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Sponsor Insight

Dec 01

United Way’s Workforce Pathways Accelerator Initiative leads to industry credentials, jobs, better wages

By Sponsor Insight

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.”

Read – and watch – more about Karrise’s journey and the Workforce Pathways Accelerator Initiative’s first year on United Way’s website: https://www.uwci.org/blog/2025-dress-for-success-workforce-pathways-initiative

Nov 24

The AI Questions Foundations Will Ask In 2026 (And Why That’s Good News)

By Sponsor Insight

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:

Capacity Building Grants: KPMG Foundation committed $6 million to help nonprofits integrate AI into operations. GitLab Foundation offers $250,000 grants plus six months of technical support from OpenAI engineers, API credits, and peer learning networks.

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.

Infrastructure Investment: The National Science Foundation is investing over $700 million annually in AI research, with increasing focus on AI ethics, digital equity, and applications for social good.

WHAT FOUNDATIONS WANT TO SUPPORT

When foundations evaluate AI-inclusive proposals in 2026, they’ll be looking for organizations that demonstrate:

  1. Mission Alignment: How does AI amplify your impact rather than simply automate tasks?
  2. Responsible Implementation: What safeguards ensure AI enhances rather than replaces human judgment and relationships?
  3. Equity Focus: How does your approach address bias, ensure transparency, and promote digital equity?
  4. Sustainability: Who maintains and improves the AI system beyond the grant period?
  5. Data Stewardship: What governance protects the communities you serve?
  6. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Contact Black Onyx Management to explore how AI can expand your impact and how we can help you communicate that vision to funders. Visit blackonyxmanagement.com or contact lauren@blackonyxmanagement.com.

Sep 22

3 Keys to Strategic Language: How to Describe Your Mission-Critical Work in Today’s Funding Environment

By Sponsor Insight

By: Lauren Bickham

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.

Jun 02

This data shows the depth and nuance of need in our communities. Let’s use it to partner together and serve our neighbors with dignity.

By Sponsor Insight

United Way’s newest ALICE report shines a light on more than 1 million Hoosier households struggling to afford the basics

By Michael Budd, president and CEO of Indiana United Ways, and Denise Luster, chief strategic intelligence and information officer for United Way of Central Indiana

The data is striking.

Over one in four workers in Indiana’s most common jobs struggled to get by in 2023.

Yet many of these workers earned too much to qualify for government assistance. Among them: child care workers, nursing assistants, cashiers, food service workers – the very people who keep our economy running.

In all, more than 1 million Hoosier households could not afford a basic household budget that year. And some 31% of Indiana families with children struggled to make ends meet.

In May, Indiana United Ways and United Way of Central Indiana published the newest ALICE report, in collaboration with research partner United for ALICE. Released annually, the report shows the depth and nuance of need in our communities. It shines a light on households that are in poverty or considered ALICE, an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.

For more than half a century, the government has used the Federal Poverty Level to determine who among us qualifies for public assistance. But the ALICE report shows that this measure misses many more who are struggling.

ALICE households earn above the Federal Poverty Level – too much to receive aid – and yet not enough to afford the basics of housing, child care, food, transportation, health care and technology.

This report seeks to give them a voice. Read through its pages, and you’ll see there is not a population untouched by financial hardship. These challenges affect every community in every corner of our state – urban, suburban and rural.

The ALICE report – this data – is us. So how do we use it to take care of each other?

Here are a few places we can start:

  1. Educate.
    The ALICE report is a powerful resource for understanding community need. We can use it to educate the public and policymakers about those needs – and how human services nonprofits are working to address them. Once others understand the breadth and depth of the challenges, then they can become an active part of solving them.

The report can play an important role in humanizing the data and dismantling stereotypes. It shows that financial hardship doesn’t show up in the way some may assume: Just because a person has a job doesn’t mean they are OK.

