December 30, 2024

By Cody Lents, Covi   

In the world of non-profit and non-governmental organizations, your mission is everything. Every dollar raised, every program executed, and every service provided works toward creating meaningful and lasting impact. But behind the scenes, a strong foundation of operational resilience is critical to protect your mission—and safeguarding your usernames, passwords, and pin codes, or credentials, is a cornerstone of that foundation. Ensuring that your organization maintains proper credential management and security protects your data, strengthens trust with stakeholders, maintains the operational integrity, and ultimately enhances your programming and service delivery.

Here’s why credential security matters and how implementing best practice solutions and policies can elevate your employee experience, protect your donors and beneficiaries, and support your executive leadership and board.

1. Credentials: The Keys to Your Organization

Every solution or service you use—whether it’s for fundraising, donor management, payroll, communications, etc.—requires secure credentials to function effectively. These credentials grant access to sensitive data and critical functions, but they also pose significant risks if mishandled or mismanaged.

The Risk of Neglect:

• Shared logins can lead to poor accountability.
• Using weak or undocumented credentials can expose your organization to cyberattacks.
• Poor credential management disrupts workflows, creating inefficiencies. Remember that time the social media manager forgot the only login to the Facebook account and how long it took to recover it!

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By Kristen Schunk Moreland, Schunk Moreland Strategies

Strategic planning is often approached with a traditional lens: gathering data from desk reviews and Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analyses, then synthesizing it into a final plan. Typically, this process is driven by a small group of decision-makers or consultants who analyze the information in isolation and present a finished product. While this method can yield results, it often creates a disconnect between the plan and the people responsible for executing it. By sidelining those closest to the work, organizations risk developing strategies that lack practical insights, buy-in, and the adaptability needed to address on-the-ground challenges.

Why Inclusive Strategy Development Matters

Inclusive strategy development goes beyond creating a plan—it builds alignment, ownership, and momentum. By involving stakeholders throughout the process, organizations not only develop stronger strategies but also cultivate a culture of collaboration and trust. This inclusive approach ensures that strategies reflect diverse perspectives, making them more robust and better suited to address complex challenges.

Additionally, an inclusive process fosters equity and belonging by giving all stakeholders a voice. When team members, partners, and community representatives feel heard, they are more likely to engage deeply with the strategy and commit to its success. This sense of ownership can accelerate implementation and lead to more sustainable outcomes. 

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The Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership appointed Kyle Wagner as director of mortgage underwriting and compliance. Wagner was previously a mortgage specialist at the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions.

WFYI Public Media promoted Stacey Stuteville to chief development and marketing officer. Stuteville previously served as the director of corporate and foundation support. 

Indiana CPA Society hired Anyah Cork as its workforce development associate. Cork was previously a human resources generalist at Cummins Inc.

The Great American Songbook Foundation named Brian Bosma as communications manager. Bosma previously served as the director of marketing and communications for Damar Services.

2025 Nonprofit Learning Center Spring classes from Jan. – April from Noon – 2 p.m. Two interactive modules – each featuring four sessions. Module one focuses on fund development. Module two focuses on government affairs and public policy. Each module is designed for nonprofit and human services professionals. Presented by United Way of Central Indiana. Cost: Free. See schedule and learn more 

AI revolution in HR: Beyond the hype, into strategic transformation webinar on Jan. 15 at noon. Learn how Streamline complex HR processes, enhance decision-making capabilities, and create more strategic, data-driven workplace solutions. Presented by InvigorateHR. Cost: Free. 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

Maximizing learning outcomes: Choosing the right training format pre-recorded webinar. Explore the benefits and limitations of live, online, and hybrid training formats, focusing on how to apply adult learning principles to each. Presented by Deep End Talent Strategies and HR Nonprofit Peer Group. Cost: Free. Watch  

AmeriCorps is seeking volunteers to expand its anti-poverty efforts through the AmeriCorps VISTA program. Volunteers will dedicate one year of full-time service with an organization to create or expand programs aimed at empowering individuals and communities to overcome poverty. Learn more

What Role Can Religious Leaders Play in The Generosity Conversation?

Religious leaders shape conversations on generosity by sharing how faith values inspire giving and influence people's willingness to help others.

Succession Planning for the Next Generation of Leadership

While succession planning sounds intimidating, it simply means putting a plan in place for choosing the new leaders in your organization and giving them the tools they need to succeed.

CHARITABLE ADVISORS' FEATURED JOBS

President and CEO - Community Foundation of Wabash County