August 19, 2025

The Associated Press

Nonprofit leaders are facing an increasingly volatile funding landscape as federal grants and contracts—once a reliable cornerstone of the sector—undergo sudden freezes and cuts. These shifts are disrupting long-standing partnerships and forcing organizations to reassess budgets, staffing, and the scope of critical services such as food assistance, housing programs, early education, and refugee support.

With philanthropy and private giving unlikely to fully offset the shortfall, many executives and frontline staff are confronting difficult questions about sustainability, program continuity, and workforce stability. The moment demands not only creative resource strategies but also renewed advocacy to ensure that the nonprofit sector can continue to deliver on its mission in the face of diminished government support.

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By John Keller, Senior Manager and CPA

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), enacted on July 4, 2025, introduces substantial changes to the tax code, many of which directly impact non-profit organizations and the broader philanthropic ecosystem. For non-profit leaders, understanding the nuances of these changes is essential, not only for regulatory compliance but also for sustaining strategic direction and long-term financial success.

Executive compensation

A key provision of the OBBBA is the expansion of the executive compensation excise tax. Beginning January 1, 2025, any employee earning over $1 million annually will be considered a “covered employee,” extending to former employees employed any time after December 31, 2016.

This is a considerable shift from the previous statute, which only applied to the five highest-compensated employees. The change creates new pressure on non-profits to reassess executive pay policies and maintain accurate records of past compensation arrangements.

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

Indiana University’s Public Policy Institute has named David Swindell as its director. Swindell previously was director of urban affairs research at Arizona State University. –Inside Indiana Business

Albion Fellows Bacon Center has promoted Julia Kathary to interim executive. Kathary previously was the organization’s chief advancement officer.

Indiana Youth Institute has promoted Shawn Burcham to chief operating officer. Burcham previously was vice president of professional education.

Indiana Youth Institute has promoted Kori Jones to chief operating officer. Jones previously was vice president of professional education.

The Indiana Bar Foundation has awarded $4.7 million in legal aid and education funding to empower Hoosiers across the state. The foundation’s mission is to provide civil legal assistance to low-income residents. See recipients

The 10th annual Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank’s MEATing the Need fundraising event raised $40,000 from 90 donors. The funds will allow the distribution of 5,135 pounds of pork and beef to 27 food pantries throughout Hamilton County. Read more

Dove House received $20,000 and was named Small Nonprofit of the Year by the Indianapolis Business Journal for its community impact, strong financial management, outreach, fundraising, and program success. The honor comes as the organization expands its Marion County facility to house 15 additional women and builds a new location in Bartholomew County. Read more 

The Heroes Foundation’s Team JOEY Program raised $5,657, thanks to the generosity of volunteers, sponsors, and attendees. The funds will provide LEGO sets, in-hospital parties, and pediatric cancer research support for Indiana’s youngest patients. Read more

Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center will close temporarily starting Aug. 15 due to financial challenges. A reopening date has not been announced, but the board said it is working to connect families with child care alternatives. Learn more

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute. The yearlong program builds a dynamic network of changemakers advancing philanthropy across Indiana. The application deadline is Oct. 31. Apply

Explore Funding and Volunteer Opportunities virtual training session on Aug. 27 from 6 to 7 p.m. or Aug. 28 from noon to 1 p.m. Is your organization searching for grant funding or looking to connect with passionate volunteers ready to make a difference? Presented by the Junior League of Indianapolis. Cost: Free. Register

IU Indy Part-Time Job Fair will be held Sept. 3 from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at Taylor Hall Courtyard on the IU Indianapolis campus. The fair offers organizations the chance to set up a table, meet students face-to-face, and share job openings in a relaxed, high-energy environment. Presented by IU Indy. Cost: $150 for nonprofits. Register 

L.E.A.D. Local- Hamilton County networking event on Sept. 4 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Grand Park Events Center. Connect with local nonprofits, boards, and committees, explore ways to serve and give back. Cost: Free. Register

Developing an Effective Board of Directors on Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. at the Central Library. This workshop will help you understand the basic responsibilities of nonprofit boards and identify methods for improving board effectiveness. Presented by Indianapolis Public Library. Cost: Free. Register

Contributions & Grants Revisited: Clarifications With Case Studies webinar on Sept. 8 at noon. Review the 2018 contributions and grants standard, including key requirements, case studies on common mistakes, and clarifications on accounting practices not affected by the new standard. Presented by Forvis Mazars. Cost: Free. Register

Effective Staff and Board Roles interactive virtual training on Sept. 18 from 12:00-1:30 p.m. In this session, individuals seeking to maximize the strengths and effectiveness of executive and board leadership will learn the complementary yet distinct roles that staff and board members play in nonprofit organizations. Presented by Hedges. Cost: $90. Register

Know Your Capacity: When (and How) to Ask for Help interactive panel luncheon will be held Sept. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tippecanoe County Public Library Downtown, 627 South St., Lafayette. Whether you’re preparing for growth, navigating change, or feeling stretched too thin, this session will help you assess your organization’s needs and make informed decisions about when and how to bring in the right support. Presented by The Association of Fundraising Professionals Indiana Chapter. Cost: Free. Register 

United Way of Central Indiana is seeking more than 400 volunteers for its 19th annual ReadUP program, which pairs community members with third graders to boost literacy through weekly one-on-one reading sessions in seven Central Indiana counties. Last year, 95% of participating students improved their literacy, making the program especially important as new state laws require students who fail the third-grade reading test to be held back. Register

Keep Indianapolis Beautiful needs youth volunteers for Protecting the Planet: Kids in Action on Sept. 6 at 10 a.m. at 1029 Fletcher Avenue. Kids will discover new ways to care for our local ecosystem and take action by picking up litter and clearing storm drains. Register

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Philanthropy reflexively tries to solve problems with sweeping plans. Instead, fix what matters most to people — from a broken stoplight to education — to set off a chain reaction of community-driven action. 

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