This interactive tool includes detailed reports for all 92 counties in the state and calculates the true cost of living for each, allowing you to see a more detailed picture of need in your community.

The report highlights the economic impact of meeting all Hoosiers’ basic needs, a useful framework when speaking to stakeholders. Meeting everyone’s basic needs changes the trajectory of struggling Hoosiers – and also boosts economic activity through increased tax revenue and consumer spending.

Employers can use this data to understand their own workforce and consider policies that support their employees, such as helping with child care costs, offering flexible schedules to accommodate for transportation challenges, and providing small loan options like the Community Loan Center model. They may also consider partnering in the Good Wages Initiative, which supports living wages and access to benefits for workers.

  1. Build and adjust programs.

    It is critical that we use data to inform our decisions. The ALICE data shows us the challenges Hoosiers are really facing. We should use this information to help us create – and modify – programming tailored to those needs.
  2. Partner together.
    One organization alone cannot solve our communities’ complex challenges.

It requires all of us – nonprofits, government, businesses, philanthropy – to take part.

Partnerships can start small. Perhaps your nonprofit addresses food insecurity. How can you connect to other agencies that address additional basic needs – such as transportation, housing, child care, health care – to ensure your clients’ needs are met holistically? We need to work together.

Above all else, what we hope you take away from the ALICE report is this: Data is a representation of real people. This report is about what is happening to real families every day in our communities.

We all deserve dignity. Let’s ensure all Hoosiers have access to the basics, to good-paying jobs, to opportunities.

Michael Budd is the president and CEO of Indiana United Ways.

Denise Luster is the chief strategic intelligence and information officer for United Way of Central Indiana.

May 19

Justice Starts Here

By Sponsor Insight

By Alexandra Ross, Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic is a nonprofit law agency on a mission to make justice accessible for everyone, especially those who can’t afford it. Based in Indianapolis, we offer free legal services, education, and support to individuals and families across Indiana.

Rooted in faith and driven by compassion, we walk alongside people from all backgrounds to defend dignity and fight for what’s right.

In 2024 alone, we served 4,130 clients facing legal challenges.

What We Do

Our services are focused on five core areas, all designed to help clients break through legal barriers and build brighter futures:

  • Housing & Consumer Justice. Help with evictions, debt collection, and sealing past eviction records
  • Tax & Economic Justice. Support for those facing IRS tax controversies
  • Immigrant & Survivor Justice. Legal aid for humanitarian immigration cases and survivors of trauma
  • Veterans Justice. Assistance for veterans who are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness
  • Re-entry Justice. Expungements and driver’s license reinstatement for those with justice involvement

Volunteering Opportunities

Imagine losing your home or drowning in debt with no one to help. That’s the reality for 96% low-income Hoosiers facing legal battles alone. At the heart of our mission is the simple yet powerful idea of neighbors supporting neighbors. When one of us is struggling, we all have a role to play in lifting each other up.

There’s a place for everyone at the Clinic, and volunteering is not just rewarding but also essential. Your time, energy, and unique skills can change lives.

Ways to Get Involved

  • Attorney volunteering. By offering legal triage through our “Consult with a Lawyer” program, attorneys provide clarity and direction to clients who are often overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. They can volunteer at two convenient locations—our main office or Shepherd Community Center—with a commitment as light as just 2 hours a month.
  • General volunteering. Whether it’s writing an encouraging note, helping organize client materials, or praying with staff and clients, non-attorney volunteers bring warmth and humanity to our space. These small acts of kindness go a long way in uplifting clients navigating stressful situations—and they boost staff morale too.
  • Event volunteering. Our events would not be possible without volunteers to help with planning, set-up, and teardown.
  • Office administration. Administrative volunteers help behind the scenes by organizing files, prepping documents, making calls, and more. These tasks are vital in freeing up our staff to spend more time directly serving clients.

