July 30 , 2024

Provided by Charitable Advisors

As the upcoming election approaches, nonprofit organizations find themselves at a critical juncture. The results of this election could have profound implications, affecting funding, regulatory environments, and the communities they serve. Here's a look at how the election might impact nonprofit organizations and the strategies they can employ to navigate the changing landscape.

Funding and Budget Priorities

One of the most immediate concerns for nonprofits is how the election will influence federal and state funding. Government grants and contracts constitute a significant portion of many nonprofits' budgets. Changes in administration often bring shifts in budget priorities, which can either bolster or undermine funding for various causes.

For instance, a government that prioritizes healthcare may increase funding for medical research, community health programs, and related nonprofits. Conversely, an administration focused on fiscal austerity might reduce funding for social services, leaving many organizations scrambling to fill the gaps.

Nonprofits must stay informed about candidates' platforms and proposed policies. Understanding these priorities can help organizations anticipate changes and adapt their strategies accordingly. Building relationships with policymakers and advocating for continued support is crucial, regardless of the election's outcome.

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By Kristi Howard-Shultz, Kristi Howard-Shultz Consulting

As a non-profit organization, summertime beholds a special significance. It’s an opportunity to pause, reassess goals and strategies, and prepare for the remainder of the year. Whether you host a mid-year retreat or you set aside time for a review, now is the time to consider the goals you set at the beginning of the year, and evaluate your progress, achievements, and challenges. This process helps to reaffirm your mission and identify gaps, so you can realign your efforts and resources for renewed momentum.

A concern that frequently surfaces during these mid-year reflections is staffing and the living wage challenge. Unfortunately, high turnover rates and employee burnout are all too common in non-profit organizations due to the demanding nature of the work and limited resources. These problems are further exacerbated by the competitive salaries and benefits offered by the public sector, resulting in many non-profit employees grappling with the dilemma of earning a living wage while dedicating themselves to causes they truly care about. 

This issue is paramount and has a tremendous impact on any organization’s ability to carry out its mission. The good news is, there are many ways to navigate this challenge. Two new studies from the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) have taken a closer look at the need for funders to support nonprofits in order to improve the problems of insufficient salaries and benefits. 

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Gennesaret Free Clinics named Milele Kennedy as the new executive director. Kennedy previously served as an advisory committee member for the Tides Foundation. — Charitable Advisors’ leadership search

Little Red Door Cancer Agency named Taylor Schmitt as the program and outreach coordinator. Schmitt previously served as an AmeriCorps Public Ally at Little Red Door as the survivorship program coordinator.

Marian University announced the promotion of Jessica Morales Maust to vice president for enrollment management. Morales Maust was previously assistant vice president of enrollment management and financial aid.

Tami Tarpley has been promoted to chief of staff at the office of the chief operating officer and executive director of external relations & business development at Purdue University in Indianapolis. Tarpley previously served as the assistant dean for development and external relations.

Angi Park was named assistant director of gift processing at Ball State University Foundation. Parks previously served as the advancement services manager at The Oaks Academy.

The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis promoted Nikki Richards as the association director of marketing technology and digital marketing. Richards previously served as the marketing director.

Starfish Initiative promoted Marnie Caeture as a match specialist. Caeture was previously a Starfish scholar.

Starfish Initiative promoted Jola Rush as office manager. Rush was previously a student intern.

The Indianapolis Foundation and the Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund awarded $2.8 million in grants and investments to 46 Marion County nonprofits, libraries, projects, and initiatives. Grantees have community connectivity to drive equitable outcomes for residents. See recipients.

Hope Academy received an $11,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to purchase gym equipment for an onsite workout space. This new facility provides a variety of cardio and strength training equipment for teens participating in the recovery school’s Guiding Paths to Success (GPS) Program, which is offered during the summer and throughout the year during out-of-school times.

Prosperity Indiana and the Hoosier Housing Needs Coalition developed a training series and toolkit to educate their members and partners on a solution to end homelessness. These resources aim to prepare Hoosier advocates to talk with their state and local policymakers. Download the tooklit  

Ball Brothers Foundation awarded 33 grants, totaling more than $4 million, in its first round of funding this year. See the full list of recipients.

Noble’s 19th annual golf classic, held on June 17 at Sagamore Golf Club, raised over $111,000. Proceeds will benefit the organization and the people it serves.

Take Barnes Dennig’s 4-minute 401(k) plan management survey and receive a free copy of the findings. You’ll also be entered in a drawing for a $500 contribution to the charitable organization of your choice. Take survey  

Is your board keeping up with local nonprofit news and industry trends? Two resources to consider are the Not-for-Profit News and Frontline Perspectives, both published by Charitable Advisors. Encourage your board members to subscribe to stay informed!

How to walk employees down the development path –Even when one doesn’t exist on Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. Join for a dynamic session on employee growth and engagement. Discussion will include: career advancement challenges, sharing of personal stories, and explore strategies for effective development conversations. Learn how to support and motivate your team and implement development efforts. Presented by the Nonprofit HR Peer Group. Cost: Free. Register

How MacKenzie Scott and Melinda French Gates are transforming philanthropy webinar on Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. Learn practical advice, lessons, and real-world examples you can use to create or strengthen your fundraising data strategy and get the best results. Presented by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: Free. Register

What's your Giving Tuesday plan? webinar on Aug. 7 at Noon. Hear tips for planning and executing a giving day to raise funds and increase engagement for your cause. Presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals - Indiana Chapter. Cost: Free. Register

Focus group discussion about youth violence prevention initiatives on Aug. 7 from 3-5 p.m. at Ivy Tech Community College, 50 W Fall Creek Pkwy N Drive, Room 438. Discuss how to bridge the gaps in services for the youth in our communities and hear the youth's ideas for better support. Presented by Marion County Youth Violence Prevention Coalition. Cost: Free. Register

2024 SHRM HR Indiana conference from Aug. 12-14 at the JW Marriott. Presented by Indiana SHRM. Cost: Starts at $850. Learn more and register

Crafting proposal budgets that instill confidence webinar on Aug. 15 at 2 p.m. Learn smart ways to ensure your next proposed budget demonstrates your organization’s sustainability and sound fiscal management. 1.25 CFRE credits. Presented by Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: $69. Register

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT:

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

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. Presented by Indiana University Indianapolis Professional Development and Continuing Education. Cost: $25. Register

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, Hancock County Community Foundation, and The National Bank of Indianapolis. Register

The Junior League of Indianapolis (JLI) will be sharing about volunteer opportunities at its upcoming open houses. Attend a community open house virtually on Aug. 15 at 11:30 a.m. or in-person on Aug. 15 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the JLI office. Register  

Safe Park Indy is soliciting volunteer founding members for their board of directors. Safe Park Indy is a citizen-led, grassroots initiative to provide secure overnight parking, basic amenities, and a connection to social services for the unsheltered in Indianapolis living in their vehicles. Learn more

The best route to approaching donors: hand-head-heart

Learn how nonprofits can better engage potential donors by taking the time to consider and articulate how supporting the mission benefits them, too. 

Nonprofit grant proposal budget calculations: A road map

Five common challenges for calculating grant proposal numbers — and strategies to help overcome them. 

SPONSORS' INSIGHTS

Forvis Mazars Report: Myths and barriers preventing the progression of women

Barnes Dennig The growing threat to business emails