Not-for-profit News - November 4, 2025

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November 4, 2025

FEATURE

The creative economy is more than culture. It’s talent, retention, and economic growth

Jennifer Cooper, Executive Director, Indianapolis Symphonic Choir (via Inside Indiana Business)

As Indiana competes for national economic relevance, it’s time we expand our understanding of what fuels growth. Advanced industries, logistics, and life sciences — these are vital sectors. But there’s another critical engine often overlooked: the creative economy.

From live performance and design to music, culinary arts, and media, Indiana’s creative sector fuels innovation, quality of place, and economic opportunity. It’s not a cultural afterthought — it’s a business imperative.

Why It Matters for Indiana’s Growth- Continue Reading

SPONSOR'S INSIGHT

Empower Your Organization With Effective Data Governance

Submitted by Forvis Mazars

Governing your data sources with the appropriate policies and procedures can help stakeholders make timely, actionable decisions. It is paramount to have the right data available to the appropriate people and to help ensure they conduct reliable analysis and reporting, as this assists in achieving organizational objectives. This article will explore three key data aspects that can lead to effective data governance.

Data Quality

Within the overall data structure, data fields are the containers that store specific information (e.g. text, number, date, etc.), and data field gaps may impact effective data analysis and reporting. Filling those gaps can seem like a daunting, overly manual task requiring many hours from employees at all levels. It’s important to have the right policies and procedures in place at the front end to help prevent this from happening. However, fixing gaps on the tail end is entirely possible. There are times when applying systematic logic to a data set can fill those gaps in a more automated and cost-effective way. In addition, applying third-party data sets to fill or replace those fields can save time, energy, and effort in certain circumstances.

Filling gaps for newly-created fields in a tracked, historical data set should not be overlooked. When considering ideal fields to add to a pool of organizational information, those overseeing the data should simultaneously develop procedures for populating past results. This will help accelerate reporting on the new data elements. Waiting for several reporting periods to pass and reaping the rewards of enhanced information does not have to be the case.

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Have you hired or promoted at your Central Indiana nonprofit? Submit through our online portal.

Submit People on the Move

Early Learning Indiana has promoted Erin Kissling to president and CEO. Kissling previously was chief learning officer. — Indianapolis Business Journal

TogetherEd has named Tamara Chaney managing director of finance and senior advisor. Chaney is the owner of Milestone Accounting & Bookkeeping.

The Villages of Indiana has promoted Baileigh Sims to foster care recruitment and outreach manager. Sims previously was a therapeutic foster care case manager.

The Indianapolis Public Library has promoted Leah Kim to manager of central adult services. Kim previously was assistant manager of central adult services.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Indiana Afterschool Network, with support from Lilly Endowment Inc., has launched the IAN Literacy Playbook, a statewide initiative that equips out-of-school-time programs with training, tools and funding to strengthen children’s reading skills through the Science of Reading approach. Learn more

The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation is helping lead Indiana’s effort to reinvent high school by connecting classroom learning to real-world careers through partnerships between schools, employers and community organizations. With programs such as paid apprenticeships, industry credentials and redesigned diplomas, the initiative aims to make education more relevant, boost student engagement and strengthen Indiana’s economy for the future. Learn more

Indiana Philanthropy Alliance honored 24 graduates of the 2025 Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute during the annual Philanthropy Leads Dinner. The graduates represent 16 Indiana counties and were selected through a competitive process to participate in the 10-month leadership program, which prepares professionals for board and executive roles in philanthropy, business and community development. See recipients

Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis’ Change Maker Grant is accepting applications for $100,000. Attend an information session on Nov. 4 or Nov. 6. Submit a Letter of Intent by December 12

91 Place will host an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 13 at 2501 E. 10th St. to celebrate the grand opening of Ase’s Place, Indianapolis’ new emergency shelter for young adults ages 18 to 24. RSVP

Voting is now open for the Viewer’s Choice contest through Nov. 14! Select your favorite video from the participating organizations in the October Work for a Nonprofit, Make a Difference campaign. The winning organization will receive $500, sponsored by Dean Dorton. Vote here. You can also engage with your favorite videos on Facebook and LinkedIn—the video with the highest social media engagement will earn an additional $500 donation.