Every hour you give support our team and brings hope to someone in need. Your time, energy, and unique skills can change lives. Because justice isn’t a luxury—it’s a right for everyone. To join our mission, please email Volunteer & Events Coordinator Syreta Thomas sthomas@nclegalclinic.org.

Apr 07

Navigating Funding Uncertainty: How Black Onyx Management Empowers Nonprofit Leaders

By Sponsor Insight

Submitted by Black Onyx Management

In today’s volatile funding landscape, nonprofit organizations face unprecedented challenges in securing stable government funding. Many nonprofit leaders find themselves struggling to plan effectively for the future. This uncertainty doesn’t have to derail your mission or impact.

The Challenge of Uncertain Government Funding

As a nonprofit leader, having predictable financial resources is essential to achieving your goals. When government funding—often a significant portion of nonprofit budgets—becomes unpredictable, the ripple effects touch every aspect of your organization. Financial forecasting becomes difficult, program sustainability is threatened, and the pressure to diversify funding sources intensifies.

Many nonprofit leaders, especially those in smaller organizations, find themselves without the internal capacity to navigate these challenges while simultaneously managing operations, overseeing teams, and maintaining service delivery.

Building Resilience Through Strategic Fundraising

Black Onyx Management, a management consulting firm with a deep community focus, specializes in assisting nonprofit organizations in building resilience against funding uncertainty by helping them create diversified revenue streams capable of withstanding changing political and economic landscapes.

A Comprehensive Approach to Nonprofit Sustainability

Black Onyx Management offers nonprofit leaders a partner who understands both the big picture and the practical details of financial sustainability:

Strategic Expertise When You Need It Most

Black Onyx Management works closely with nonprofit organizations to develop comprehensive fundraising strategies that address immediate needs while building long-term sustainability. Our team can help your organization craft a compelling case statement providing the language and framework needed to effectively communicate your impact to potential funders.

Cash Flow Planning and Budget Scenarios

One of Black Onyx Management’s core offerings is helping nonprofits understand multiple budget scenarios based on different funding outcomes. This approach allows organizations to plan proactively rather than reactively when government funding changes. Our financial experts provide guidance on tracking income streams, managing fundraising expenses, and monitoring progress toward goals.

Diversified Fundraising Implementation

Black Onyx Management’s team helps prioritize and implement diverse fundraising tactics—from individual giving and corporate partnerships to events, grant applications, and online campaigns. Their hands-on support includes board training to ensure leadership becomes active participants in the fundraising process.

A Team of Experts at Your Disposal

When you partner with Black Onyx Management, you gain access to a multidisciplinary team with specialized expertise:

  • Fundraising strategists who can help you build a sustainable development plan
  • Grant research and management specialists who maximize your organization’s potential for securing and managing grants
  • Financial advisors who help you understand cash flow and create contingency plans
  • Research analysts who provide insights into donor behavior and preferences
  • Board and leadership development professionals who strengthen your organization’s governance and capacity

Building Certainty in Uncertain Times

In a funding environment where government support can change rapidly, Black Onyx Management empowers nonprofit leaders to take control of their financial future. By building strong relationships with diverse donors who believe in your mission, developing clear and compelling messaging about your impact, and creating systems to implement your fundraising strategy effectively, you can navigate uncertainty with confidence.

Let Black Onyx Management help you transform fundraising from a daunting challenge into a strategic advantage. Together, we can build the financial resilience your organization needs to continue enhancing its impact.

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.

Mar 31

Is It Time to Rethink Large Nonprofit Fundraisers?

By Sponsor Insight

By Jill Robisch, First Vice President & Manager, Nonprofit Division

As the nonprofit sector continues to adapt to a post-pandemic world, many organizations have resumed their large-scale fundraising events, aiming for a return to normalcy. However, with increasing uncertainty surrounding state and federal funding, is it time to rethink the traditional approach to these high-cost, resource-intensive fundraisers?

