August 6, 2024

By Chronicle of Philanthropy

Donors want to know that appeals from charities are truthful and not misleading — and this could be complicated by the use of artificial intelligence, finds new research from the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.

The “Give.org Donor Trust Special Report: Public Eye on Charity Accountability” surveyed more than 3,100 adults in the United States and Canada about their expectations related to accountability and trust. The goal of the report, says Elvia Castro, associate director of charity evaluation for the alliance, is to help nonprofits get a sense of their donors’ priorities.

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By Lisi Kent-Isaac, manager of talent development, United Way of Central Indiana

Pipelining isn’t just for donors – it’s for leadership

Nonprofit organizations spend a significant amount of time and energy ensuring their future success by securing donors and donations – and rightfully so. But regardless of funding, strong leadership will be needed for the future health of your organization. Whether it’s community impact, donor trust or a culture that empowers your team, all of these can be put at risk by poor leadership. So, who will lead our organizations as they embrace the new challenges of the future? And where will these leaders come from? 

Now is the time to create experiences that grow leaders inside and outside of your organization by investing in current staff members and future board members. 2024 will be a record-breaking year for retirement in the United States, and the ranks of retirees are growing much faster than the number of new workers. This presents an exciting opportunity (More retirees could translate to more board volunteers.) and a great challenge (Who will rise to new ranks to lead your organizations?). Meanwhile, research points to younger generations embracing purposeful work, increasing the pool of nonprofit leaders from which to draw. 

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James Michaels has been appointed as the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired superintendent. Michaels previously served as vice president of program services at Bosma Enterprises and chair of the school’s board of directors from 2020 to 2023. —Inside Indiana Business

The Villages announced the hiring of Aaron Atwell as chief financial officer beginning August 12. Atwell was previously assistant director and chief financial officer for the State of Indiana.

The Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership appointed Kelly Doucet as director of community relations. Doucet was previously a regional community partnerships specialist for Meijer. 

Kristi Howard-Shultz Consulting named Sarah Grimm as a consultant. Previously, Grimm served as the lead unit director at the Boys & Girls Club of Boone County.

The Simon Youth Foundation (SYF) exceeded its fundraising goal, raising over $570,000 at a summer event attended by more than 400 guests. The event featured a golf outing and NASCAR qualifications at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The funds raised will support SYF's academies, scholarships, and capacity-building grants for teachers. Read more

LISC Indy recently awarded $30,000 in predevelopment funds to the Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center to expand its childcare services to a nearby building. The funds will be utilized for project management, compliance consulting, and enhanced parent engagement planning. Read more

Warsaw-based OrthoWorx announced it has been awarded a significant grant from the Don Wood Foundation to educate middle school and high school students about careers in manufacturing and entrepreneurship. 

Tindley Accelerated Schools received a $10,000 gift from Old National Bank. The proceeds will be used to create a language program serving the school's growing Spanish and Haitian Creole-speaking populations. Read more

The CIBA Foundation is now accepting applications for its second round of grants to support cycling initiatives in Central Indiana. Earlier this summer, the Foundation awarded nearly $35,000 in grants and expects to distribute a similar amount this fall. Submit by August 31

A conversation about private equity on Central Indiana’s housing markets on Aug. 13 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Indiana Landmark Center. Hear about home-buying challenges due to private equity’s increased involvement in Central Indiana and how the public can take needed action to address housing disparities. Presented by Fair Housing Center Of Central Indiana. Cost: Free, but you must register. Learn more and register  

Top seven signs your nonprofit is ready for digital transformation webinar on Aug. 22 at 3 p.m. Identify pivotal moments that signal the need for change—from outdated processes that hinder productivity—to doing less with more. Presented by Forvis Mazars. Cost: Free. Register

Nonprofit job seeker guidance & Q&A webinar on Aug. 27 at 10 a.m. Gain insights into what nonprofits are looking for in candidates, receive valuable tips on resume writing, networking, and interviewing, and get your specific questions answered. Presented by Interview Ally. Cost: Free. Register

Core responsibilities of nonprofit boards interactive virtual training on Sept. 5 from 12-1:30 p.m. In this session, individuals looking to better understand the responsibilities of board service will learn the essential accountabilities of the nonprofit board in alignment with leading practices. 1.5 SHRM recertification credits available. Presented by Hedges. Cost: $90. Register 

Science of philanthropy initiative conference 2024 on Sept. 18-19 at 700 W. Washington Street. Hear from researchers, who study charitable giving, present their findings to practitioners in the field of philanthropy. Presented by Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Cost: Varies/ Starts at $120. Register

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT:

2024 Microsoft Office business software series- various start dates. Available in self-guided and instructor-moderated formats, fully online options include basic, intermediate, and advanced modules for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Presented by IU Indy Professional Development and Continuing Education in partnership with ed2go. Cost: Varies based on course(s) selected. 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 

The City of Fishers needs volunteers for the 2024 Geist Half Marathon on September 14. Course marshals are in high demand, though additional roles for individuals and groups are also available. Volunteers will receive instructions, a safety vest, and a cowbell to support the runners. Sign up

Gennesaret Free Clinic needs medical volunteers, including nurses, pharmacists, dentists, dental hygienists, and more. Learn more and apply

Be featured in a Blue Avocado article

Share your success on “What has been your most successful fundraising strategy?” and possibly get some press.   

Build an inclusive nonprofit culture

Learn to create an inclusive organizational culture that retains top talent and clearly defines inclusion and belonging for your nonprofit.

SPONSORS' INSIGHTS

Central Indiana Community Foundation CICF named six members to the 2024 cohort for Stronger Partners Brighter Futures. 

Barnes Dennig Changes coming to the uniform guidance