October 22, 2024

Blue Avocado

The Blue Avocado community recently shared their most successful fundraising strategies, providing a treasure trove of insights for nonprofit professionals looking to boost their efforts. From simple, authentic email campaigns to leveraging match campaigns and grant writing, these strategies highlight the power of personal connection, creativity, and adaptability. Whether it's building long-term relationships with donors or spreading staff across multiple grants to ensure sustainability, these real-world examples offer practical tips to help organizations grow their impact while staying true to their mission. For the entire list of innovative approaches to inspire your own fundraising success, continue reading

By Kristi Howard-Shultz, Kristi Howard-Shultz Consulting

It’s that time of year again—budget season! Whether you’re new to the task or a seasoned pro looking for a refresher, our guide aims to provide you with insights for effectively navigating the budgeting process. With some practical pointers from KHS Consulting, you’ll be ready to cruise through the budgeting process with confidence. After all, your budget isn't just a spending plan—it's a roadmap that guides your fundraising goals and even helps you secure crucial grants. While things might drift off course as the year unfolds, laying down a strong foundation now will help keep your mission on track.

1. Decipher Your Data

The information in your donor, volunteer, and membership databases, as well as your accounting figures, are crucial in plotting your course for the upcoming year. Your finance team should break down expenses and revenue by program or activity area, as these insights will pave the way for a solid budget. Be sure these numbers are up-to-date, reconciled, and accurate as a first step, as this is the information that provides the framework for all of your budget decisions. 

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Reading in Motion named Erin Duffy as the executive director. Duffy was previously director of career services and employer relations at DePauw University.

Jameson Camp is pleased to announce the appointment of Carolyn Pool as guest services director, effective late October. Pool previously served as senior youth engagement program coordinator for Foster Success.

LaTanya Reed has been promoted to program center coordinator at Outreach, Inc. Reed previously served as the organization’s youth and young adult greeter.

Brettany Ervin has been promoted to director of program centers at Outreach, Inc. Ervin previously served as the organization’s program center manager.

The Indianapolis Foundation has revealed its five-year strategic plan to address racial equity for underrepresented communities in Indianapolis and Marion County. The Equity Imperative 2030 plan focuses on building and scaling equitable systems that create diverse opportunities and outcomes for all people, regardless of race, place, or identity. Read more

Nominations are now open for ELEVATE, United Way of Central Indiana’s annual awards event recognizing the region’s top young philanthropists, advocates and volunteers. Nominees must be ages 21 to 41 and live or work in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Henricks, Marion, Morgan or Putnam counties. Nominate by Dec. 3

The Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University has launched a new Center for Leadership in Public Service that will focus on three pillars: student leadership training, executive education and public engagement and research. Read more

The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust has awarded $150,000 to Horizon House for its PATH Street Outreach Program, which assists individuals living unsheltered in Indianapolis; $125,000 to The Julian Center for shelter and supportive services for survivors of domestic violence; and $75,000 to the Corporation for Supportive Housing for its community education program focused on the need for supportive housing options.

IndyGo launched the new Purple Line on Oct. 13. The rapid-transit bus line connecting downtown Indianapolis to Lawrence and areas of the far-east side. Read more

The Indiana Community Action Association received a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the Diaper Distribution Pilot Program, which will expand diaper distribution services and connect participating families with other programs that address the causes and conditions of poverty. Read more

Impact 100 is accepting applications for its Leaders of the Future program. Learn more and apply by Dec. 6

Cultivating neighborhoods & the small-scale development movement on Oct. 24 from 4-6:30 p.m. at P30, 3039 N Post Road. Learn about the Emerging Develop Growth Initiative to expand opportunities for emerging developers, for-profit and nonprofit, through the creation of new affordable housing using missing middle housing concepts, design/zoning supports, and financing. Presented by LISC. Cost: Free. Register 

2024 Practitioner's Forum from Oct. 28-30 at Courtyard by Marriott Fishers 11550 Whistle Dr Fishers. Learn from industry experts, network with peers, and discover the latest trends in Indiana economic development. Presented by Indiana Economic Development Association. Cost: $525. Register

Nonprofit Summit on Oct. 30 from 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Horizon Convention Center, 401 S High Street, Muncie. The event features breakout sessions led by local and regional professionals, a community lunch with a keynote address, and engaging networking opportunities. Presented by the Nonprofit Support Network. Cost: $75/Discount codes available. Register

Beyond grit: Resilience in the new normal on Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to noon at Greenwood Christian Church. Focus on practical strategies to create personal boundaries and increase intentionality in interpersonal and professional relationships. Presented by Leadership Johnson County. Cost: $59 alumni/members and $69 for general public. Register

Key insights from the Generosity Commission webinar on Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. This webinar will explore the Generosity Commission Report’s https://www.thegenerositycommission.org/ key recommendations -- encouraging everyday giving and volunteering and their impact. Presented by Johnson Grossnickle & Associates. Cost: Free. Register

Building win-win corporate partnerships on Nov. 6 from 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. at the Indianapolis Arts Center. Learn current trends in corporate giving and how to effectively align your organization’s mission with business goals to attract new resources and create long-term impact. Presented by The National Bank of Indianapolis. Cost: Free. Register 

Navigating the current tides on Nov. 7 from 9 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. at Newfields. Join an informative event that addresses accounting and auditing updates, digital transformation, fraud, robotic process automation, and the state of the economy. 5 CPE credits. Presented by Forvis Mazers. Cost: Free. Register

Employer’s guide to lactation support webinar on Nov. 21 at Noon. Join an employment attorney and a leader for an insightful conversation on workplace lactation compliance. Presented by The Milk Bank. Cost: Free. Register

Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana has an urgent need for volunteer drivers to make deliveries the day after Thanksgiving. This one-day commitment offers simple, easy-to-follow routes. Sign up  

Freewheelin' Community Bikes is looking for volunteers to help at their events, be a mentor, or help in the bike shop team. Attend a virtual volunteer informational session on Nov. 11 from 5:30-6:15 p.m. RSVP

The Community Foundation of Boone County is seeking passionate and community-minded individuals to join our team of volunteers. They have openings on a variety of committees, including scholarships, grants, investment, finance, donor development, and the board of directors. Learn more

Back-to-Back Hurricanes Force Donors to Rethink Their Disaster Approach

The question is whether to fund long-term recovery and resilience rather than just immediate relief efforts.  

"Social Profit Orientation" Can Help Companies and Nonprofits Alike Do More Good in the World

Learn how companies are increasingly shifting from traditional corporate social responsibility to a social profit orientation, which balances profit with purpose.

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CHARITABLE ADVISORS FEATURED JOBS

Executive Director - WonderLab Museum of Science, Health & Technology



President - Near North Development Corporation

Executive Director - Center for Interfaith Cooperation