The Return to Large-Scale Events

In the immediate aftermath of COVID-19, many nonprofits pivoted to virtual or hybrid events, discovering new ways to engage donors and reduce overhead costs. Now, with in-person events making a strong comeback, some organizations are eager to revive the familiar gala, auction, or large benefit dinner. These events often serve as significant revenue generators, brand builders, and community engagement tools.

Yet, the landscape has changed. The unknown impact of potential shifts in government funding, inflation concerns, and shifting donor expectations mean nonprofits must be more strategic than ever about how they allocate fundraising resources.

The Uncertain Future of Public Funding

Federal and state funding for nonprofits remains a moving target. With economic fluctuations and shifting legislative priorities, nonprofits reliant on government grants and subsidies may face unpredictable funding streams. Organizations that previously used large fundraisers to supplement government dollars may now need to explore whether these events can reliably fill financial gaps in a sustainable way.

Balancing Costs and ROI

Large events require significant investment—venue costs, catering, entertainment, staffing, and marketing add up quickly. Nonprofits must critically assess whether the return on investment justifies these expenditures. While some events yield high revenue, others may break even or operate at a loss when factoring in hidden costs such as staff time and donor fatigue.

Instead of defaulting to large-scale fundraisers, nonprofits should consider a diversified approach, blending traditional events with:

  • Targeted Major Donor Engagement – Intimate gatherings or one-on-one donor stewardship may yield higher returns with lower costs.
  • Corporate Partnerships – Engaging corporate sponsors for year-round giving, rather than a one-time event sponsorship, can provide more sustainable funding.
  • Peer-to-Peer Fundraising – Empowering supporters to raise funds through social networks can create broad engagement with minimal upfront costs.
  • Recurring Giving Programs – Encouraging monthly donors builds a stable revenue stream, reducing reliance on annual fundraisers.

The Future: Quality Over Quantity

Rather than focusing on returning to the way things were, nonprofits should evaluate what works best for their specific mission and donor base. This might mean scaling back on extravagant events in favor of more targeted, mission-aligned gatherings that foster deeper connections with supporters.

Ultimately, the question isn’t whether large fundraisers should disappear but whether they should evolve. By reevaluating their role within a broader, more sustainable fundraising strategy, nonprofits can position themselves for long-term success—regardless of the external funding climate.

Mar 24

Champions of Change: Honoring the 2025 ELEVATE Award Winners

By Sponsor Insight

Submitted by United Way of Central Indiana

Every community thrives because of the people who dedicate their time, talent and passion to making it better. In Central Indiana, we are fortunate to have leaders, volunteers and advocates who work tirelessly to uplift others and create lasting impact. Their efforts – whether through mentorship, advocacy or community revitalization – help shape a more equitable and vibrant community.

Each year, United Way of Central Indiana recognizes young changemakers through the ELEVATE Awards, celebrating those who go above and beyond to strengthen our communities. The 2025 ELEVATE award winners, recognized in February at the seventh annual event, are individuals whose dedication to service, leadership and philanthropy is making a difference in Central Indiana.

Volunteer of the Year: Stephanie Marshall

As president of the Brendon Park Civic Association, Stephanie Marshall has transformed her northeast Indianapolis neighborhood through leadership and advocacy. From organizing monthly clean-ups to securing grants for community restoration projects, Stephanie is committed to fostering a thriving environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Her work goes beyond beautification: She has also created a task force to revitalize Devington Plaza, ensuring that residents have a voice in shaping their community’s future.

Nonprofit Employee of the Year: McKenna Houston

A passionate advocate for education and innovation, McKenna Houston, development officer at the STARTedUP Foundation, is dedicated to empowering young minds. Through her work, she provides opportunities for students to explore entrepreneurship and develop leadership skills. She has published a children’s book to inspire career curiosity, developed an app, and led initiatives that introduce students to the world of business. By fostering creativity and innovation, McKenna is equipping the next generation with the tools they need to succeed.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advocate of the Year: Wendy Catalan Ruano

Wendy Catalan Ruano, a bilingual match specialist at Starfish Initiative, is a champion for historically marginalized communities. Their work in advocacy focuses on addressing systemic barriers and amplifying the voices of undocumented individuals. Wendy’s dedication to public service and commitment to creating economic stability for others make them a true leader in this space.

