Overcoming the challenges of recruiting and retaining nonprofit fundraisers
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IU fundraising expert outlines how to adapt with new perspectives
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by Shari Finnell, editor/writer, Not-for-profit News
While many nonprofit organizations throughout Central continue to face hiring challenges, the task of attracting, hiring, and retaining fundraisers has proven to be one of the most concerning developments going into 2023.
In late 2022, as many as 46 percent of nonprofit fundraisers in the United States and the United Kingdom reported that they were planning to leave their current employer within the next two years, according to a report recently released by the Institute of Sustainable Philanthropy and Revolutionise International. Of those surveyed, 9 percent said they were leaving the profession entirely.
Those findings can be disturbing, especially since the pool of qualified fundraisers has historically fallen short of demand, according to Genevieve G. Shaker, associate professor of Philanthropic Studies and Donald A. Campbell Chair in Fundraising Leadership.
“Fundraisers are always in demand,” Shaker said. “This has been an ongoing issue, and the pandemic exacerbated it.”
As with many other nonprofit roles, the fundraising employees left to fill in the gap are at risk of burnout, stress, and lack of job satisfaction, she added.
According to a recent report released by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, nine out of 10 fundraisers surveyed indicated that unfilled fundraising positions have significantly increased their workloads. The respondents cited numerous problems that have led to high rates of burnout, including logging 12-hour workdays and facing unrealistic fundraising goals.
Those types of working conditions can exacerbate risks of nonprofit organizations losing additional fundraisers, Shaker said. “Fundraisers were feeling a significant amount of pressure during the pandemic to continue to meet organizational goals and needs,” she said. “However, this is ongoing. We know that the demands people are feeling in fundraising have not lessened.”
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What now?: 4 steps to revisit your vision, mission, and values
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by Kate Brierty, consultant at Hedges
Keeping an organization aligned during times of relentless rapid change can seem like an impossible task. Yet, it’s a task that many nonprofit leaders have faced on a whole new level since our world has been repeatedly hit with landscape-shifting changes over the past few years. The most successful leaders have taken on the difficult task of finding ways to keep what’s essential to their organization, while helping their team adapt their work to make meaningful impact in this new landscape. However, kicking off the plan to revisit, update, and align what’s at the core of your organization can be daunting.
In 2021, we gave organizations 5 questions they could answer to determine if the time is right to revisit their organization’s Vision, Mission, and Values. Many of you then shared that your organization’s essential statements were overdue for a review and refresh. So, today we want to offer insights into the obvious next question: What do we do now?
Although reviewing and revising your organization’s Vision, Mission, and Values is no small undertaking, there are a few straightforward steps you can adapt to implement a successful process for your team. We’ve outlined a 4-step update process that can leave your organization feeling more aligned, relevant, and ready to take on the changing landscape with confidence.
Step 1. Design and communicate the plan
An effective Vision, Mission, and Values review-and-revision process is intentional and inclusive, which does not happen by accident. Before you jump into editing, create a game plan for your organization’s approach. There are a few key questions to consider when structuring your revision process: What is actually up for adaptation? We encourage you to be open to reviewing all components of your Vision, Mission, and Values since they are so tightly linked and are all essential to your organization’s work.
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Lead with Purpose, an eight-session online training series, prepares individuals to apply their skills, interests, and experiences in effective nonprofit board service. The 2023 series is Aug. 10-Nov. 16, from 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Presented by Hedges. Cost: $500 for the eight-session series, for two participants from the same organization, or $90 per individual session. Founding Sponsors include Faegre Drinker and KSM, and Leading Sponsor The National Bank of Indianapolis.
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Re-released Join Bryan Orander in a conversation with Leslie Murphy of Raybourn Group International about how small- to mid-size associations are finding a better way to meet the needs of members and boards. This new approach is delivered through an association management company or AMC, for short. An AMC hires experts in marketing, technology and more to leverage their expertise on behalf of multiple associations or nonprofits. Listen
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The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art has named Kathryn Haigh as president and CEO. Haigh previously was chief operating officer at Newfields art museum and gardens. — Indiana Business Journal
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The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites has hired Tanya Hand as chief development officer. Hand previously was vice president of major and transformational giving at United Way of Central Indiana.
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Visually Impaired Preschool Services (VIPS) has promoted Meredith Howell to director of development for the organization. Howell previously was regional director for the VIPS Indiana location.
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The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has named Justin Blackstone as senior vice president and chief development officer. Blackstone previously was national director of philanthropy for Phalen Leadership Academies.
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The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has named Dr. E. Anders Kolb as CEO and president, effective May 1. Kolb most recently served as chief of the division of hematology and oncology of Nemours Children’s Health.
