October 29, 2024

By Chelsea Ohlemiller, Charitable Advisors

As November kicks off, Charitable Advisors is excited to announce our Month of Giving campaign. Over the next 30 days, we’ll be spotlighting these incredible Indiana-based nonprofits across our social media platforms, sharing their missions, the communities they serve, and the ways individuals can support them through donations and other giving opportunities. This initiative comes at a pivotal time for nonprofits, as the final quarter of the year is critical for hitting fundraising goals and gaining momentum for the year ahead.

Why November Matters for Nonprofits

For many nonprofits, the year-end giving season is the most important fundraising period of the year. In fact, according to Nonprofit Source, nearly one-third (31%) of annual donations happen in the last three months of the year, with December alone accounting for a significant portion. But the push for donations often begins in November, as nonprofits ramp up their outreach and connect with donors ahead of Giving Tuesday and other key events.

Indiana nonprofits, like those featured in our Month of Giving campaign, are no exception. These organizations provide vital services across the state, from feeding families in need to offering mental health support and education initiatives. Yet, many face the challenge of limited marketing budgets and a crowded field of causes vying for donor attention. That’s where Charitable Advisors steps in—our Month of Giving campaign aims to elevate the visibility of these organizations, driving awareness and engagement at a time when it’s needed most.

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By Cole Borden, Johnson Grossnickle & Associates

Look beyond wealth to identify major gift fundraising opportunities.

In my role as a data analyst here at JGA, I have learned that identifying potential major donors is crucial to every nonprofit’s fundraising. It is the top topic on the mind of every JGA partner when they work with us to explore their data. It is exciting to see how this search for top prospects has changed over time.

Traditionally, wealth and giving capacity have been the primary indicators to determine individuals likely to make substantial contributions. This has transformed in recent years to include an analysis of a prospect’s capacity, affinity, and philanthropic giving indicators, using billions of data points from hundreds of sources.

Incorporating engagement variables—factors that measure a donor’s connection and involvement with your organization—can also significantly enhance the effectiveness of your fundraising efforts. This takes prospect identification from “descriptive” to truly “predictive,” and can significantly amplify your effectiveness. Here’s how that works.

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Brooke's Place for Grieving Young People, Inc. hired Stephanie Conway as a therapy services coordinator. Conway was previously employed at MSD of Warren Township.

Clarity of Central Indiana promoted Angie Burton to vice president of development. Burton was previously the senior client services director.

A legacy gift of $250,000 from Laura Duty and her daughter, Brynne Duty, established the Michael Duty Founding Director Endowment Fund for Internships at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. This endowment, in honor of Michael Duty’s life and passion for professional learning, will support paid internships for undergraduate and graduate students, particularly in the museum’s curatorial and collections departments, creating lasting support for educational efforts. Read more

The Indiana Music History Project announced the launch of its first Indiana Music Audio Kiosk, now available for visitors at its free public gallery, located at 1305 Broad Ripple Avenue. Funded by a Heritage Support Grant from the Indiana Historical Society, courtesy of the Lilly Endowment, the kiosk is a unique interactive experience designed for music lovers. Visitors can explore a curated selection of genre-focused playlists and a special Indiana playlist.

Foster Success has released a new impact report showing it has supported more than 1,100 older foster youth across the state for the first time, marking a 10% increase over the previous year. The organization also reached young people in 84% of Indiana’s 92 counties. See report

Hoosier Women Forward’s sold-out annual fundraising luncheon will use proceeds to prepare women for roles in elected offices, boardrooms, nonprofits, and executive positions. Learn more

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration announced the end of the waitlist for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services, meaning all eligible individuals can now access employment assistance. This milestone comes during National Disability Employment Awareness Month and marks a significant step in providing better job opportunities for people with disabilities. Learn more

Subscribe to Charitable Advisors’ 'Wants & Wins' outreach email for updates on donation opportunities, success stories from impactful organizations, and current needs and wish lists where your support can make a difference. Get timely insights and be among the first to discover meaningful ways to give and receive within the nonprofit sector, and submit your organization’s individual 'wants.

Ability Allies is seeking board members with expertise in areas including treasury, service expansion, IT, strategic planning, and financial sustainability. Submit application

The Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) is launching a volunteer apprenticeship program for service dog training, offering two terms that cover general dog care, volunteer training, and advanced service dog skills. Applicants must be 18 or older, live within 50 miles of Zionsville, commit to 12 hours per week, and apply by Dec. 1 with a $100 fee. Learn more and apply by Dec. 1 

The ‘World’s Mayor’ — How Michael Bloomberg Uses Philanthropy to Change the Way Cities Are Run

Through Bloomberg Philanthropies, he is providing funding and technical support to around 700 city governments across 150 countries.

Inspiring Young Volunteers: Strategies for Future Impact 

Strategies to motivate younger generations to contribute and potentially become future donors.

SPONSORS' INSIGHTS

Charitable Allies A Nonprofit Attorney’s Advice for Nonprofits Preparing for a Recession: How to Ensure Your Nonprofit Survives and Thrives During Hard Times 

Dean Dorton HIPAA Regulations Update 

CHARITABLE ADVISORS FEATURED JOBS

Executive Director - WonderLab Museum of Science, Health & Technology

Executive Director - Center for Interfaith Cooperation