January 27, 2026

Introduction: Why 2026 Demands a Different Kind of Leadership

Featured on Angels for Angels, Written by Brad Carufel.

If the last few years taught nonprofit and social enterprise leaders anything, it’s this: stability can no longer be assumed.

Funding cycles are shorter. Donor behavior is less predictable. Foundations are more cautious. Governments shift priorities quickly. Meanwhile, demand for services continues to rise, and communities expect organizations to respond faster, more transparently, and with fewer resources.

Resilience, in this environment, isn’t about “weathering the storm.”

It’s about designing organizations that can operate through uncertainty without losing momentum or mission.

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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Habitat for Humanity of Johnson County has named Carissa Long as its executive director. Long was previously associate executive director of the Indiana State Bar Association.

DeAnna Woodruff was named chief executive officer and executive director of the Martindale Brightwood CDC. Woodruff was previously the chief operations officer.

Angela E. White has been named president and chief executive officer of Eskenazi Health Foundation. White previously served as executive vice president.

Erin K. Kelley has been named executive director of Indiana University Spirit and Place. Kelley formerly served as program director.

The Hendricks County Community Foundation has opened its Community Impact Grant program, offering flexible funding for nonprofits and charitable projects serving local needs. Grant applications are due by Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. Read more or apply.

The newly rebranded Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis (CAMi) will open its new 40,000 square foot building in May. Operated by Big Car Collaborative, CAMi already serves as an accessible hub for contemporary art, artists, and public engagement. Read more.

Indiana Black Expo’s Black Business Training Institute will open applications from Jan. 27 to March 6, 2026, for its free program that provides entrepreneurs with practical skills, business growth support, and tools to build community wealth. Read more or apply.

Hanover College has raised more than $99 million toward its $110 million goal in the public phase of its Bicentennial Campaign, the largest fundraising effort in the college’s history. The campaign will support scholarships, campus improvements, endowed positions, and expanded academic and extracurricular opportunities. Read more.

Foster Success hosted its fourth annual Day at the Statehouse last week, bringing together youth with foster care experience and Indiana lawmakers to share personal stories and advocate for policy changes. Priorities included expanded foster parent training, improved medical record tracking, and codifying the Foster Youth Bill of Rights. The event underscored the importance of including young people’s voices in shaping policies that improve outcomes for older foster youth.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

AFP: Let’s Talk Fundraising: Wins, Plans, and Real Conversations | Junior Achievement, 3001 S Creasy Ln, Lafayette

Feb. 6th |11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

This relaxed brown-bag luncheon will bring local fundraisers and nonprofit leaders together to celebrate 2025 wins, share 2026 fundraising priorities, and collaborate on challenges through peer learning and shared problem-solving. Presented by The Association of Fundraising Professionals. Cost: Free. Register.

Beyond the Dreaded PIP: Transforming Performance Management from Punishment to Progress | Webinar

Feb. 11th | 12-1 p.m. 

This free virtual session will reimagine performance management as a continuous, supportive process rather than an annual checkbox or termination countdown. Presented by InvigorateHR. Cost: Free

Register.

From Research to Results: Proven Strategies for Annual Fundraising | Webinar

Feb. 12th| 12 – 1 p.m.

In this webinar, Dr. Ruth Hansen shares proven, evidence-based strategies and practical, budget-friendly steps nonprofits can use to strengthen their annual fund and raise more money with confidence. Presented by IU Lilly School of Philanthropy. Cost: $19. Register.

A Sector in Crisis: How Nonprofits and Foundations are Navigating Challenge | Webinar

Feb. 19th | 12 p.m.

Grounded in CEP’s latest data, this webinar examines how nonprofits and funders in the U.S. and internationally are responding to unprecedented funding cuts and community challenges, and shares practical insights from leaders navigating this moment. Presented by The Center for Effective Philanthropy. Cost: Free Register.

Volunteer Opportunity | The STEM Connection

Join The STEM Connection for Community Build Days, where volunteers will assemble STEM kits for elementary students in Indiana. Upcoming build days: Jan. 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. or 5 to 7 p.m.; Feb. 11 and 18 from 2 to 4 p.m.; and March 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. Register.

SPONSORS' RESOURCES

Dean Dorton Why Forward-Thinking Nonprofits Are Rethinking Their Accounting Systems

Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Podcast: Will AI Financing Affect Your Fundraising?

2025 Central Indiana Salary Report