Five local nonprofits are offering the initiative in its second year
Submitted By United Way of Central Indiana
Careers that require credentials – a commercial driver’s license or health care certification, for example – can earn people livable wages that help their families thrive.
But barriers stand in the way.
First, there’s the price tag. Earning a commercial driver’s license can cost at least $5,000. Certified medical administrative assistant: $4,900.
Then, there’s the time commitment: often months of training.
On top of that, families must find – and pay for – child care. They may need a laptop or equipment for training that they can’t afford. They may have an unreliable car or lack transportation to get to and from training.
Now in its second year, United Way of Central Indiana’s Workforce Pathways Accelerator Initiative is designed to be an “on ramp” for people seeking industry-recognized credentials. The initiative eliminates barriers and helps participants earn certifications and land jobs that pay livable wages – on a quick timeline.
Beginning in July 2024, Dress for Success Indianapolis and Indianapolis Urban League piloted the initiative in its first year. United Way funding covered the cost of participants’ training and certification testing, helped eliminate barriers and allowed the nonprofits to hire a coach to guide them through training and employment – and beyond.
In that first year, the initiative served more people than United Way and its partners anticipated: 76 enrolled – and 41 earned credentials.
In July 2025, United Way expanded this work: Fathers and Families Center, Public Advocates in Community Re-Entry (PACE) and Indiana Plan joined Dress for Success Indianapolis and Indianapolis Urban League in offering the initiative.
What is the impact? In the first year, Dress for Success Indianapolis helped women earn Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) credentials, in a field where jobs are essential and in-demand.
Karrise was one of the program’s graduates. After a stroke in 2016, Karrise could no longer work the physically demanding jobs she one held. Now with her CMAA, Karrise can see herself in a health care job that is meaningful, where she can stay for the long term and work up the career ladder.
“Our work doesn’t stop. There is a huge need for this type of programming,” said Bernadette Monk, United Way’s economic mobility director. “Residents and neighbors are interested in short-term credentials, because it gives them hope. In that quick amount of time, they’re able to see their income increase.”
By Lauren Bickham, Assistant Vice President and Fund Director at Black Onyx Management
Artificial intelligence isn’t just transforming how nonprofits operate—it’s expanding their potential. Nearly two-thirds of nonprofits now use AI—organizations of all sizes find it accessible and are identifying practical ways to incorporate it into their work. Additionally, philanthropy is making unprecedented investments to ensure AI’s transformative power benefits the organizations tackling society’s most pressing issues.
A $500 MILLION BET ON AI FOR IMPACT
In October, ten of America’s most influential foundations—including MacArthur, Ford, Omidyar Network, Mellon, and Packard—announced Humanity AI, a $500 million initiative dedicated to ensuring AI delivers for people and communities. The coalition will begin aligned grantmaking this fall, with pooled grants starting in 2026.
This represents a fundamental shift: philanthropy is moving from cautious observation to active investment in AI as a force multiplier for social impact.
HOW FOUNDATIONS ARE SUPPORTING AI ADOPTION
The sector is recognizing that nonprofits shouldn’t navigate AI alone. Yet a significant opportunity exists: while capacity building is common in philanthropy, a 2025 study by the Center for Effective Philanthropy found that nearly 90% of foundations don’t yet offer AI implementation support to grantees. This gap is changing rapidly as leading foundations demonstrate what’s possible:
Skills Development: The AI for Nonprofits Sprint aims to bring 100,000 nonprofit staff to baseline AI literacy in 2026. Microsoft, OpenAI, and others have launched free training specifically designed for nonprofit professionals.
Collaborative Funding: Foundations increasingly favor multi-partner proposals that bring together nonprofits, universities, and tech organizations—sharing both resources and expertise.
When foundations evaluate AI-inclusive proposals in 2026, they’ll be looking for organizations that demonstrate:
Mission Alignment: How does AI amplify your impact rather than simply automate tasks?
Responsible Implementation: What safeguards ensure AI enhances rather than replaces human judgment and relationships?
