August 12, 2025

Written by Jennifer Bartenbach, CEO of Central Indiana Community Foundation, and Alan Berube, Senior Vice President, Policy & Innovation Center

In July, Congress passed the mammoth “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”. At a hefty 870 pages, the bill squeaked through the Senate by a vote of 51 – 50, with three Republican Senators joining unanimous opposition from Democrats. 

The new law touches on everything from tax cuts to immigration to fossil fuels. We want to share a few ways the bill could impact Central Indiana families. We’ll also talk about ways the new strategic plan from Central Indiana Community Foundation is well-situated to respond. 

Lower taxes, higher deficits, fewer services

There are various ways to calculate the bill’s overall revenue losses and/or potential gains, but the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects that the new law will cost the federal government $3.4 trillion over the next 10 years. That is largely due to a permanent extension of tax cuts enacted in 2017 that were originally set to expire on December 31st of this year.  

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For nearly a century, Jameson Camp has been a proud part of Central Indiana, offering young people a place to grow, connect, and thrive in nature. Located just west of downtown Indianapolis, we provide immersive summer experiences for kids ages 7 to 17, rooted in inclusivity, character development, and barrier-free access to outdoor education. Whether it’s summer camp, field trips, retreats, or team building, Jameson Camp is where youth and nature meet—and where growth happens.

At our core, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience nature and the personal growth it fosters. We provide a safe and accepting space for all campers, especially those with social, emotional, and behavioral diagnoses. With a 1:5 counselor-to-camper ratio and behavioral specialists on-site, our team is equipped to meet a wide range of needs.

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

Eli Lilly and Company Foundation has named Una Osili executive director of philanthropy, strategy and operations. Osili previously served as associate dean for research and international programs at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

LISC Indianapolis has promoted Brandon Taylor to executive director. Taylor had served as interim executive director since January and previously was the program’s deputy director.

Indiana University Health Foundation has hired Brian Miller as regional lead development officer for Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana. Miller previously was founder and CEO of MVP Sports Marketing.

Westminster Neighborhood Services has named Emily Nelson executive director. Nelson previously was an engagement manager at Mapt Solutions.

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture has awarded $2 million to the state’s 11 food banks to help address food insecurity affecting more than 1 million Hoosiers. The funding, allocated by the Indiana General Assembly, will support food distribution efforts and local hunger relief programs across the state. Read more

LISC Indianapolis has received a $3.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to strengthen its Bridges to Career Opportunities Network. The funding will support workforce coaching, expand wraparound services, and deepen employer partnerships through six neighborhood-based Financial Opportunity Centers, advancing career pathways in high-demand industries across the city. Read more

Horizon House’s RISE Employment Program supports individuals experiencing homelessness in Marion County by providing job readiness training, transportation assistance, and connections to local employers. The program helps participants overcome barriers to employment, build income, and work toward long-term housing stability. Read more

Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library has raised more than $28,000 for their No Surrender Campaign. Funds will be used for veterans programming, and matching funds will go directly into an endowment account to support future programming. 

Brightlane Learning has expanded its free tutoring and mentoring programs to all Indianapolis Public Schools high schools to support students experiencing housing instability. With more than 200 unhoused IPS high school students last year and rising demand, the nonprofit is recruiting volunteer tutors for the 2025–26 school year to serve about 800 students at over 30 locations in Marion County. Read more

What the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Means for Nonprofits webinar on Aug. 14 at 1 p.m. Hear from nonprofit tax experts as we break down the key changes and what they mean for nonprofit organizations of all sizes and missions. Presented by Dean Dorton. Cost: Free. Register 

Grants and Major Gifts: The Perfect Fundraising Recipe webinar on Aug. 19 at 2 p.m. Learn strategies for aligning grant efforts with major and principal gifts. Presented by Johnson, Grossnickle & Associates. Cost: Free. Register

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA): Federal Grants Landscape webinar on Aug. 28 at 1 p.m. Gain practical strategies to identify new grant opportunities, develop adaptation plans, and navigate compliance requirements. Presented by Forvis Mazars. Cost: Free. Register 

Working with the Media webinar on Sept. 9 at noon. Learn to navigate today’s media environment. Presented by National Bank of Indianapolis and Hedges. Cost: Free. Register

How to Hire, Engage, Retain Hispanic Employees webinar on Sept. 11 at noon. Join for a very special Hispanic Heritage Month webinar featuring a panel discussion with Prospanica and the Indy Chamber. Presented by InvigorateHR. Cost: Free. Register 

Financial & Retirement Benefits That Matter webinar on Sept. 11 at noon. Financial well-being plays a significant role in employee stability. This session will examine financial benefits such as retirement plans, life insurance, tuition assistance, and loan support programs. Presented by Indiana Youth Institute. Cost: Free. Register   

Regional Forum: Healthy Beginnings webinar on Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Explore how philanthropy, health care, early education, and community organizations are working together to create a seamless system of care for infants, toddlers, and their families. Presented by Indiana Philanthropy Alliance. Cost: $85 IPA members/ $170 Non-Members. Register

Dance Kaleidoscope needs volunteers for the Feast of Lanterns on August 23, Penrod Arts Fair on September 6, and NOW Volume 1: LAUNCH - September 12, 13, & 14. Volunteers can attend performances and select events for free throughout the season. Sign up

Tangram is accepting internship applications in marketing and events, IT, finance, business administration, and human resources. These internships provide professional experience in a mission-driven environment alongside a team dedicated to empowering people with disabilities. Interested candidates seeking credit or career development are encouraged to inquire. Contact Tangram

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