November 18, 2025

Blue Avocado

Nonprofit executives across the country are navigating an alarming and often unspoken reality: board dysfunction can destabilize even the strongest organizations. Despite their critical role in governance, many boards lack training, clarity and accountability — conditions that allow misinformation, personality-driven decision-making and power imbalances to undermine both leadership and mission. As a result, CEOs are left vulnerable, organizations lose momentum, and communities pay the price. This article examines why these failures persist, what leaders can realistically do when the board becomes the problem, and why the sector must confront governance culture with far greater honesty and urgency.

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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

USA Gymnastics has named Kyle Albrecht as its CEO, effective Jan. 1. Albrecht previously served as general manager of Major League Soccer’s MLS Next. -Inside Indiana Business

Prosperity Indiana has named Rachel Cheeseman as its policy manager. Cheeseman previously was the community impact associate at the United Way of Greater Lafayette.

Twelve regional organizations across Indiana have received a combined $1.2 million to serve as INCAP Connectors for the new Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway, which aims to prepare students for in-demand careers in manufacturing, health care and IT as part of a statewide effort to train 50,000 Hoosiers by 2034. Ascend Indiana awarded the funding through its $9.6 million grant from the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation. Read more

Joy’s House raised $215,000 at its 25th Anniversary Gala. Proceeds will support adult day and caregiver services for families across Indianapolis.  

Applications are open for the state’s largest scholarship program, which supports four-year, two-year and technical degrees through a single multilingual application. The program is funded by donors of the Central Indiana Community Foundation Collaborative. Learn more 

The Elevating Youth Engagement (EYE)  curriculum is now available online at no cost. Developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation in partnership with Cetera Inc., it provides child welfare agencies and youth-serving organizations with guidance on building authentic partnerships with young people who have experienced foster care.

Brightlane Learning, in partnership with Chamberlin/Dunn LLC, has released the Homeless Students Education Status report, offering new statewide data on how housing instability affects academic achievement. View the report

The Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) has been reaccredited by Assistance Dogs International, the global organization that sets industry standards for service dog training, placement and support.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Fraud Busters: A Panel to Future-Proof Your Strategy for 2026 | Webinar

Nov. 20 | 11 a.m.

Learn about emerging fraud trends — including nation-state cyber activity, AI-driven fraud and deepfakes — and how these threats are evolving. Presented by Forvis Mazars. Cost: Free. Register  

Telling Your Story: Showcasing Year-End Impact with Authenticity | Webinar

Nov. 21 | 8:30 a.m.

Learn how to craft authentic narratives, incorporate multimedia and align stories with year-end campaigns and reports. Presented by United Way of Central Indiana. Cost: Free. Register 

The AI Edge: Innovate and Accelerate Your Workplace | Webinar

Dec. 2 | 9–11 a.m.

Explore strategies to streamline workflow, boost innovation and make data-informed decisions. Presented by United Way of Central Indiana. Cost: Free. Register 

Executive Roundtable: Email Security – The Weakest Link | 9519 Valparaiso Court

Jan. 6, 2026 | 10 a.m.

A session for local executives to share insights and strategies to strengthen organizational growth and innovation. Presented by Promethius Consulting. Cost: Free. Register

Volunteer Opportunity | 2025 Christmas Store

Dec. 8–12 | Cornerstone Lutheran Church, Indianapolis

Shifts include cleanup and guiding families through the shopping area as they select toys, stockings and more. Register

Volunteer Opportunity | Ladies Under Construction Inc.

Ladies Under Construction Inc. is seeking new board members passionate about empowering the next generation of girls. The organization is especially looking for candidates with experience in finance, fundraising, law or governance, marketing and communications, program development, or nonprofit management. To express interest, send a résumé or professional bio to Aleanya Moore. info@ladiesunderconstruction.net

Debunking the Myths: Why Nonprofits Should Build an Endowment Fund

Endowments aren’t a luxury — they’re a powerful tool for nonprofits to secure long-term financial stability and lasting impact. 

National Council of Nonprofits Launches Nonprofit Resilience Fund

A new initiative to ensure charitable nonprofits across the United States have the resources, protections, and infrastructure they need to thrive in an increasingly complex and challenging environment. 

SPONSORS' INSIGHTS

InvigorateHR The Talent Advantage: Finding Excellence Beyond Traditional Recruiting {Podcast} 

IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy  Remote and Hybrid Work Could Help Nonprofits Recruit Talent