Equity Focus: How does your approach address bias, ensure transparency, and promote digital equity?
Sustainability: Who maintains and improves the AI system beyond the grant period?
Data Stewardship: What governance protects the communities you serve?
Learning Orientation: How will you share what works (and what doesn’t) with the sector?
These aren’t barriers—they’re guideposts for maximizing AI’s positive impact while minimizing potential harms.
THREE WAYS TO EXPLORE AI’S POTENTIAL FOR YOUR MISSION
You don’t need technical expertise or a big budget to start exploring AI for your organization. Here’s how to get started:
FOCUS ON PROBLEMS, NOT TOOLS Where does your staff spend time on repetitive tasks instead of high-value work? Where could personalization improve outcomes but seems impossible at scale? What data could inform decisions but remains unused? These questions identify AI’s most valuable applications for your organization.
TAP INTO FREE SUPPORT The sector is investing heavily in making AI accessible. Free training through Microsoft Learn’s AI Skills for Nonprofits, OpenAI Academy, and IBM SkillsBuild can boost your team’s confidence. Many offer certificates that demonstrate growing expertise.
JOIN LEARNING COMMUNITIES The Technology Association of Grantmakers is launching learning exchanges for organizations developing AI strategies. Fast Forward and other intermediaries connect AI-powered nonprofits for peer learning. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
THE OPPORTUNITY AHEAD
Philanthropy is making a bold bet: that AI, when used responsibly and equitably, can help nonprofits achieve breakthrough impact on society’s most difficult challenges. With $500 million in new funding starting in 2026, along with comprehensive training and technical support, the sector is creating an unprecedented opportunity for mission-driven organizations.
The question isn’t whether AI will change social impact—it’s how your organization can help shape that change in ways that boost your mission and benefit your community.
PARTNERING FOR AI-ENHANCED IMPACT
Black Onyx Management assists nonprofits in exploring and clearly articulating how AI can enhance their impact. Whether you’re thinking about your first AI implementation or creating a detailed strategy, we combine philanthropic insight with technical knowledge to support you:
Discover high-value AI applications aligned with your mission and capacity
Develop compelling narratives that show foundations how AI amplifies your impact
Design responsible implementation frameworks that protect the communities you serve
Build proposals that position your organization for AI-inclusive funding
Create strategic plans that integrate AI thoughtfully into your theory of change
The foundations investing in AI aren’t just funding technology—they’re investing in organizations ready to reimagine what’s possible. We help you become one of them.
In today’s complex regulatory environment, nonprofit leaders face a distinct challenge: maintaining support for those most in need while attracting diverse funding sources from more cautious funders. Recent guidance from the Department of Justice has created uncertainty regarding targeting specific populations, causing many organizations to question how to effectively communicate their work without raising concerns.
The solution isn’t to change your mission—it’s to communicate your impact more strategically. At Black Onyx Management, we see this moment as an opportunity to connect funders who want to support organizations doing impactful work with nonprofits that can clearly articulate their community-level results. Here are three key strategies for transforming your messaging while maintaining mission integrity.
Key 1: Lead with Impact
Funders need to understand who you serve – and you’ll provide detailed demographic information in proposals and conversations. However, the most effective nonprofits lead with community challenges and measurable outcomes, focusing on why their work matters:
Before: “Services for homeless veterans” After: “Our housing program provides wraparound support services and has achieved 85% housing retention rates among participants”
Before: “Supporting underserved families in our community” After: “Our bilingual family engagement program increases high school graduation rates by 23%”
Before: “Programs for at-risk youth” After: “Our violence intervention program has achieved a 65% reduction in repeat incidents among participants”
Implementation: Many organizations benefit from structured training on this messaging shift, particularly for board members and executive staff who represent the organization in high-stakes funding conversations.
