February 11, 2025

By Tamara Winfrey-Harris, President of Women’s Fund of Central Indiana

Women’s Fund of Central Indiana recently published its first-ever State of Women in Central Indiana Report (SOWR). The full report is free and available here. Combined with the Indiana Girl Report, a collaboration of the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, Girl Coalition of Indiana, and the Indiana Youth Institute, and the State of Aging in Central Indiana Report, published by the Central Indiana Senior Fund, this is the first time that we have such a clear picture of what it means to be a woman or a girl in Indiana.

Created in partnership with the Polis Center at Indiana University Indianapolis, the study offers an unprecedented look at the conditions of women in our region through various data sources and, importantly, firsthand accounts.

Studies like the SOWR represent a powerful tool for nonprofit organizations. Not only can local data give us a better picture of our community to better calibrate services, but it can lend tremendous credibility to funding requests or grant proposals. Demonstrating a need through data can be persuasive for foundations who want to make an impact.  

Read More  

By Amanda Meko, CPA, CGMA

Non-profit organizations often rely on a mix of monetary and non-monetary contributions to advance their missions. In-kind contributions, which include donated goods, services, and even real estate, can be a vital lifeline that helps non-profits stretch limited budgets and maximize impact in their communities. Yet accepting non-cash gifts without a clear set of guidelines can create unanticipated hurdles—from legal complications to costly storage and maintenance expenses.

A well-crafted gift acceptance policy can help an organization focus on the gifts that truly support its mission while shielding it from undue burdens and liabilities. It also helps vet in-kind donations to ensure they truly align with an organization’s mission and capacity, all while promoting fairness and transparency for donors.

Understanding in-kind contributions

In-kind contributions refer to any non-cash gifts provided to a non-profit. This category includes tangible items like furniture, technology, and even real estate, as well as intangible assets such as professional services—from legal representation to graphic design.

One of the greatest appeals of these contributions is that they diversify a non-profit’s resources and reduce the reliance on monetary donations. For example, gift cards can supply flexible purchasing power for specific needs, while pro bono services may allow an organization to access specialized expertise it could not otherwise afford. By welcoming the support of local businesses or individual donors who contribute goods and services, organizations foster ongoing engagement and expand their reach.

Read more

Karrie Baxter Howk has been named director of external engagement at Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center. Baxter Howk was previously the marketing manager at Early Learning Indiana.

The Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau appointed Matt Rust as executive director. Rust previously served as the executive project manager for the general director at Church of God Ministries Inc.

The International Center promoted Neelam Patel to senior manager of global programs. Patel previously served as the international visitor program manager.

Indianapolis Housing Agency named Yvonda Bean as executive director. Bean was previously the CEO of the Columbia Housing Authority in South Carolina. --WTHR

The McKinney Family Foundation has announced $3.53 million in grants to 21 recipients in 2025, supporting an environmentally sustainable future for all Hoosiers. See recipients 

United Way of Central Indiana welcomes 31 participants to its newest session of Leadership United, a program that trains professionals on how to serve on nonprofit boards. Participants will complete service projects and receive training in fundraising, marketing, finance, legal issues, ethics, and diversity, equity and inclusion related to serving on a nonprofit board. See recipients

During the 2024 holiday season, Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank received 44,000 pounds of food donations, more than $160,000 in monetary contributions, and over 750 hours of volunteer support.

Indy Free Tax Prep is available to individuals and families with a household income of $66,000 or less in 2024. The program will run through mid-April at 13 locations in Boone, Delaware, Hendricks, Marion and Morgan counties. Learn more  

Indianapolis Business Journal is accepting nominations for Indiana 250, the 250 most influential business and community leaders in the state of Indiana. Submit by Feb. 28   

Serve Indiana is accepting AmeriCorps applications for programs designed to deliver direct and/or capacity building service. Learn more and apply    

Ensure your nonprofit organization completes the 2025 Central Indiana Nonprofit Salary Survey by Feb. 15 for a chance to win one of three $50 Visa gift cards. Complete the form to participate.

Join Connect to a Cause on March 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at United Way of Central Indiana, 2955 N. Meridian St. This event offers the opportunity to meet representatives from more than 20 community organizations and explore ways to volunteer, serve on a board, or learn more about their impactful work. Don't miss this chance to make a difference in your community. Register

Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank seeks Board members to fight hunger in Hamilton County and make a lasting impact for the community. If interested, sign up here

Measuring Your Impact Effectively

This Nonprofit Hub article offers a quick refresh on the difference between outputs and outcomes and how you can evaluate your organization's impact. 

Can a Merger Expand Your Impact? 5 Lessons from Leaders Who Did It (create a free account to read more)

Two leaders explain why their nonprofits joined together after the pandemic — and what they learned that can help other groups pull off a successful merger.