Emerging Leader of the Year: Peter Hanscom

Peter Hanscom, chief development officer at Free Press Indiana, has made a significant impact by championing local journalism and civic engagement. Through his leadership, Peter has worked to elevate diverse voices and create opportunities for young professionals. His commitment to storytelling and community building ensures that important issues remain at the forefront and that all voices are heard.

United Way Champion of the Year: Brandon Cobb

A dedicated leader in United Way’s workplace campaign efforts, Brandon Cobb, associate director of strategy and operations at Eli Lilly and Company, has played a pivotal role in engaging employees in philanthropy. His efforts to train and motivate hundreds of ambassadors have significantly increased participation and support for critical community initiatives. Beyond his volunteer work, Brandon continues to push himself toward excellence – whether in strategic planning, professional development or even running marathons.

People’s Choice Award: Logan Metzger

With more than a decade of service to Second Helpings, Logan Metzger, a biomedical engineer at Adjutant Solutions Group, has been a dedicated force in the fight against hunger. He co-founded First Course, a young professionals’ group that introduces others to philanthropy and food security efforts. With over 800 volunteer hours logged, Logan’s passion for service continues to strengthen Second Helpings’ mission to support those in need.

These six people are proof that making a difference starts with a commitment to action. Whether through revitalizing neighborhoods, empowering students, advocating for marginalized communities, supporting local journalism, leading volunteer initiatives, or tackling food insecurity, their contributions shape Central Indiana for the better.

At United Way, we are proud to celebrate these ELEVATE award winners and the countless others who dedicate their time to building a stronger, more connected community. Their efforts remind us that meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight – it happens through consistent, passionate work driven by people who care.

Who in your community is making a difference? Take a moment to recognize and celebrate them – because together, we can build a brighter future for all.

Mar 10

Guarding Against Fraud: Business Email Compromise

By Sponsor Insight

Leadership Summary

Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a sophisticated, costly phishing attack that targets employees, 3rd-party contractors, and organizations, often causing millions in losses. Identifying a few “red flags” like a sudden sense of urgency, abnormal financial requests, or inconsistent grammar can help you recognize BEC attempts before they impact your organization.

Top Ways to Protect Against BEC

Strong cybersecurity habits—like multi-factor authentication, continuous vulnerability management, and anti-phishing and account takeover protection for your email system and cloud platforms—are essential in keeping both employees and the entire organization safe from BEC. Each one of these practices can help safeguard your people and prevent critical financial and reputational harm.

Cybercriminals have long exploited our reliance on email for business, and of all cyberattacks, Business Email Compromise stands out as one of the most financially devastating. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Report, over 21,000 incidents of BEC occurred in 2023, accounting for nearly $3 billion in losses—a figure that only continues to climb. This tactic is particularly damaging because it exploits natural trust and helpfulness, making detection difficult and fund recovery challenging.

BEC attacks are on the rise and becoming more sophisticated, so knowing the signs can help you avoid a costly mistake. Let’s break down how it works, common red flags, and protective measures your organization can adopt.

How BEC Works

BEC attacks are advanced phishing scams where attackers impersonate known senders, leveraging trusted relationships to make their requests appear legitimate. Techniques may include monitoring email activity, impersonating executives, or deploying malware. Often, these attacks involve urgent requests for payments through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, the latter providing an extra layer of anonymity for the attacker.

