February 3, 2026

Feature From NonprofitPro, Written by Molly O’Malley

Nonprofits can flourish or fail based on leadership alignment. When the CEO or a senior executive isn’t a match for the mission, the damage is cultural, financial, operational, and reputational. Unlike the corporate world, where a poor fit can sometimes be papered over by budget flexibility, nonprofit mis-hires are felt through damaged donor confidence, decreased program outcomes, and lower staff morale — areas where there’s little margin for error and where missteps can have an immediate impact on the mission. 

In 2023, nearly 75% of nonprofits operated with open roles, a sign of stretched leadership capacity. Filling those gaps isn’t simply a matter of hiring fast — it’s about finding leaders who can steady the ship, motivate teams, and navigate a more complex funding environment. CEO turnover rose in 2025, and the cost of getting it wrong has never been steeper.

Read the Article

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Boys and Girls Club of Elkhart County has named Natalie Buroker as chief advancement officer. Buroker formerly served as vice president of Crossroads United Way.

The National Bank of Indianapolis has named Amandula Anderson as first vice president & manager of nonprofit services. Anderson formerly served as executive director of IFF.

Ellen Quigley has been named chief of staff and senior vice president of The Indianapolis Foundation. Quigley previously served as vice president and chief grantmaking officer of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation.

Maria De Leon has been named community leadership officer for children and the arts at The Indianapolis Foundation. De Leon was formerly an HR associate at Eli Lilly and Company.

The Central Indiana Community Foundation’s Standiford H. Cox Funds, established by the first Black chemist at Eli Lilly and Co., have awarded nearly $1.2 million in grants to preserve and support historic African American sites across Indiana, including $200,000 awarded to 15 projects in 2025 alone. Learn more.

IFF has been awarded $85 million in New Markets Tax Credits through the U.S. Treasury Department’s CDFI Fund, its largest allocation since 2002. The credits will support nonprofit-led real estate and community development projects that expand housing, health care, education and workforce services, creating jobs and strengthening underserved rural and urban communities across the Midwest. Read more.

The Duke Energy Foundation awarded $55,000 in rapid response grants to 21 Indiana nonprofits and community agencies to support local efforts during Winter Storm Fern, helping provide emergency supplies, warming shelters, and other cold‑weather needs. Learn more. 

Indiana Donor Network saved 1,214 lives through organ transplants in 2025, made possible by 1,379 donated organs from 467 Hoosiers, while also recovering tissue and corneas from more than 15,700 donors to heal lives and restore sight. Learn more.

Indiana Humanities has launched a new Mini-Grant program offering tax-exempt organizations up to $1,000 to support public humanities projects such as workshops, discussions, exhibits, podcasts, and films across the state. The grants are designed to grow accessible humanities programming in Indiana and are awarded on a rolling monthly basis. Learn more or apply.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Omni-Channel Storytelling: Reaching Your Community with a Unified Message | Webinar

Feb. 10th | 9 - 11 a.m.

This session covers how to use cross-channel storytelling to build awareness, strengthen relationships and amplify a nonprofit’s mission in Central Indiana, with a practical framework for creating consistent, community-centered campaigns. Presented by United Way of Central Indiana. Cost: Free. Register.

Data Literacy Training: Avoiding Data Pitfalls | Webinar

Feb. 16th | 2 – 4 p.m.

This workshop equips participants with some of the fundamental skills necessary to critically analyze data and recognize the impact of various factors on their results. Presented by SAVI and the Polis Center at IU Indianapolis. Cost: Free. Register.

Increasing Payout to Increase Your Impact: Key Considerations for Public and Private Foundations | Webinar

Feb. 18th | 1-2:30 p.m.

As nonprofits face rising demand and shrinking public resources, foundations are increasingly considering higher grantmaking payouts. Explore what payout is, how it’s calculated, and the short- and long-term impacts of increasing support for nonprofit partners. Presented by the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance. Cost: $50. Register.

Team Culture and Resilience | The Sycamore at Mallow Run, 7070 W. Whiteland Rd., Bargersville

Feb. 19th | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

This workshop explores how leaders can build resilient team cultures by identifying the traits of resilient teams, strengthening everyday resilience practices, and developing strategies that help teams bounce back from challenges and sustain strong performance. Presented by Leadership Johnson County. Cost: $69 or $59 for members. Register.

Starting a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization | Central Library, 40 East St Clair St, Indianapolis

Feb. 21st | 10:30-12:30 p.m.

This workshop will help you assess whether starting a nonprofit is right for you. Learn what a nonprofit organization is, and the steps required to start one. Presented by The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. Cost: Free Register.

Grant Management in 2026: Why Outdated Accounting Systems Put Nonprofits at Risk | Webinar

Feb. 25th | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Grant management has become a strategic risk for nonprofits as rising compliance demands outpace legacy systems—join this webinar to learn how modern, cloud-based tools can reduce risk and drive efficiency. Presented by Dean Dorton. Cost: Free. Register.

2026 Nonprofit Training Series, Session 1: Leading Practices in Strategic Planning | Webinar

March 3rd | 9-10:30 a.m.

Learn the board’s role in setting vision and planning for a sustainable future. Explore the four pillars of nonprofit health and apply best practices in strategic planning. Presented by First Merchants Bank, led by Hedges. Cost: Free. Register.

Volunteer Opportunity | Indy Reads

Volunteers at Indy Reads can make a meaningful difference by tutoring adult learners in literacy and English language classes, helping in the community bookstore in Fountain Square, or joining one-day group service projects that support their educational programs. Ongoing weekly classroom support, flex shifts in the bookstore, or organized group service available. Learn more and sign up.

SPONSORS' RESOURCES

Bridge Builder Strategies Telling the Right Story: How Nonprofits Can Stand Apart in Crowded Spaces

IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy A Journey Reimagined: Discovering a Future in Philanthropy

2025 Central Indiana Salary Report