Key 2: Master the IMPACT Formula
A Systematic Framework for Strategic Messaging
Transform your communications using this systematic framework to ensure consistent, compelling messaging:
I – Identify the Community Challenge M – Measure Current State with Data P – Present Your Solution Approach A – Articulate Measurable Outcomes C – Connect to Broader Community Benefits T – Tie to Funder Values and Priorities
Real-World Application
Community Challenge: “Food insecurity affects 1 in 4 children in our region” Current State: “Local schools report 40% of students rely on free/reduced lunch programs” Solution: “Our mobile food pantry and nutrition education program reaches families where they are” Outcomes: “95% of participating families report improved food security; 78% of children show improved school attendance” Community Benefits: “Supporting local economic development and educational outcomes community-wide” Funder Alignment: “Aligns with corporate social responsibility goals around community investment and workforce development”
According to research cited by Candid, 76% of nonprofit decision-makers prioritize impact measurement, yet only 29% feel effective at demonstrating outcomes.
Strategic Development: Successful organizations often develop comprehensive resource development strategies that integrate this messaging framework across all funder relationships, creating multiple entry points for different types of support.
Key 3: Apply Strategic Messaging to Build Stronger Funder Relationships
Use impact-focused language and the IMPACT formula in your organization’s case for support and in all interactions with funders to build deeper, more sustainable relationships.
Corporate Partners
Focus on economic impact and business alignment:
“Our job training program places 150+ community members annually, generating $2.3M in new local wages”
Connect outcomes to workforce development and community investment goals
Foundation Funders
Emphasize evidence-based approaches and systemic change:
“Our literacy program contributes to our district’s 15% increase in third-grade reading proficiency” Demonstrate cost-effectiveness and long-term community impact
Individual Donors
Share personal impact and community connection:
“Our family support program helps 92% of participants achieve stable housing within six months”
Show donors they’re part of measurable, meaningful change
Your Mission, Communicated Strategically
Impact-focused language preserves your mission while expanding funding opportunities. Organizations thriving in today’s environment lead with data, outcomes, and compelling evidence of community change. Your mission stays the same—you are simply communicating your value more effectively. In today’s funding environment, this strategic approach is crucial for organizational sustainability.
Black Onyx Management specializes in assisting nonprofit organizations as they navigate changes in the funding landscape. To learn more about how their services can help your organization build financial resilience, visit blackonyxmanagement.com or contact lauren@blackonyxmanagement.com.
Nonprofit leaders across Central Indiana now have access to a vital new tool: the 2025 Central Indiana Nonprofit Salary Report, published by Charitable Advisors and available free of charge.
This eighth edition of the survey compiles salary and benefits data for 26 nonprofit positions, offering organizations critical benchmarks to guide compensation decisions. With responses from 319 nonprofits—more than double the sample size of typical surveys—the report delivers a comprehensive view of the region’s nonprofit workforce.
First launched in 2010, the salary report was created to fill a longstanding gap: before then, no summary of nonprofit wages and benefits existed for Central Indiana. Today, the report is considered a cornerstone resource for boards and executives seeking to balance limited budgets with the need to recruit and retain qualified staff.
“We regularly hear about the value this information provides to nonprofits to benchmark pay rates for specific roles and to consider changes to benefit offerings,” said Bryan Orander, president of Charitable Advisors. “Our hope is that these survey results will help organizations of all sizes attract and keep the talent they need to achieve their missions.”
The 2025 edition highlights wage trends across service areas and budget sizes. For example, average salaries for executive directors range from about $67,000 at small nonprofits to more than $250,000 at the largest organizations. The report also examines benefits such as retirement contributions, additional paid time off, and professional development opportunities—factors increasingly important in today’s competitive talent market.
Beyond compensation figures, the survey provides guidance on applying results to organizational strategy. It encourages boards to consider long-term pay philosophies, monitor executive compensation, and evaluate non-financial benefits like flexible schedules and training.
As nonprofit leaders navigate the complexities of the sector, staying informed and inspired is crucial. With the arrival of a new month, several podcasts have emerged as valuable resources for motivation, advocacy, and organizational growth. Here are three standout podcasts that are currently popular and relevant for nonprofit professionals.
Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Hosted by Sarah Olivieri, Inspired Nonprofit Leadership offers a blend of strategic insights and motivational content tailored for nonprofit executives and board members. The podcast delves into topics such as organizational health, leadership development, and effective communication. Recent episodes have featured discussions on building organizational courage and fostering inclusive leadership practices. With a 5.0 rating on Apple Podcasts, it stands out for its practical advice and empowering messages. Listen:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inspired-nonprofit-leadership/id1446218521
Nonprofit Leadership Podcast Dr. Rob Harter’s Nonprofit Leadership Podcast provides in-depth conversations with nonprofit leaders across various sectors. The episodes explore challenges and successes in areas like fundraising, community engagement, and strategic planning. Listeners gain insights into real-world applications of leadership theories and practices. The podcast’s consistent release schedule and diverse guest lineup make it a valuable resource for those seeking to enhance their leadership skills. Listen:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nonprofit-leadership-podcast/id1102505312
Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership provides a platform for emerging and established leaders to explore career development and organizational growth. Recent episodes like “5 Essential Topics Every Nonprofit Leader Should Know” and “The Strategic Leap: How Nonprofit Leaders Can Scale with Intention” offer guidance on scaling organizations and navigating leadership challenges. Hosted by Dr. Patton McDowell, this podcast is tailored for those seeking to enhance their leadership journey and organizational impact. Listen:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/id1487854841
As we enter a new month, these podcasts provide nonprofit leaders with the tools, insights, and inspiration needed to navigate the evolving landscape of the sector. Whether seeking to enhance leadership capabilities, develop strategic plans, or stay informed on industry trends, these podcasts offer valuable content to support nonprofit missions and objectives.
What are your favorite podcasts for nonprofit leaders and staff? Email your recommendations to chelsea@charitableadvisors.com
Observed every year on August 17, National Nonprofit Day recognizes the vital role that nonprofit organizations play in serving communities, addressing societal needs, and advancing meaningful causes. For nonprofit professionals, this day is more than just a celebration — it’s a strategic opportunity to tell our stories, thank our supporters, and spark greater impact.
A Brief History
National Nonprofit Day was founded by Sherita J. Herring, a nonprofit advocate and social entrepreneur, to highlight the contributions of the sector. The date ties back to the Tariff Act of 1894, which included provisions exempting charitable organizations from federal taxes — the foundation of modern nonprofit status in the U.S.
Since then, the nonprofit sector has grown to include over 1.5 million organizations in the United States alone. These groups support everything from hunger relief and education to environmental justice, civil rights, health care, and the arts.
Why It Matters
Nonprofits are often unsung heroes in our communities — filling gaps, lifting up the vulnerable, and building a more just society. National Nonprofit Day offers a chance to:
Recognize the work of nonprofit staff, volunteers, and donors
Raise awareness about key issues and services
Mobilize support and build momentum for long-term impact
For organizations, it’s not just a moment of reflection — it’s a valuable platform for outreach, engagement, and fundraising.
How Nonprofits Can Use National Nonprofit Day Strategically
Whether you’re a small community-based group or a national nonprofit, August 17 presents a unique chance to engage your audience in creative, meaningful ways. Here are a few strategies to consider:
Share Your Impact Through Storytelling
Use the day to highlight stories of lives changed through your work. Feature beneficiaries, volunteers, or long-time donors in blog posts, videos, or social media posts. Authentic storytelling strengthens emotional connections and reinforces the value of your mission.
Recognize and Thank Your Supporters
Show appreciation for the people behind your mission — staff, board members, donors, and volunteers. Host a small celebration, send personalized thank-you messages, or spotlight individuals on your platforms. Recognition builds loyalty and community.
Run a Mini Fundraising or Awareness Campaign
National Nonprofit Day is perfect for a one-day fundraising push or awareness drive. You could:
Launch a $17 donation challenge
Secure a matching gift from a local business
Encourage supporters to start peer-to-peer fundraisers
Tie the campaign to clear outcomes and make it easy for people to get involved.
