November 19, 2024

The Annie E. Casey Foundation

Guiding Questions to Advance Equity in Evaluation and Research, a new publication from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, helps researchers, evaluators and funders embed equity-focused practices into their work. The report provides a set of flexible, adaptable questions to foster a common approach for researchers, evaluators and funders to apply equity-centered principles to the studies they commission and oversee.

Learn more

By Rob Ford

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has announced a landmark revision of the Uniform Guidance, which primarily governs how federal awards are administered. This move marks the most substantial amendment to the Uniform Guidance since its inception in December 2013.

The revision, officially known as the 2024 Revised Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, went into effect on October 1, 2024. While it is intended to streamline the process of managing federal funds, reduce administrative burdens, and bolster clarity for organizations receiving federal funding, there can be a lot to take in and process. Let’s break down what’s in the revision, and what it means for you.

What are the Key Changes?

1. Increase in Single Audit Threshold - The threshold for a Single Audit has been increased from $750,000 to $1,000,000. Now, organizations annually expending $1 million or more of federal funds will be required to undertake a Single Audit. This change is a major relief for smaller entities, reducing their audit burden.
2. Revisions in Terms and Terminologies - The term "non-federal entity" has been substituted with "recipient" or "subrecipient" throughout several sections of 2 CFR 200. This change is aimed at reducing confusion and improving clarity.
3. Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures - Recipients and sub-recipients are now required to integrate cybersecurity measures to safeguard information in their internal controls. This new requirement underscores the importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital age.

Read more key changes

Indiana Electric Cooperatives is excited to welcome Michael Craciunoiu as the new vice president of education and development. Craciunoiu previously served as the vice president of chapter services at National Bleeding Disorders Foundations.

Hancock County Children's Choir named Davinna Beale as member services associate. Beale was previously a director at Sonshine Kids Preschool.

The Indianapolis Propylaeum named Chelsea Marburger as executive director. Marburger was previously the executive director at The Speakeasy.

Purdue for Life Foundation named Kate Brinkerhoff as a senior director of development, planned giving. Brinkerhoff was previously a legacy planning consultant at Apex Legacy Consultants.

Indy Reads promoted Lee Bennett as volunteer & engagement coordinator. Bennett was previously a fundraising assistant-intern.

Indy Reads named Brandi Metzger as fundraising assistant. Metzger was previously a teaching artist & program support specialist at Asante Children's Theatre, Inc.

Aspire Indiana Health has launched a $4 million campaign to expand and renovate Progress House, Indiana's largest recovery residence. With $3.6 million already secured, the project includes a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. and $500,000 from the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation. Upgrades to meet NARR standards will increase capacity, allowing Progress House to support 50 more men annually in substance use recovery. Read more

Community-Engaged Alliance received a $936,573 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to strengthen civic engagement and trust in higher education. The funding will support programs on high-impact learning, professional development, civic engagement assessment, and curricular innovation, fostering collaboration among faculty, students, and communities to address real-world issues and promote civic-mindedness statewide. Read more

The Kendrick Foundation selected 12 non-profit organizations to receive funding aimed at addressing critical health issues, including mental health, substance use disorder, and physical activity and nutrition. See recipients 

Horizon House and Englewood Community Development Corporation celebrated the opening of Compass on Washington, a 36-unit permanent supportive housing development for individuals experiencing homelessness. The apartments offer services like healthcare, mental health support, recovery assistance, and community integration to help residents maintain independent living. Read more

INARF, a state-wide association, recently surveyed its members on holiday pay policies, asking whether their organizations provide separate holiday pay or deduct it from PTO. The survey also inquired whether employees averaging fewer than eight hours per day receive pay for eight hours or their actual average. View the survey results.

Strategic staffing for IT webinar on Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. Explore the expertise required for IT staff, strategies for task assignment, resources available beyond your organization, and key decision-making insights. Presented by Tech Impact. Cost: Free. Register 

Avoid data pitfalls webinar on Nov. 25 from 9-11 a.m. This module will equip you with skills to critically analyze data, recognize sources of noise, and use data effectively despite these limitations. Presented by Savi. Cost: Free. Register

Disaggregating data: Unlock the power of your data webinar on Dec. 3 from 12 – 2 p.m. This session aims to provide an overview of data disaggregation strategies to transform numbers into stories. Presented by United Way of Central Indiana. Cost: Free. Register

AI ethics for nonprofits webinar on Dec. 4 at 1 p.m. An expert explores the complexities of ethical data use in the fast-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence tools and the guardrails nonprofits should consider when engaging with AI to ensure they do so in an ethical, responsible, and safe way. Presented by Tech Impact. Cost: Free. Register

Advanced QuickBooks Online for nonprofits webinar on Dec. 4 and 6 from 1-3 p.m. Learn to allocate expenses effectively across programs and grants, generate custom reports for management, the board, and funders, and more. Presented by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: $199. Register

Fundraising data: Answering who to engage and how webinar replay. Who you should be engaging, and how you can best engage them to ignite their giving passion. The answers to these two questions are key to your fundraising success, and a better donor experience. Presented by Johnson, Grossnickle & Associates. Cost: Free. Listen

The Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation seeks volunteers for its annual holiday party on the afternoon of Dec. 8 on Indianapolis’ north side. Roles include setup, teardown, games, gift distribution, photography, and more. Help us create a memorable experience for families affected by neuromuscular diseases. Contact aprzybylinski@mdff.org

Indy Hygiene Hub seeks volunteers on Dec. 14 from 1–3 p.m. to stock the pantry and on Dec. 21 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. to assist on a pantry day. Register

2024 Nonprofit Fundraising Study

NonProfit PRO’s 2024 Nonprofit Fundraising Study provides valuable insights into how nonprofits managed donor acquisition, retention, year-end giving, and digital fundraising amid 2023’s economic challenges. Building on the 2024 Nonprofit Leadership Impact Study, this report offers benchmarks and strategies to help nonprofits refine year-end efforts and prepare for 2025.

What Are The Key Qualities And Skills You Look For In Potential Board Members?

The most important “quality” in a board member would be real and heartfelt caring about the mission/goal of the nonprofit they will be involved with. Perhaps this stems from a firsthand experience or a close relative or friend whose life has been touched by the same.

SPONSORS' INSIGHTS

Charitable Allies What You Need to Know About Tax Exemption and Deductions

Barnes Dennig 2024 401(k) Plan Benchmarking Report 

CHARITABLE ADVISORS FEATURED JOBS

Executive Director - WonderLab Museum of Science, Health & Technology