April 29, 2025

Kelsi Coe, Indiana Philanthropy Alliance

These are all statements I thought, uttered, or heard as a state government employee when the COVID-19 pandemic burst onto the world scene. We are now, incredibly, five years removed from those early days when we commuted from the bedroom to the kitchen table, clumsily learned virtual platforms, and filled after-work hours with sourdough or Tiger King. Yet I still feel the weight of responsibility that came with keeping essential services running. As public servants, it was up to my coworkers and me to help protect Hoosiers’ mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing—especially the most vulnerable.

Much has changed since 2020. My kids, who were in preschool and kindergarten then, have only hazy memories of lockdown and are now headed to third grade and middle school. I’ve moved from public service to the community development sector. Life has marched on. 

And yet, in recent months, I’ve heard those same three statements again—not from the halls of government, but from the nonprofit sector.

Different context, same urgency. The familiar tug of responsibility is back, this time as my colleagues and I work to respond to deepening community needs amid cuts to public services. 

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By Brian Gawor, Consultant at Johnson, Grossnickle & Associates

Predictive analytics and artificial intelligence offer great promise for today’s fundraisers. But like any emerging technology, our adoption has to be deliberate and mission-focused. If you want to move beyond the buzzwords and truly enhance your relationship with donors through data, here are three key insights I’ve gained from working alongside JGA clients.

Three Fundraising Predictive Analytics and AI Pitfalls to Avoid

• It’s about more than wealth ratings. Today’s donor “screening” can consider everything from liquidity and cause affinity to likelihood to respond and social connections. The days of relying solely on real estate as a dominant data point are over —and for good reason. The most powerful wealth screening tools now analyze past giving behaviors, helping you focus on donors’ real passions. With increasing access to donor history across the philanthropic landscape, it’s crucial to listen to the data. People who give tend to continue giving, especially to causes that demonstrate impact.

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The Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council named Katy Myers as operations manager. Myers is the CEO and owner of IRL Communications LLC.

Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana promoted Melanie Bucher to director of recruiting and compensation. Bucher was previously the talent acquisition manager. –Inside Indiana Business

Victoria Petersen Elia has been named associate director of career services and external relations at Butler University’s Founders College. Petersen Elia previously served as a grant consultant at the Marion County Public Health Department.

Indianapolis Black Theatre Co. promoted Tijideen “TJ” Rowley as interim artistic director. Rowley previously served as the director of the District Theatre’s Mellon Foundation.

Starting May 1, our "Work for a Nonprofit. Make a Difference." campaign will be back to help address the ongoing recruiting and retention challenges facing Indiana nonprofits. Our goal is to raise awareness about the rewarding career opportunities in the nonprofit sector — and to amplify the visibility of the incredible organizations making a difference across the state. Join us in spreading the word! Follow us: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn  

The Brightwood-Forest Manor Community Center has relocated to a stand-alone building for the first time in its 90-year history, now operating out of a former church at 4062 E. 34th St. The center continues to serve the eastside community with programs like summer camp, workforce development, and a twice-monthly food pantry.

Taking Your Seat Leadership Institute (TYSLI) is accepting applications for its inaugural cohort. TYSLI is an 8-session program designed to equip Indiana residents with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to navigate the political process and become more civically engaged. Presented by Indiana Black Expo. Apply by May 11  

Community Health Network and Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana have partnered to address food insecurity and social isolation among older adults and homebound residents in Indianapolis. Meals are prepared by Community Hospital North, South and East, accommodating a variety of dietary needs. Volunteers from Community's Serve 360 program deliver the meals and offer conversation and companionship at the door. Read more

The Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY), in partnership with Indianapolis justice system leaders, has launched the city’s first Juvenile Advisory Council to elevate the voices of young adults with lived experience in the juvenile justice system. The council, made up of youth ages 18–25, will help shape programs, policies, and reforms while receiving mentorship, training, and stipends for their contributions. Learn more 

The Languages of Appreciation Through the Lens of the Generations on April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Johnson County Armory. Presented by Leadership Johnson County. Cost: $59 LJC alumni, Franklin and Aspire Chamber members/ $69 Nonmembers. Register

Delivering Your Message with Impact virtual lunch and learn on May 6 at noon. Learn how to tell your story, handle crisis communications, develop clear, concise messages, and much more. Presented by Leadership Johnson County. Cost: $20. Register 

Emerging Leaders, Emerging Ideas Summit on May 7-8 at Indianapolis Marriott North, 3645 River Crossing Parkway. The summit will focus on innovative ideas to strengthen Hoosier communities, as well as dive into applicable practices to address the needs of Indiana’s community economic development talent pipeline. Presented by Prosperity Indiana. Cost: Starts at $195. Register

Making the Business Case for Skills-Based Talent Strategy webinar on May 7 at 1 p.m. Join Natalie Wenzler for an overview of skills-based talent strategy, including how to begin changing your hiring process immediately and key considerations for implementing these practices within your organization. Presented by the Nonprofit HR Peer Group. Cost: Free. Register

Empowering Communities: A Fireside Chat with Walmart Foundation President Julie Gehrki on May 7 at 1 p.m. on Zoom and at the Campus Center Theater at IU Indianapolis. Gehrki will share insights on creating impactful community programs and fostering sustainable development. Presented by The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Cost: Free. Register

Understanding the Impact of the Federal Freeze on Grant Funding webinar on May 8 at 1 p.m. Learn about the current federal grant climate, the history of funding freezes, lawsuits, their effects on various industry entities, and more. Presented by Forvis Mazars. Cost: Free. Register

How to Build a Monthly Giving or Sustainer Program webinar on May 8 at 2 p.m. Monthly gifts bring in about 31 percent of all online revenue for nonprofits, and that share is growing — even as giving by individuals ebbs. Presented by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: $89. 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

Big Results for Small Nonprofits: 5 Fundraising Strategies

Small nonprofits can achieve big fundraising results by leveraging cost-effective strategies like crowdfunding, virtual events, branded merchandise, matching gifts, and personalized donor engagement powered by data.

The Future of Work Beyond the New DEI Executive Orders

To remain competitive and address growing talent shortages, organizations take strategic action and reassess their inclusion and diversity initiatives so that they continue to drive collective success. 

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