Pitch to Local Media
Use the day as a news hook to generate press coverage. Share a compelling story or recent success that reflects your organization’s impact. Local outlets are often open to covering mission-driven work, especially when tied to national observances.
Collaborate for Greater Reach
Partner with other nonprofits or community-minded businesses to co-host events, cross-promote campaigns, or create shared content. Collaborations amplify your reach and demonstrate solidarity across the sector.
Moving Beyond the Day
National Nonprofit Day is a moment to shine — but it also reinforces why nonprofits exist in the first place: to serve others, spark change, and build a better world. By using August 17 strategically, organizations can expand their visibility, engage new supporters, and energize existing ones.
As a team who works in this field, we see the day as both a celebration and a call to action. The work is challenging, but the impact is real — and this day reminds us all of what’s possible when we come together for a cause.
National Nonprofit Day is more than recognition — it’s a launchpad. Whether you’re raising awareness, thanking supporters, or mobilizing your community, August 17 is a chance to elevate your mission and inspire action. Let’s use it well.
In the crowded digital space, where every scroll competes with breaking news, celebrity drama, and viral trends, nonprofits face a daunting challenge: how do we rise above the noise and truly connect with people who care?
The answer isn’t just posting more frequently or sharing an occasional success story. The real game-changer is intentional, algorithm-aligned storytelling—a powerful blend of emotional narrative, platform-specific strategy, and data-driven creativity that cuts through the noise and gets seen, shared, and supported.
If your organization is still treating social media as an afterthought or a basic update channel, it’s time to evolve.
Here’s how to elevate your impact, visibility, and donor engagement by using the algorithm to your advantage—and telling stories that can’t be ignored.
Why Storytelling + Algorithm Strategy = Visibility and Growth
At its core, social media is about connection. And nothing connects like a story. Research from Stanford shows that people are 22 times more likely to remember information when it’s embedded in a story versus a standalone fact. But even the best story will fall flat if no one sees it.
That’s where understanding algorithms comes in.
Each platform—Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube—prioritizes content differently. And yet, they all reward the same behaviors:
High engagement (likes, comments, shares, saves)
Longer watch or scroll times
Content that encourages meaningful interaction
In short: the better your story, the more time people spend with it—and the more the algorithm rewards you.
Key Action #1: Create “Story Arcs” Over Time, Not One-Off Posts
Most nonprofits post a single photo with a caption about someone they’ve helped. That’s fine—but not transformational.
Instead, think like a content creator or documentary producer: break your impact into episodic content. Use story arcs to take your audience on a journey.
How to implement:
Introduce a beneficiary, community, or issue in Part 1.
Share the challenges in Part 2.
Show the transformation or impact in Part 3.
End with a call to action: donate, share, or join your cause.
🎯 Pro Tip: Instagram Reels and TikToks that follow 3–5 part storytelling arcs generate 35–70% more engagement than standalone posts, according to data from Hootsuite (2024).
Key Action #2: Use “Relatable Anchors” in Your Storytelling
Your story might be about advocating for school transportation in Indianapolis or a housing crisis impacting the entire state. But the algorithm—and your audience—need a reason to stop scrolling.
Use relatable anchors—universal emotions or situations that make people feel seen.
Example:
Start a post with “Imagine not being able to send your child to school because there’s no bus service.”
Then reveal the location, the community, the work you’re doing.
This human-first framing invites curiosity and relatability, which drives higher engagement and time-on-post—two critical algorithm signals.
Key Action #3: Lean Into Native Video and Closed Captioning
Video is king—but only if done right.
Native video (uploaded directly to platforms) outperforms shared YouTube links by 2x to 3x, according to Sprout Social. Videos under 60 seconds with auto-captioning and hook lines in the first 3 seconds perform best.
Make it work:
Start videos with a surprising stat or emotional question.
Keep captions on for silent scrolling (which accounts for 85% of Facebook video views).
Add direct CTAs (“Double-tap if this made you feel something” or “Comment with ❤️ if you agree”).
