July 1, 2025

Charitable Advisors

In 2025, understanding the complexities of American democracy is more crucial than ever for nonprofit employees and leaders who strive to create meaningful change. To support these efforts, Harvard University is offering several of its social sciences courses online — completely free and accessible to the public.

Nonprofits play a pivotal role in shaping public policy, mobilizing communities, and advocating for social justice. Yet navigating the political landscape can be challenging without a clear understanding of how government works and the forces that influence it. Harvard’s free courses provide an invaluable opportunity for nonprofit professionals to deepen their knowledge in these areas.

The courses cover key topics including the dynamics of American politics, public policy development, and the intricate workings of the three branches of the U.S. federal government. They also explore how political actors and institutions influence the electorate and shift policy outcomes. This insight is essential for nonprofits seeking to advocate effectively and build strategic partnerships within government and civil society.

Learn more and enroll at: https://pll.harvard.edu/subject/government

In today’s fast-changing talent landscape, recruitment and employee development can no longer operate in silos. This episode explores how forward-thinking organizations are aligning these two critical functions to build a unified, human-centered talent strategy. By focusing on the full employee lifecycle—from the first candidate interaction to long-term career growth—companies are finding more effective ways to attract, engage, and retain top talent.

You’ll hear how leading employers are designing exceptional candidate experiences while also implementing skill-based development programs that support continuous growth. The episode shares actionable strategies and proven frameworks that help transform disjointed hiring and onboarding processes into cohesive journeys that drive both performance and satisfaction. These insights offer a practical roadmap for businesses looking to strengthen both their culture and their competitive edge.

This conversation couldn’t be timelier. In a post-pandemic world where employee expectations have evolved, companies are under more pressure than ever to deliver meaningful experiences. Traditional, credential-based hiring is giving way to merit-based advancement, and the organizations that succeed are those who create continuity between recruitment and retention. Whether you're looking to sharpen your hiring approach or invest in your team's development, this episode offers fresh ideas and real-world examples to help you get there.

Listen 

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

Family Promise of Hendricks County has named Jenni Crago as its CEO. Crago previously served as a project manager II at the Regenstrief Institute. (Charitable Advisors supported search.)

Tiffany Wilson has been promoted to chief executive officer of Beacon of Hope Crisis Center. Wilson previously served as senior director of quality assurance and compliance.

Little Red Door Cancer Agency has promoted Taylor Lowry to marketing and communications coordinator. Lowry is a recent graduate of Butler University.

Allie Boles has joined the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir as director of development. Boles previously served as a development officer at the Kiwanis Children's Fund.

Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis has raised $20,000 for its “The Girl Dad” campaign, which celebrates the steady presence of dads, mentors and male caregivers who help shape girls’ confidence and potential. Read more

The University of Indianapolis has honored kNot Today with its Outstanding Community Partner Award, recognizing the organization’s commitment to empowering the next generation through educational and community-building efforts in Indianapolis. info@knottoday.org

Muncie Central High School is launching a new program to help ninth graders navigate the often-challenging transition from middle school to high school. Using a school-within-a-school model, the academy will group ninth graders into smaller learning communities to increase teacher access and peer support. Read more

The Indianapolis Business Journal is now accepting nominations for the Woman of Influence award. Nominate by August 1.  

Nominate an outstanding youth worker for the 2025 D. Susan Wisely Award. Recognize the individuals making a lasting difference in the lives of Indiana’s children and youth. Nominate 

Why Are You Not Raising More Money? webinar on July 10 at 3 p.m. Learn strategies from Joan Garry to maximize your year-end campaign. Presented by Donor Perfect. Cost: Free. Register

Giving USA Report overview breakfast on July 16 from 8 - 9:30 a.m. at The Salvation Army Indiana Division. Join Bill Stanczykiewicz, Senior Assistant Dean for External Relations at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, for an insightful presentation on the newly released Giving USA 2025 report. Presented by Associated Fundraising Professionals -Indiana Chapter. Cost: $30 AFP-IC members/ $45 Non-members. Register  

Getting Started with Event Planning webinar on July 16 at 1 p.m. Imagine transforming your next event into a captivating experience that energizes your supporters, strengthens donor relationships, ignites passion for your mission, and leaves your team feeling inspired (not exhausted). Presented by Nonprofit Hub. Cost: Free. Register

Second Annual Wellness Day on July 19 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Ameriplex Complex at Children’s Village Childcare Center. Free back-to-school health services includes: free immunizations, dental, hearing, and vision exams, lead testing, physicals, and more. Presented by The Villages of Indiana. Cost: Free. Register  

2025 Lead with Purpose is an interactive eight-session online training series from Aug. 7-Nov. 20 from noon -1:30 p.m. This series prepares individuals to apply their skills, interests, and experiences in effective nonprofit board service. Presented by Hedges. Sponsors include KSM, Faegre Drinker, the National Bank of Indianapolis, and the Community Foundation of Hancock County. Cost: $500 for two participants from the same organization, or $90 per individual session. Register  

Beacon of Hope needs volunteers for: Crisis Intervention Specialist, Communications Volunteer, and IT Technical Assistant. Learn more 

Giving USA 2025: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for 2024

U.S. charitable giving grew to $592.50 billion in 2024, lifted by stock market gains

Rebuilding Nonprofit Boards: When a New Board Can Be a Fresh Start

How one nonprofit moved forward when the only solution to a dysfunctional board was a brand-new one.  

SPONSORS' INSIGHTS

Forvis Mazers Artificial Intelligence: The Impact on Fraudsters & Investigations 

Johnson, Grossnickle & Associates  Manage Your Middle—Increase Your ROI with a Strong Midlevel Fundraising Program