Stepping away is part of the nonprofit circle of life.

Over the years, I have worked with many founder-led (or until-recently-founder-led) organizations. There is something exciting about being part of that first wave, when a bold new idea emerges, takes shape, and hopefully improves society around it. But for those toiling away in young nonprofits, it is often grueling and sometimes even cruel. And after all the difficulties of starting a nonprofit, the end of the beginning rarely goes well. As anyone who has witnessed Founder’s Syndrome can tell you, the first leader is often abruptly shown the door, maybe under a cloud, leaving the organization in crisis. Not all survive. So how can you avoid this fate?

In the dynamic landscape of nonprofit management, achieving sustainability is a primary goal. Endowment readiness stands as a cornerstone strategy, offering organizations a pathway to financial stability and long-term impact. By taking proactive steps to cultivate endowment readiness, nonprofits can safeguard their missions, weather economic uncertainties, and ensure their ability to serve communities for generations to come. Here are key steps to guide nonprofits on their journey towards endowment readiness:

Indy Reads as been awarded two grants, totaling $125,000, from the Margot L. Eccles Arts & Culture Fund. The grants will be used for general operating support and a new, innovative program: Literacy Through Art: Unlocking Student Artists, which will launch in the 2024-2025 program year. Read more

Public Advocates in Community re-Entry (PACE), Indiana’s leading re-entry agency, is to receive $1 million from MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving. The proceeds will be used to support the growth of PACE programming which includes case management, recovery support, moral reconation therapy, workforce development, and more. Read more

Hamilton County Leadership Academy (HCLA) is accepting applications for the class of 2025. HCLA selects a cohort of leaders each year to complete a comprehensive 10-month curriculum exploring local issues. After completing the program, graduates are prepared to assume active roles in addressing critical issues facing Hamilton County. Cost: $2,000. Apply by April 8

Empower to Educate micro-grants are accepting applications. Both traditional child care centers and registered ministries are eligible for grants up to $10,000. Apply by April 12

Indiana Humanities is offering grants up to $1,000 for libraries, schools, universities, and nonprofits to enhance their collections with diverse viewpoints and materials on race-related topics. Applications are due April 19 by 5 p.m.

The City of Fishers is accepting applications for the 2024 Nonprofit Grants. The Fishers Nonprofit Grant Committee will distribute $250,000 funding to local organizations that create a sense of place, public interaction, or additional educational opportunities for Fishers residents. Apply by April 24

Fathers and Families Center (FFC) announced a partnership with United Food Missions, a division of Faith Hope and Love Community, to provide nutritious food assistance to FFC’s clients and their families, a substantial percentage of whom are food insecure. Read more

What’s working? Utilizing program evaluation to improve service delivery and outcomes on Mar. 30 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Central Library. This session introduces basic program evaluation strategies and activities to help you understand if your program is meeting goals, operating effectively, and making an impact in your community. Presented by the Indianapolis Public Library. Cost: Free. Register

Analyze and visualize with charts webinar on Apr. 1 from 1-3 p.m. Learn the fundamentals: what to think about before making a chart, principles for choosing and designing a chart, and how to create static data visualizations with Microsoft Excel; as well as a demonstration of other interactive visualization tools such as Datawrapper. Presented by SAVI. Cost: Free. Register

Fiscal Policy Summit 2024: Cultivating Big Ideas on Apr. 11 from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Embassy Suites Noblesville. Hear the "big ideas" that will impact Indiana public policy in the years to come, including Indiana's energy transition and innovations in housing policy. Presented by Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute. Cost: $125 members/ $150 Non-members. Register

2024 Indiana Summit on Out of School Learning on Apr. 14-16 at Hyatt Regency, One South Capitol Avenue. The Summit offers a practical and insightful platform for youth programs, community partners, and advocates. Presented by Indiana Afterschool Network. Cost: Starts at $100. Register

LEAD on Apr. 9, 16 and 23 at dormakaba, 6161 E 75th St. This multi-day workshop will equip participants with essential collaborative leadership skills through interactive sessions, thought-provoking discussions, and real-world case studies for community leaders. Presented by Leadership Indianapolis. Cost: $1,000. To learn about a scholarship, contact Beth Outland Register

Impact 100 needs volunteers for its annual celebration on June 11 at Outside the Box. Opportunities include: set up, design, and marketing/communication. Training is on April 30 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 3940 East 56th Street Indianapolis. Register

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.

Executive Director - Gennesaret Free Clinic