Key Action #4: Hack the Algorithm with “Meaningful Engagement” Prompts
The 2024 updates across Instagram and Facebook favor “meaningful interactions” over passive likes. This includes DMs, comments, shares, and saves.
Post ideas that entice interaction:
“What would you do in this situation?”
“Tag someone who inspires you to give back.”
“Save this post to read later.”
📊 Meta’s data shows that content generating comments and saves gets 4x more reach than content with likes alone.
Key Action #5: Turn Donors and Volunteers into Micro-Influencers
Your nonprofit likely has dozens—if not hundreds—of supporters who would be thrilled to help you grow, but they don’t know how.
Action Step: Build a “digital advocacy kit” with branded Canva templates, captions, and hashtags. Encourage monthly donors, board members, and volunteers to post about why they support your cause.
Even accounts with 300–1,000 followers can have big impact when posts are authentic and timely. This is called networked visibility—and it costs you nothing.
🔎 According to Edelman’s Trust Barometer, people trust friends and “people like them” more than celebrities or brands—making peer-driven content 2.5x more effective at converting interest into action.
Key Action #6: Use Data to Drive and Adjust Your Content Strategy
Don’t just post and hope. Use analytics to refine your approach weekly.
Look for:
Retention time on Reels or video posts
Which posts get shared or saved most (these indicate high value)
Optimal posting times (often early morning or post-dinner)
Pro Tool Suggestions:
Meta Business Suite Insights (free)
Later or Buffer for scheduling + performance tracking
TikTok Analytics for engagement drop-off points
Set monthly KPIs for impressions, engagement, and CTR to donation or newsletter sign-ups. Treat social media as a living lab—not a billboard.
The New Era of Impact: Be Seen to Be Supported
Visibility isn’t vanity—it’s viability. If people don’t see your work, they can’t support it. If they don’t feel your mission through your stories, they won’t give, volunteer, or share.
When you harness the power of storytelling plus a platform-aware strategy, you go beyond just broadcasting. You build community, drive action, and increase impact.
So don’t just update. Move. Stir. Connect. Align with what the algorithm wants—and what the world needs to hear from you.
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.
By engaging with these courses, nonprofit leaders can gain a more nuanced understanding of the political environment, helping them to craft stronger advocacy campaigns and elevate their organization’s impact. Moreover, the courses emphasize how individuals and organizations can use their voices to lead change, providing practical knowledge that nonprofit professionals can apply directly in their work.
Given the growing challenges facing democracy — from political polarization to declining public trust — these educational resources are a timely tool to empower nonprofit sectors nationwide. According to recent surveys, only 20% of Americans trust the federal government to do what is right most of the time, underscoring the need for informed and engaged leadership.
Harvard’s no-cost, open-access courses remove barriers to high-quality civic education, making it easier for nonprofits to build the capacity needed to thrive in today’s complex political climate.
For nonprofit professionals looking to strengthen their advocacy and leadership skills, these free Harvard courses offer a unique chance to learn from one of the world’s leading universities and drive meaningful, informed change.
INDIANAPOLIS — Leadership Indianapolis will host its annual Get on Board event on Monday, June 23, at Newfields, bringing together more than 130 nonprofit organizations and hundreds of community members looking to make a difference.
Presented by AES Indiana, Get on Board serves as a gateway for individuals to explore nonprofit leadership, committee service, and volunteer opportunities across the city. From arts and education to housing, health care and environmental advocacy, participating organizations span a wide range of missions.
The event offers a rare opportunity: a one-stop setting where people from all backgrounds can connect directly with nonprofits and discover how their time, skills and experiences can support meaningful change.
A Pivotal Time for Nonprofits
As the nonprofit sector continues to recover from pandemic-related challenges, many organizations are facing renewed uncertainty in funding and programming. Community engagement—including board service and volunteer leadership—is critical to navigating these disruptions.
