March 4, 2025

Urban Institute

In every state, every congressional district, and more than 95 percent of counties in the United States, public charities receive government grants. Without these grants, most nonprofits would be unable to cover their expenses.

Nationwide, 103,475 public charities reported receiving a total of over $267 billion from government grants in 2021. The inflation-adjusted total of over $300 billion represents almost three times the most recent estimates of foundation giving.

In all but two of the 437 congressional districts in the United States, the typical nonprofit could not cover its expenses without its government grants. And in every state, between 60 and 80 percent of nonprofits that receive government grants would be at risk of a financial shortfall.

Read the full article to better understand the financial risk to nonprofits if they lose their government grants. 

Submitted by Lauren Kreutzinger, Assurance Associate Director and Polina Nikolova, Technology Services Director 

Every nonprofit strives to make a difference. However, achieving efficiency and scalability often requires digital transformation—a journey that can be complex given the unique challenges nonprofits face, such as limited staffing and constrained budgets. With the right strategy, nonprofits can leverage technology to optimize operations and drive their mission forward.

Why Your Nonprofit Needs Digital Transformation

Technology is a powerful tool that can streamline operations, enhance donor engagement, and strengthen financial oversight. Digital transformation helps nonprofits:

• Reduce manual workloads through automation
• Improve data analysis for better decision-making
• Enhance communication with stakeholders
• Strengthen cybersecurity and compliance

Despite its clear benefits, digital transformation in the nonprofit sector trails behind other industries due to resource constraints and a lack of strategic guidance.

Overcoming Challenges

Nonprofits embarking on a digital transformation journey should focus on these key areas:

1. Leadership Buy-In: Commitment from leadership is crucial. Executives and board members must champion digital initiatives, demonstrating their value to staff and stakeholders.

Read more 

Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center named Akilah Webster as executive director. Webster previously served as the executive director at The Contingent Indiana.

Orchestra Indiana named Yaniv Segal as principal conductor and artistic director. Segal is currently the Music Director of the Salina Symphony.

Marian University announced Melissa Morris as its chief human resources officer. Morris worked as staff vice president, diversity, equity, and inclusion at Elevance Health. –Inside Indiana Business

Damar Health Services named Dr. Julia Lane Mitchell as a pediatrician. Previously, Dr. Mitchell served as a pediatrician at Smoketown Family Wellness Center in Kentucky. — Inside Indiana Business

The deadline for the 2025 Central Indiana Nonprofit Salary Survey has been extended to March 16! If your organization hasn't participated yet, complete the survey now to help us reach our goal of 300 responses. More data means a more accurate compensation report—helping you make better hiring decisions and retain staff. Check here to see if your organization has participated!  

United Way of Central Indiana is accepting applications for the Exceptional Nonprofit Executive of the Year Award. Eligible nominees must have served in their current role for at least two years and should exemplify exceptional organizational leadership with partners across the sector, as well as personal leadership with internal staff and recipients of services. Nominations are due by tomorrow, March 5. 

The Heroes Foundation provided $30,000 to the Community Health Network Oncology Patient Assistance Fund at the end of 2024. Proceeds will be used to help patients access healthy food, gas to get to and from treatment, life-saving medicine, and transportation. Read more

Horizon House received a three-year, $75,000 grant from the KPMG U.S. Foundation to enhance its efforts to break the cycle of homelessness. The funding will expand services within its Housing Hub and provide essential resources for residents transitioning into permanent supportive housing. Read more

In partnership with the Indy Arts Council, Dove House presented Art of Recovery, an event showcasing art as a powerful tool for healing and connection. Funded by the City of Indianapolis and Opioid Settlement Funds, the event highlights the impact of substance use disorder while demonstrating art’s role in fostering hope and recovery.  

Brightlane Learning unveils a new report highlighting education barriers for Indiana’s homeless students. Download report

Christian Theological Seminary’s Faith & Action Project is accepting applications for grants up to $30,000 to nonprofit organizations and faith communities working to provide Marion County residents with pathways out of poverty. Applications are due April 15

Exploring Community Health and Risk Factors in Central Indiana Data & Drafts happy hour on March 6 from 6-8 p.m. at The Central Library. Proximity to healthcare providers and life expectancy are just some of the many variables influenced by geography. Presented by Savi. Cost: Free. Register 

Successful Grant Proposals on March 8 at 1:30 p.m. at the Central Library. In this workshop, you’ll learn about the grant application process and assess whether your organization is ready to apply for grants. Presented by The Indianapolis Public Library. Cost: Free. Register 

Navigating Policy: Understanding its Impact on Community Organizations webinar on March 11 from noon-2 p.m. During this session, you’ll learn an overview of what types of policies are created at each level of government and how they might impact your work and your organization. Presented by United Way of Central Indiana. Cost: Free. Register  

Deepen Your Relationships Through Authenticity and Vulnerability on March 11 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Johnson County Armory. Choose authenticity as a life practice, identify and use our values to boost resilience, and recognize the benefits of creating an authentic work culture. Presented by Leadership Johnson County. Cost: $59 for Franklin/ Indy/ Aspire Chamber members. $69 Nonmembers. Register

Evidence-based Research for Grant Proposals on March 12 at 2 p.m. at the Central Library. This workshop will introduce you to resources for locating data and evidence-based research for your nonprofit organization’s grant proposals and answering critical needs statement questions. Presented by The Indianapolis Public Library. Cost: Free. Register  

Building Bridges: Women Supporting Women in the Workplace on March 12 at noon. Learn practical strategies for fostering meaningful connections and building a culture of mutual support in your workplace. Presented by InvigorateHR. Cost: Free. Register

Brooke's Place for Grieving Young People, Inc. needs support group facilitators for their Westside, Eastside, and Northside program nights. Volunteers will provide a safe and supportive environment for children ages 3-29 and their immediate caregivers to grieve the way they need to grieve. Volunteers must be 16+. No counseling background is required. Training provided. Learn more

5 Tips for Creating a Nonprofit Donor Communications Plan

Many nonprofits are actively updating their communications strategies, from refining messaging to redesigning websites and email templates. 

3 Strategies to Bridge Generational Gaps for a Better-Connected Nonprofit Board 

Learn how this shift brings both opportunities and challenges, from enhancing board governance with fresh perspectives to adopting new technologies and communication styles.