View calendar

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Resilience: Reconnect, Recalibrate, and Reward | IWiT Summit

Nov. 6, 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. | Indianapolis Motor Speedway Pavilion

Hear from trailblazing women who have overcome adversity and local leaders who aim to inspire confidence to achieve your goals. Presented by Indy Women in Tech. Cost: $50. Register

Mission-Driven Finance: Sage Intacct for Nonprofit Leaders | Webinar

Nov. 6, 2 p.m.

Learn how nonprofits are using Sage Intacct to shorten month-end close cycles, reduce overhead and infrastructure costs, gain real-time visibility into program performance and donor trends, and leverage AI. Presented by Forvis Mazars. Cost: Free. Register

Simple Strategies to Maximize Year-End Giving | Webinar

Nov. 6 at 2 p.m.

Learn segmentation and storytelling tactics to make your campaign sparkle and a clear roadmap for your strongest year-end yet. Presented by donorperfect. Cost: Free. Register

Women in Leadership – Empowered to Lead: From Burnout to Brilliance

Nov. 7, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | Compass Park, Franklin

Learn how to lead with clarity, confidence and conviction while staying grounded through chaos and change. Presented by Leadership Johnson County. Cost: $115 LJC Alumni /Chamber member | $135 nonmember. Register

Navigating OBBBA Tax Reforms for Exempt Entities | Webinar

Nov. 8, 3 p.m.

Explore the potential impact of expanded excise taxes on higher education institutions, changes to clean energy tax provisions, charitable contribution deductibility and revised 1099 reporting requirements. Presented by Forvis Mazars. Cost: Free. Register

Top Trends in Nonprofit Compensation and Benefits | Webinar

Nov. 12, 10 a.m.

Learn key strategies to help recruit and retain top talent. Presented by Barnes Dennig. Cost: Free. Register

Indiana Philanthropy Awards

Nov. 12, 11:15 a.m. | Indiana Roof Ballroom

Marianne Glick will keynote the event recognizing 11 individuals, volunteers, professionals, foundations and corporations for their philanthropic achievements. Presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Indiana Chapter. Cost: $75. Register

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Noble needs volunteers for clerical assistance, groundskeeping, special events, art projects, and interview preparation. Learn more

TRENDS

GoFundMe Creates 1.4 Million Nonprofit Pages Without Consent

GoFundMe quietly auto-generated donation pages for 1.4 million U.S. nonprofits using public IRS and PayPal Giving Fund data—often without the nonprofits’ knowledge or approval.

Humanity AI Commits $500M to Build a People-Centered Future for AI

Ten foundations, including the Lumina Foundation, are partnering through Humanity AI to ensure that communities have a voice in shaping how artificial intelligence serves public interests.

SPONSORS' INSIGHTS

Barnes Dennig What’s Ahead for 401(k) Contributions in 2026

Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Internship at Goldman Sachs leads to full-time position for IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy student.

MARKETPLACE

Our sponsor marketplace serves to further connect our readers with our advertisers who are focused on serving nonprofits. To learn about each sponsor's nonprofit services, click on its logo.

FINANCE

ACCOUNTING

FUND DEVELOPMENT

STRATEGIC PLANNING

EDUCATION

HUMAN

RESOURCES

Barnes Dennig

Schunk Moreland Strategies

Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates

Black Onyx Management

BANKING/

ASSET MANAGEMENT

TRANSITION

LEGAL

TECHNOLOGY

The National Bank of Indianapolis

Promethius Consulting

Dean Dorton

DESIGN AGENCY

CHARITABLE GIVING

JOB SEEKER

EVENT SPACE

Submit rentals or event spaces

REAL ESTATE

Non-profit office space available in a great location

The Indiana Interchurch Center (IIC), 1100 W 42nd Street, is a unique fit for 501(c)(3) nonprofits and faith-based groups.

Flexible Space: Ranging from 200–1,950 sq. ft.

All-Inclusive Amenities: Utilities and high-speed internet are already included.

Ample Free Parking: Enjoy easy access and stress-free parking for staff and visitors.

Shared Meeting Rooms: Host anywhere from 2 to 120 people in bright, modern spaces.

A Supportive Culture: Work alongside a diverse network of nonprofits and churches making a real difference in our community. Learn more Kris Keys Iic@indianainterchurch.org or 317.923.3617.