“Nonprofits rely on dedicated community members to fulfill their missions,” said Beth Perdue Outland, vice president of Leadership Indianapolis. “Get on Board helps many individuals take that first step toward engagement, whether through governance, committee work or hands-on volunteering.”
Building Boards That Reflect the Community
A growing body of research highlights the importance—and ongoing challenges—of diversity in nonprofit leadership. According to BoardSource’s 2021 Leading with Intent report, just 29% of board chairs felt their boards reflected the communities they serve. Despite incremental progress, only 10% of board members surveyed identified as Black, and just 5% identified as Hispanic or Latino. Age diversity also lags, with more than two-thirds of board members over the age of 45.
Leadership Indianapolis hopes Get on Board makes it easier for more people to participate in our city’s civic life.
“Diverse leadership is essential for nonprofits to truly understand and serve their communities,” said Rebecca Hutton, president and CEO of Leadership Indianapolis. “We want every attendee to feel welcomed and encouraged to step into these roles.”
The Value of Varied Experience
Nonprofit boards require more than passion for a cause—they need a breadth of expertise to function effectively. Legal, financial, communications and technology professionals all bring critical value, even if their day jobs don’t directly align with a nonprofit’s mission.
“While a youth services organization might need mentors, it also needs accountants to manage its budget and marketing experts to help tell its story,” said Hutton. “There’s a place for everyone to contribute meaningfully.”
Younger professionals, often underrepresented in boardrooms, bring their own assets: digital fluency, wide social networks, and fresh perspectives. Savvy organizations are taking note.
Expanded Format for 2025
The 2025 Get on Board will be the largest to date, featuring an expanded venue footprint at Newfields and extended hours from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Admission is free with registration and includes same-day access to the museum and gardens.
Attendees can expect an informal, welcoming atmosphere where organizations are eager to share their missions and discuss how individuals can get involved.
“Get on Board creates meaningful connections between talented individuals and organizations that need their voices and skills,” Outland said.
For Patrick Jessee, CEO of Enable, the event marked a turning point. “After moving back to Indiana from Washington, D.C., I wanted to reconnect with the community,” he said. “At Get on Board, I found a mission that meant a lot to me personally.” That led to a board position with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis, where Jessee also went on to serve as board president.”
How to Participate
Get on Board will take place Monday, June 23, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Newfields. Admission is free, but advance registration is required. Whether you’re a seasoned board member or exploring civic engagement for the first time, the event offers an opportunity to find your place—and make an impact.
By: Brandy Jemczura, Founder and Executive Director of Seeds of Caring
Research abounds on the benefits of volunteering, but what role does this play in childhood development? In a world grappling with rising youth mental health concerns, declining empathy, and social disconnection, giving kids the chance to serve their communities may be one of the most powerful—and overlooked—tools we have. Volunteering helps children build emotional resilience, understand different life experiences, and feel connected to something bigger than themselves. And it doesn’t just benefit the kids. It builds stronger families, more compassionate communities, and a generation better prepared to lead with empathy and intention.
At Seeds of Caring, we imagine a future with more empathy, something that research shows is under threat in today’s culture. According to a study in the Personality and Social Psychology Review, empathy among college students has dropped significantly since the 1980s, with the steepest decline in recent years. And yet, empathy is the foundation for kindness, collaboration, and strong communities.
But there’s good news: empathy can be taught as young as age 2—and volunteering is one of the most powerful ways to do it.
Why Should Kids Volunteer?
Volunteering isn’t just something kids should do—it’s something that actively benefits them. A study from UTHealth Houston found that children who volunteer are 18-35% less likely to experience anxiety or depression. Additionally, research from the National Institute on Out-of-School Time shows that 76% of children who volunteer feel happier and more connected than their peers.
Beyond mental health, volunteering boosts self-efficacy, improves academic outcomes, and builds critical social-emotional skills such as social awareness. When kids are given the chance to take action in their communities, they begin to see themselves as capable problem-solvers and powerful changemakers.