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91 Place Indy has named Ange Cahoon as compliance manager. Previously, Mercier was assessment coordinator and guest teacher at the Oaks Academy.
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CVS Health is contributing a $10 million grant to support a $13.5 million apartment complex development on the city’s Eastside. The St. Lucas Lofts project, located at 2810 E. New York St., will provide affordable housing options to low-income families and homeless young adults. Of the 48 units, 10 units will be reserved for referrals from Outreach, Inc., a nonprofit that serves homeless youth. Adult & Child Health will offer onsite services for residents, and John Boner Neighborhood Centers will host financial literacy and money management workshops. Read more
Indianapolis has been selected as the next host side for the National Humanities Conference, a gathering of more than 800 humanities leaders, scholars, and advocates. The event, which runs from Oct. 25-29, will attract representatives from universities, humanities councils, cultural institutions, and community-based organizations from across the country. Read more
Girls IN STEM Academy is a new public charter school, focused solely on females in grades K-8 with a STEM focus. The school is opening in the fall of 2024 on the Northside of Indianapolis near Broad Ripple. Registration opens in the fall of 2023. Read more
Two not-for-profits focused on affordable housing are relocating their offices to a downtown Indianapolis building.Merchants Bank of Indiana will have a satellite office on the first floor, while Rdoor Housing Corp., formerly known as Merchants Affordable Housing Corp., and Partners in Housing, will occupy the upper level. Read more
The Indianapolis Business Journal is accepting nominations for the HR Impact Awards for: Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Recruitment, Employee Experience and Training and Development. Nominate a candidate by April 7.
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Compensation & total rewards for nonprofits webinar on March 15 at noon. Gain insights during a panel discussion with local area nonprofit leaders who will share their experiences and thoughts on performance management process improvements, learning and development strategies, and how to use the data in the Central Indiana salary survey to develop performance-based compensation. Presented by Charitable Advisors and VonLehman CPA & Advisory Firm. Cost: Free. Register
Building authentic relationships to develop diverse board webinar on March 15 at noon. Hear a panel discussion on how organizations can develop authentic relationships that lead to strong, successful boards. Presented by Leadership Indianapolis. Cost: Free. Register
Successful grant proposals workshop on March 18 at 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m. Learn about the grant application process and assess whether your organization is ready to apply for grants. Presented by The Indianapolis Public Library. Register
Inspiring transformational giving webinar on March 21 at 3 p.m. Learn what motivates affluent donors to make transformational gifts and the key elements needed to support true relationship-based fundraising. Presented by Grossnickle & Associates. Cost: Free. Register
Gearing up for Q2: Fundraising strategies to add to your roster webinar on March 22 at noon. Learn tips to effectively execute a fundraising campaign and tools and resources to solidify your fundraising plans. Presented by XUNite. Cost: Free. Register
Using SAVI data in other GIS tools webinar on March 23 at 2 p.m.-3 p.m. Learn about a powerful collection of tools and resources that leverage data for better decision-making, including Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. Presented by SAVI Data Literacy. Register
Equity in criminal prosecutions webinar on March 23 at 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. This discussion will examine disparities in criminal prosecutions in Marion County based on race, ethnicity, and sex of those charged with criminal offenses. Presented by WFYI. Register
Build a diverse pool of donors session on March 23 from 2-3:15 p.m. Many nonprofits accelerated efforts to diversify donor pools after the murder of George Floyd sparked a national reckoning on racial injustice. Explore some of those options. Cost: $69. Register
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RightFit after-school program needs volunteers who are passionate about kids to help on weekdays from 3-6 p.m. Volunteers will support elementary students in various programming areas, including physical education, health and nutrition, homework, and social and emotional learning. Email Jamie Johnson to learn more.
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In most cases, neither supervisors nor employees think that the current process for performance appraisals is working. For a better approach, take a look at this six-point pre-appraisal reflection for supervisors.
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A report on gender issues in fundraising identifies ways nonprofits may be holding women back, and how to dismantle patriarchal structures in the fundraising profession.
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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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Nonprofit office space in great location
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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Coworking office memberships available
Enhance your productivity and meet like-minded people at Nexus’ shared coworking space. Nexus offers month-to-month memberships for open desks and dedicated desks. Memberships include meeting room credits, access to high-speed internet, and free printing, and coffee. Besides having a great place to work, you’ll connect with small business owners and nonprofit employees that care about making a positive difference in their communities. Coworking office memberships range from $59/month to $149/month. Learn more
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CHARITABLE ADVISORS
FEATURED JOB POSTINGS
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Executive Leadership (CEO/ED/COO)
Director - Family Promise of Hendricks County, Inc.
Fund Development/Marketing/PR/Advocacy
Admin Support/Clerical
Finance/Accounting/HR/IT/Facility
Data/Research/Quality Assurance
Programs/Program Support
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