Not-for-profit News - August 26, 2025

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August 26, 2025

FEATURE

From Passive To Proactive: Strategies To Move Nonprofit Board Members Beyond Meetings And Into Action

Blue Avocado

One of the most persistent challenges nonprofit leaders face is board engagement. What does it really mean for a board to be “active”? And how do we move from passive oversight to true partnership in advancing the mission?

In this article, nonprofit executive Sabrina Walker Hernandez reflects on her own journey of transforming a disengaged board into a committed, mission-driven team. Drawing from real experiences — both missteps and milestones — she outlines practical strategies that helped shift board culture, clarify expectations, and strengthen relationships between board and staff.

This isn’t a checklist of best practices. It’s a candid look at what it takes to foster a board that doesn’t just show up — but shows up with purpose. Whether you're leading an organization or serving on a board yourself, these insights offer a thoughtful roadmap for building a more engaged, effective board.

Read on to explore how intentional leadership can spark meaningful board transformation.

SPONSOR'S INSIGHT

Unlocking Hope: How Expungement Transforms Lives in Indiana

By: Alexandra Ross, Marketing & Communications Coordinator

What if your past kept slamming doors on your future? No matter how hard you tried to break down each door, its weight kept hurling you back. You’re tired. You start feeling hopeless. For thousands of Hoosiers with a criminal record, that’s their reality. A criminal record—no matter how old or nonviolent—creates difficult barriers that hold many justice-involved individuals back, even when they’ve paid their debt and are actively striving to move forward.

Watch the video

So, what exactly are the challenges of having a criminal record? Glad you asked.

According to the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI), housing discrimination due to justice involvement or criminal history is still permissible under state law. Studies have also shown that not having access to safe, affordable housing actually increases the chances of reoffending.

It’s generally more difficult for justice-involved individuals to obtain an auto loan because many lenders see their criminal history as a reflection of their character.

Studies show that even if a justice-involved individual is overly qualified for a job position, they’re 50% less likely to receive a call back or job offer just because of their background.

A single criminal conviction can follow someone for the rest of their life, impairing their ability to obtain safe housing, gainful employment, and reliable transportation.

But through Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic, they have a second chance. Read more

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

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

Submit People on the Move

The Martin Luther King Community Center of Indianapolis has named Seana Murphy as its executive director. Murphy was previously the senior director of Indiana Learns at The Mind Trust.

91 Place has promoted Ali Cross to chief executive officer. Cross previously served as community empowerment director.

Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana has promoted Michelle White to senior director of workforce innovation. White was previously lead project manager at The Excel Center.

Women’s Fund of Central Indiana has promoted Allissa Impink to director of advocacy. Impink previously served as director of family philanthropy and senior advisor for Glick Philanthropies and the Central Indiana Senior Fund at CICF.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Grace Care Center has been named Hamilton County’s first Center for Working Families site through a partnership with United Way of Central Indiana. Backed by a $150,000 United Way grant, the initiative will expand financial coaching, job support, and other resources to help families increase income, reduce debt and build long-term stability. Read more

Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy has received a $1.2 million bequest from alumna Terra Seidel and her husband, Kevin Seidel. The gift will fund scholarships, including for students and faith leaders studying through the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, who demonstrate financial need and an interest in faith and philanthropy. Read more

The Indy Arts Council has announced the 2025 ARTI Award winners and performers for its annual Start with Art celebration. The event honors individuals and organizations advancing equity and innovation in the arts, with support from the Central Indiana Community Foundation. See 2025 winners.

The Kiwanis Foundation of Indianapolis is accepting applications from local nonprofit organizations for grants of up to $5,000 to support youth-serving programs in Marion County. Applications are due by Oct. 3. Apply.

The Indy Chamber is accepting applications for the Best Places to Work in Indiana. Participating employers will undergo an anonymous employee survey as part of the evaluation process. Applications are due by Nov. 21. Apply.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Volunteer Recruitment, Retention, and More on Sept 10 at 2 p.m. at the Central Library. Learn best practices and proven methods to recruit and retain volunteers. Participants will receive tools to help guide the development of a strong and lasting volunteer workforce. Presented by Indianapolis Public Library. Cost: Free. Register

Do It for The Culture on Sept. 16 from 9 – 11 a.m. at 2955 North Meridian Street #300. Explore how to lead through change with confidence, foster psychological safety on your team, and develop yourself and others as culture carriers. Presented by United Way of Central Indiana. Cost: Free. Register

Buddy To Boss: Successful Transition as A New Leader on Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. - noon at Greenwood Christian Church. Making the transition from peer to supervisor is one of the most challenging shifts in any professional's career. This workshop is designed to equip new and aspiring leaders with the tools, confidence, and mindset needed to navigate this change effectively. Presented by Leadership Johnson County. Cost: $59 for Chamber & Aspire members/ $69 Non-members. Register

Unlocking Leadership: The Power of Mentorship podcast. Learn key differences between mentoring, coaching, and workplace sponsorship—emphasizing that true mentorship is always free, relational, and focused on the whole person. Presented by Nonprofit Hub. Cost: Free. Listen

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions needs volunteers for its annual day of service opportunity, Safe at Home, on Sept. 20 from 8 a.m. to noon. This event helps seniors keep their homes and yards safe and accessible for daily living. Volunteers will make a big difference with yardwork and accessibility modifications. Individuals and groups welcome. Register

TRENDS

More employers are giving workers money to buy their own health insurance

Employers are increasingly using Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs), providing tax-free funds for workers to purchase their own insurance. Adoption surged 50% in the past year, expanding access to coverage for employees who previously offered no benefits.

8 Ways Your Board Can Drive Momentum in a Capital Campaign

Tap into your board members’ skills and strengths to make the most of their participation in a multiyear fundraising drive. Continue reading with a free account

SPONSORS' INSIGHTS

Johnson, Grossnickle & Associates Three Ways That Data Can Transform Your Donor Engagement.

IFF Exploring the continuum: Why community development projects need so much more than capital.

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

Intentional Coaching + Consultants

Good Works Indy

Black Onyx Management

BANKING/

ASSET MANAGEMENT

TRANSITION

LEGAL

TECHNOLOGY

The National Bank of Indianapolis

Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic

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.

Looking for nonprofit office space in Hancock County? The Circle of Care offers a welcoming, shared environment where nonprofits collaborate to better serve the Hancock County community. With flexible office sizes, shared conference and meeting rooms, and access to a family room, kitchen, and board room, it’s more than just space—it’s a community. Located in the heart of Greenfield, all leases include utilities and high-speed internet. Join other mission-driven organizations under one roof and be part of something bigger. Contact Lynda Kosh at 317-477-4345 or lynda@circleofcareindiana.org. Schedule a tour today and see how Circle of Care can support your work!