Did you know there is a strong case for the long-term impacts of youth volunteering? A longitudinal study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that children who developed strong prosocial skills early in life were more likely to become healthy, resilient, civic-minded adults. They were less likely to struggle with substance abuse or mental illness and more likely to succeed in school and the workplace.
When we think of workforce development in today’s job market, soft skills like teamwork, communication, and empathy are in high demand—but only 11% of business leaders believe new graduates possess the soft skills they need. That’s a gap we can close if we begin building these skills intentionally through service and volunteering from a young age.
When Families Serve Together
The benefits of youth service don’t stop with the kids. When families volunteer together, they create a shared culture of caring and a strong sense of mutual responsibility. Service becomes a family tradition. It opens the door to conversations about poverty, racism, and inequality—topics that can be hard to broach, but are essential to raising informed and empathetic children.
At Seeds of Caring, we often hear from parents who say that engaging in service helped normalize difficult conversations at home. When a child learns about someone experiencing homelessness through our partner Horizon House, or helps prepare a meal for families working hard to make ends meet through Midwest Food Bank, they start asking big, bold questions. And through these conversations, parents are able to nurture values that last a lifetime.
A study from the Corporation for National and Community Service backs this up: kids who volunteer regularly are 50% more likely to be engaged in their communities as adults. That’s the kind of legacy families can create together.
A Stronger, More Connected Community
There is one final benefit to youth volunteering that we haven’t discussed yet—it strengthens our community in tangible ways. Programs that build empathy and social-emotional skills during childhood offer an estimated $11 return for every $1 invested, thanks to the positive social, economic, and health outcomes they produce (Columbia University).
In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a rare public health advisory declaring social isolation and loneliness a national epidemic. He warned that the disconnection so many Americans are experiencing—especially our youth—has profound effects on mental and physical health, rivaling the impact of smoking and obesity. But along with issuing this warning, he identified three powerful remedies to combat this epidemic: service, love, and purpose. When children engage in meaningful service, they practice all of these and they feel connected, valued, and empowered to make a difference. Volunteering helps kids see that they have a role to play in making their community a better place and that purpose is something they can live out right now, by showing up for others.
Finally, youth volunteers bring something special to the table: fresh perspectives, boundless energy, and a deep desire to make the world a better place. Whether they’re cleaning up a local park through Keep Indianapolis Beautiful or preparing care kits for guests at Westminster Neighborhood Services, these young changemakers are already shaping the future of our city.
How Seeds of Caring Is Making It Easy
At Seeds of Caring, we’re proud to work alongside more than 30 incredible non-profit partners to ensure that kids ages 2-12 in Greater Indianapolis can engage in meaningful, age-appropriate service.
Our model pairs hands-on action with learning and reflection, because we know that kids don’t just need something to do—they need space to talk about what they’re learning and how it makes them feel. Every project is thoughtfully designed with empathy-building at its core.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, scout leader, or community member, there’s a way to get involved. Through public events, school programs, and even at-home opportunities, Seeds of Caring provides the tools and support to make service part of kids’ everyday lives.
Let’s Raise the Next Generation of Changemakers
Want to know how Seeds of Caring is changing our world for the better? Just ask the kids.
We recently invited a group of young volunteers to imagine what the world would look like if every child learned to empathize and volunteer in their community. Their answers?
“There would be less hatred and more kindness.”
“Everybody would be equal.”
“We would be one big community.”
And this one that gives me goosebumps every time: “More people would do what is right, not what is easy.”
So let’s imagine an Indianapolis where every child knows their voice matters. Let’s raise a generation that looks beyond themselves, recognizes the power they hold to strengthen their communities, and leads with compassion.
Get Involved
If you live in the Greater Indianapolis area visit seedsofcaring.org to explore upcoming service opportunities, register your child for a program, or partner with us to bring empathy-building experiences to your school or organization.
Dr. Jane Goodall once said, “You aren’t going to save the world on your own. But you might inspire a generation of kids to save it for all of us. You would be amazed at what inspired children can do.” Together, we can raise a generation that’s not only ready for the future—but ready to change it for the better. Join us!
