February 25, 2025

Blue Avocado

In an increasingly complex and fractured global landscape, nonprofit organizations must focus not only on their mission and profitability but also on how their values shape their work. This article introduces the concept of the Expanded Matrix Map, a strategic tool that evaluates programs through a triple bottom line: mission impact, profitability, and values alignment. 

By adding a values dimension to the well-known Matrix Map, nonprofits can make more informed decisions, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and drive sustainable, impactful change. Learn how this approach can guide your organization toward greater success while staying true to its core principles.

Read the full article

Submitted by IFF

For nonprofits working day in and day out to meet immediate community needs, environmental sustainability isn’t always top of mind. With limited resources, providing services to those who most need them is understandably a higher priority. By focusing on the energy efficiency of their facilities, however, many nonprofits may be able to save money on operating costs that can be reinvested in mission-critical programs and services. Whether replacing old windows, installing smart thermostats, or otherwise investing in energy efficiency, small upgrades can add up to big impact.  

Before devoting time and resources to these upgrades, a formal energy assessment can be a useful step for nonprofits to take to determine what facility updates will be most impactful to the organization’s bottom line. 

For nonprofits interested in pursuing an energy assessment for their facility and exploring how their organization can increase energy efficiency to reduce operating costs, IFF has compiled an overview of how an energy assessment is conducted, what nonprofits can do to prepare for one, and the types of questions that will be considered during the process.  

Read more

Dove Recovery House for Women promoted Dana Wood to director of clinical services. Wood previously served as the clinical manager at the Dubois County location.

The Cooper House hired Amy Norris as the community engagement coordinator. Norris was previously an instructional assistant at Noblesville Schools and an art teacher at the Hamilton County Juvenile Services Center.

The Indiana Bar Foundation welcomes Amelia Miller as the new civic education program manager. Miller previously worked as a nonprofit executive director, manager, and trainer.

Karissa Rates has joined Damar as director of marketing and communications. Rates most recently served as director of marketing, diversity, equity, & inclusion at Cancer Support Community Indiana.

Are you a Central Indiana nonprofit? The salary survey deadline has been extended to March 16! Complete the survey to receive an early release of the compensation report in June. Complete the form. Congratulations to the winners of the first drawing for gift cards for completion of the survey: Marion County Commission on Youth, Second Helpings, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana.

The 16 Tech Community Investment Fund awarded $300,000 to grantees who support projects that enhance the growth and vitality of the neighborhoods surrounding the 16 Tech Innovation District. See the grantees 

Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) at the University of Indianapolis received a $10 million federal Education Innovation and Research grant to launch the Rural Early College Network 2.0. to support 11,000 rural high school students across 20 districts through Early College programming, improving access to advanced coursework and reducing barriers to college. Learn more

The Murat Shrine of Indiana and On-Stage LIVE! Entertainment announced a partnership to create the Downtown Dinner Theatre in the historic Murat Shrine Center in Indianapolis, a new dining and performing arts entertainment option for residents, visitors, and conventioneers. Learn more

What nonprofits need to know about lobbying in Indiana. This Practical Guidance resource is designed to help your nonprofit organization determine if lobbying rules in Indiana might apply to your state or local work. Download

The Indiana University Indianapolis Nonprofit Expo will be on April 2 from 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. in the Campus Center. Share opportunities to work, intern, and volunteer with over 300 undergrad, grad, and alumni students on the IU Indianapolis Campus. Exhibitor registration closes on March 20. 

Nonprofits, grassroots organizations, and community groups interested in looking for volunteers to assist with a project can apply to United Way of Central Indiana’s Go All In Day, which will be held on April 25. Submit details about the projects

Explore key findings from the Women & Girls Index 2024 report webinar today, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. Dive into the latest trends in funding and explore how investing in women and girls can create lasting change, uplift communities, and inspire a brighter future for all. Presented by Johnson, Grossnickle & Associates. Cost: Free. Register

Successful Grant Proposals on March 1 at 1:30 p.m. at the Central Library. In this workshop, you’ll learn about the grant application process and assess whether your organization is ready to apply for grants. Presented by The Indianapolis Public Library. Cost: Free. Register 

Person-Centered Individualized Support Plan Facilitator Training on March 4-5 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Easterseals Crossroads, 4740 Kingsway Drive. Learn tools to help the individuals on a BDDS Medicaid Waiver to put person-centered practices into daily use. Presented by INARF. Cost: INARF Members $179/ Non-members $279. Register

Preparing your board for the next ED/CEO Leadership Transition webinar on March 4 at 11:30 a.m. As younger leaders replace long-term leaders, we find the commitment is often three to five years. Join Charitable Advisors’ Bryan Orander as he shares his knowledge from over 100 successful nonprofit ED/CEO searches. Whether you are in the midst of a transition or want to be prepared when the next one arrives, this webinar provides invaluable insights. Presented by Charitable Advisors. Cost: Free. Register  

Building a Philanthropic Movement across Latino Communities webinar on March 5 at 1 p.m. Featuring, Julián Castro, CEO of the Latino Community Foundation, the nation’s largest Latino-serving foundation. Presented by Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Cost: Free. Register

Connect to a Cause on March 5 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at 2955 North Meridian Street. Meet representatives from 20+ incredible community organizations and explore opportunities to volunteer, join a board, or simply learn more about their inspiring work. Presented by United Way of Central Indiana. Cost: Free. Register

Onboarding & Orienting New Board Members workshop on March 12 from 9:30-11 a.m. at Indianapolis Art Center. Learn strategies to foster engagement and accountability as you welcome and equip new board members. Presented by National Bank of Indianapolis and Hedges. Cost: Free. Register

More critical than ever: Cash flow management & financial forecasting for non-profits webinar on March 13 at 1 p.m. Use effective cash flow management and financial forecasting strategies to safeguard your finances. Presented by Barnes Dennig. Cost: Free. Register

INspire Her Leadership Summit on March 20 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Union Station, 255 S. Illinois Street. Attendees will walk away from the event with new connections, renewed inspiration, and motivation to take action toward a better world for Indiana’s women and girls. Presented by Girl Scouts of Central Indiana. Cost: $125. Register

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is seeking volunteers to engage, inspire, and educate guests. Long and short-term opportunities include helping in the qualifying zone and innovation workshop areas, gallery guides, and visitor support roles. Learn more

Indiana Artisan needs volunteers of all capabilities for its annual Marketplace on March 29-30 at the State Fairgrounds. Beyond heaping amounts of gratitude, volunteer perks include free admission and parking at the art and food experience, a T-shirt, light snacks, and discounts in select booths. Register  

New Study Finds Strong Support for Charitable Tax Deduction

A national study of donor and non-donor attitudes toward a universal charitable tax deduction—offering valuable insights for the philanthropic sector.

Unlocking Philanthropy’s Future: Engaging Generations and Elevating Nonprofit Impact {Podcast}

Unpack the complexities of scaling nonprofit organizations and reveal the secrets to surmounting these challenges. 

SPONSORS' INSIGHTS

Johnson, Grossnickle & Associates Why Fundraisers Should Volunteer as Board Members and Be Donors  

InvigorateHR  Employee Wellbeing: A Comprehensive Approach to Organizational Success