paint and other supplies are tax-deductible.
In-kind donations generally fall into one of three categories:
- Direct payment by a donor of bill owed by the charity to a third party
- Donations of goods
- Donations of services
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Direct payment of a bill. Direct payment of a bill is the easiest type of in-kind donation to verify and acknowledge. An organization should confirm with the vendor that the invoice was paid (and not somehow discounted and then paid) and receive written confirmation from the vendor.
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IndyHub has hired Kelley McNulty as director of strategic initiatives. McNulty previously served as senior director of marketing at Indiana University Athletics. |
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Purdue University in Indianapolis has named Evan Hawkins as senior director. Hawkins previously was assistant vice president of facilities and procurement at Marian University. — Inside Indiana Business
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MCCOY has hired Elizabeth Coit as executive director, effective January 2024. Coit previously was executive director of the Center for Applied Ethics at Marian University. |
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The Eiteljorg Museum of the American Indians and Western Art has promoted Nataly Lowder as executive vice president and chief advancement officer. Lowder previously was vice president of advancement. — Inside Indiana Business
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Indianapolis Public Schools needs support in increasing the availability of before- and after-school care for students districtwide. The Engage Every Student Indianapolis campaign seeks to provide before- and after-school programs for all students who need it, from pre-K to fifth grade, by the 2024-25 school year. Individuals from interested organizations can fill out the pledge form.
Indiana University Health has awarded $487,500 to The Arc of Indiana Foundation’s Erskine Green Training Institute over a three-year period. The funds will be used to create a workforce training program for disabled individuals at Riley Hospital for Children. In addition to hands-on job training, students will learn critical soft skills. Learn more
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration has granted $8.7 million to 21 early education providers to expand their childcare offerings. According to the Center for American Progress, about 55 percent of Hoosiers live in a childcare desert. Read more
Taylor University has released its Campus Master Plan, outlining more than $100 million in capital projects on its Upland campus. University officials say the investments focus on five core areas: academic buildings, dining facilities, residence life, hospitality, and co-curricular investments. Learn more
The Ball Brothers Foundation has distributed 36 grants totaling $5 million to expand Cardinal Greenways in East Central Indiana. The grants follow a previous investment for a trailhead, road, and canoe/kayak access point along the Mississinewa River. Read more
LISC Indianapolis has launched the Vacant Lot Acquisition Fund for Urban Farmers, a pilot program that supports Midtown Indianapolis and Southeast Neighborhood Development in acquiring vacant lots that can be leased to urban farmers. Learn more
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Racial equity workshop on Dec. 5 from 1-4 p.m. Partners, fundholders, and community members are invited to learn about the impacts of racial disparities and the history of racism. Presented by Central Indiana Community Foundation. Cost: Free. Register
A conversation with author Simran Jeet Singh on Dec. 6 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Indiana Historical Society, 450 W. Ohio St. Singh will explore how generosity and the power of religious diversity can promote a healthy civic society. Singh wrote The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your Life. Cost: Free. Presented by Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Register
Chart of accounts considerations for nonprofits using QuickBooks Online webinar on Dec. 6 from 8-9 p.m. Explore the components of a chart of accounts and share best practices related to its change management and data governance. Presented by FORVIS. Cost: Free. Register
Eviction webinar on Dec. 7 from 9-11 a.m. The causes of eviction can be complex, following a synergy of poverty and low wages, rising rent costs, inflation, and drug and mental health challenges for citizens living paycheck to paycheck. Presented by SAVI Talks. Cost: Free. Register
7 practices that lead to breakout change interactive webinar on Dec. 7 from 2-4 p.m. Learn about the seven key practices that cultivate civic participation and responsible leadership and that strengthen organizations and communities. Presented by Women4Change. Cost: $50. Register
Business software refresher series: PowerPoint Part 1 on Dec. 8 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Gain a better understanding of PowerPoint, including basic features more effectively, and leveraging the use of existing templates and speaker notes. Presented by IUPUI Office of Professional Development. Cost: $75. Register
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Volunteers of America is seeking volunteers to Adopt-A-Family during the holiday season. Shop, wrap and drop off presents for recipients. As part of standard practices, individuals will purchase three gifts for each person, totaling under $100 per person. To learn more, contact Debra Hughes or call (614) 253-6100. |
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Learn how adopting trauma-informed practices can help your nonprofit create a culture of safety and sustainability for your staff and clients.
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McKinsey & Co. research confirms that a comprehensive approach to transformation, which enables mindset and behavior changes at scale, is crucial to success.
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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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Grow your organization in a cost-effective, collaborative space that supports your unique needs. Refinery46 goes beyond physical space to focus on you and your organization. In addition to promoting a collaborative and inspiring environment, Refinery46 delivers a full-service workspace for founders, teams, and individuals. Learn more. Visit Refinery46.com, call (317) 762 4646, or email Community Manager Addison. |
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Nonprofit office space in great location (Butler University area)
Indiana Interchurch Center, which is centrally located in Indianapolis at 1100 W. 42nd St., has available office spaces ranging from 200 to 1,600 square feet for 501(c)3 organizations. Free parking, utilities, high-speed internet, and shared meeting rooms are included. The facility is home to a diverse group of nonprofit and church organizations that are making an impact in the community. Contact Kris Keys or call (317) 923-3617. |
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Nexus coworking spaces available
Need an affordable, community-oriented work environment? Nexus currently has open desks and dedicated desk options available in its shared coworking space. Month-to-month memberships include free meeting room credits, high-speed internet, printing, and coffee. Nexus members consist of small business owners and nonprofits that are making a positive difference in Indianapolis. Monthly memberships range from $59 to $149. Learn more
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CHARITABLE ADVISORS
FEATURED JOB POSTINGS
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Fund Development/Marketing/PR/Advocacy
Admin Support/Clerical
Finance/Accounting/HR/IT/Facility
Programs/Program Support
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