Fundraising is critical to the success of most nonprofit organizations and board members play an important role in making connections and adding credibility to your cause. That said, it is rare to find a new board member who spontaneously bursts into fundraising mode. Just as you would not hire a new sales person and send them out to call on prospects and customers without training and supporting them, we can be quick to alienate board members by acting like they are already doing something wrong when they have joined the board and are not automatically raising money. This article takes a comprehensive approach to equipping and supporting your board so they can support the organization. Consider sending it to your development committee or your entire board and talk about what your organization can do to make it easier for board members to step into fundraising.  

 

How to Create a Culture of Fundraising on Your Board (free article access with registration)

Giving USA Foundation has released annual estimates of charitable giving for 2023, showing an increase in giving, with $557.16 billion total. After a rare decline in overall giving in 2022, Giving USA 2024: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for 2023 reports an increase of 1.9% in current dollars but saw a 2.1% decline when adjusted for inflation.

Key factors that positively influenced giving were growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index, and disposable personal income, even when adjusted for inflation.

The following key trends in giving by sources were notable in 2023:

The Brownsburg Education Foundation (BEF) raised over $25,000 at the 21st Annual Chip-in for the Kids Golf Outing, held June 14 at West Chase Golf Club. One hundred thirty-three golfers enjoyed a beautiful day of golf while raising money for BEF to fund classroom grants, corporation-wide initiatives, and student scholarships.  

The Kendrick Foundation awarded 24 applicants with scholarships worth $17,500 for the 2024-25 academic year. These awards are given to select Morgan County residents pursuing careers in healthcare. Read more

Indiana Minority Business Magazine is accepting nominations for the 2025 Champions of Diversity. This award recognizes individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations throughout the nation who amplify the tenets of diversity and equity. Nominate by September 16  

The Mind Trust’s Summer Learning Labs began it’s fourth year with record-breaking participation, enrolling nearly 9,000 students. This free or low-cost, high-quality summer program focuses on academics and enrichment, aiming to triple the number of proficient students in Indianapolis Public Schools by 2027. Read more

Share your perspective: How are nonprofit leaders in Central Indiana adapting post-pandemic? Charitable Advisors has been investigating this through ongoing surveys. Read our president Bryan Orander’s insights in The Leadership Handoff: Who’s Next?. The brief four-question survey only takes a few minutes and helps shape the future of our community. Next Leaders survey. 

Uncharitable, was released on June 15. The movie is based on Dan Pallotta’s book Uncharitable: How Restraints on Nonprofits Undermine Their Potential. The movie and book is a tool you can deploy to transmogrify the way your staff, board, volunteers, and donors think about what’s possible for your organization. Watch on iTunes, GooglePlay, Amazon or Vimeo.  

Social media strategy for nonprofits webinar on July 10 at 1 p.m. This two-hour webinar demonstrates how to create and maintain a successful social media strategy and is customized for nonprofits with limited time and financial resources. Cost: $30. Presented by Nonprofit Tech for Good. Register 

Frame the problem on July 11 from 9-11 a.m. Before you can begin using data to make informed decisions, identify what you are trying to accomplish and determine how data can help you get there. Presented by SAVI. Cost: Free. Register 

The Impact of change management webinar on July 17 from 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn an understanding of change management, techniques for building a change-positive culture, and strategies to identify and nurture change champions. Earn one (1) SHRM Professional Development Credit. Presented by InvigorateHR. Cost: Free. Register

Planning a year-end fundraising strategy in the current giving climate webinar on July 18 at 2 p.m. Learn how to map out year-end communications — and meet your budget goals — amid uncertainty and ways to build strong ties with donors and share the impact of their gifts. Presented by Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: $69. Register

IU McKinney Law is offering virtual Master of Jurisprudence visits for those interested in applying for the 2025 - 2026 academic year. Learn more about the program

Register for a virtual lunch chat or private session 

Lead with Purpose, an interactive eight-session online training series, prepares individuals to apply their skills, interests, and experiences in effective nonprofit board service. The 2024 series is Aug. 8-Nov. 21, from 12:00-1:30 p.m. Presented by Hedges. Cost: $500 for the eight-session series for two participants from the same organization, or $90 per individual session. Sponsors include Faegre Drinker, KSM CPA & Advisors, and The National Bank of Indianapolis. Register

Make it make sense - How the political party process works on Aug. 12 with a hybrid option. Onsite at IUI University Hall, 301 University Blvd, Room 1006. Understand how the inner workings of the U.S. democracy enrich our perspectives as engaged citizens or motivate us to become one. Understand the history of the political party process and why there are only two political parties that dominate American politics. Indiana University Indianapolis Professional Development and Continuing Education. Cost: $25. Register

Tangram needs volunteers for projects that include: board membership, office support (front desk, filing, special projects, etc.), event volunteers (annual Halloween party, holiday gift wrapping, board retreat, etc.), activity leaders (painting, healthy cooking, gardening, etc.), book or music club, build a friendship (volunteer one-on-one with a tangram client) and virtual volunteer options. For more information, email mscott@thetangramway.org

KHS Consulting  10 Resources that Shed Light on NonProfit Workforce Challenges

Charitable Allies  Operating Internationally: Can My Nonprofit Do Work in Another Country?  

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