Key BEC Red Flags to Watch For

Although BEC emails are crafted to appear genuine, here are a few signs that should prompt a second look before taking action:

  1. Urgent language, especially in a crisis.
  2. Confidentiality demands.
  3. Odd timing (e.g., emails at the end of the day).
  4. Changes in sender addresses or unusual payment requests.
  5. Poor grammar, strange tone, or format inconsistencies.
  6. Refusal to communicate outside of email.
  7. New or personal account payment requests.

BEC Prevention: Best Practices for Business Leaders

Below are best practices for avoiding BEC attacks and securing your organization. These are in line with guidance from the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency:

  1. Follow Established Procedures: Maintain consistent processes for approving funds and verifying sender information by calling numbers on file, not those in suspicious emails.
  2. Monitor Payment Methods: Add extra verification for large transactions and encourage secure electronic transfers.
  3. Exercise Caution in Communication: Don’t open spam emails, establish company domains for email, and always verify unfamiliar or urgent requests through trusted channels, like in-person conversations, phone calls, or virtual meetings.
  4. Report Phishing Attempts: Use digital signatures or authenticated portals, verify changes in business practices, and always report suspicious emails to your IT security team.
  5. Strengthen Cybersecurity Measures: Use strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication across all company accounts.
  6. Respond Quickly: Report incidents immediately to mitigate potential harm.

Staying Vigilant

Cybercrime is constantly evolving, making it essential to stay proactive with cybersecurity defenses. A cybersecurity culture combined with strong preventative measures empowers leaders to protect their organization’s most valuable assets. Connect with us for more guidance on building a resilient cybersecurity foundation that aligns with your organization’s long-term strategy.

Feb 03

The Power of Financial Wellness in Strengthening Nonprofit Impact

By Sponsor Insight

By: Jill Robisch, First Vice President & Manager, Nonprofit Services

In a world where attracting and retaining talent in the nonprofit sector is more challenging than ever, organizations must prioritize the financial well-being of their employees. Nonprofit staff often dedicate their careers to serving others, yet many face personal financial challenges that can impact their ability to focus fully on their mission-driven work. Supporting employees on their journey to financial stability, including homeownership, not only benefits the individual but also strengthens the organization’s impact.

The Ripple Effect of Financially Well Employees

When nonprofit employees achieve financial wellness, the benefits extend far beyond their personal lives. Financially stable staff are less stressed, more productive, and more engaged in their roles. They bring greater focus and energy to their work, allowing organizations to deliver services more effectively and achieve their missions more sustainably. Moreover, when employees feel supported by their employer in areas like financial education and homeownership, it fosters loyalty and helps retain top talent.

Guiding Employees Toward Homeownership

Homeownership is often a cornerstone of financial stability, yet for many nonprofit employees, navigating the path to buying a home can feel daunting. From understanding down payment requirements to finding affordable mortgage options, the journey can seem out of reach without the right guidance. Nonprofit organizations can play a pivotal role by connecting their employees with the tools and resources needed to make homeownership achievable.

One impactful way to do this is by partnering with financial institutions that understand the unique needs of nonprofit employees. For example, banks with specialized mortgage programs—such as low or no down payment options—can demystify the process and provide tailored solutions. Additionally, financial literacy programs focused on budgeting, saving, and credit-building can empower employees to take confident steps toward owning a home.

The Financial Wellness Ambassador Program: A Partnership for Success

At The National Bank of Indianapolis, our Financial Wellness Ambassador Program offers a hands-on approach to supporting employees’ financial goals. This initiative includes customizable training sessions and one-on-one coaching designed to meet individuals where they are in their financial journey.

Nonprofit organizations can invite our Financial Wellness Ambassadors to host workshops on topics such as budgeting, debt management, and preparing for homeownership. These sessions not only equip employees with the knowledge they need but also provide actionable strategies for achieving their goals. For those seeking more personalized guidance, our financial wellness coaches are available for one-on-one consultations, offering tailored advice and support.

A Shared Commitment to Financial Stability

By prioritizing the financial health of their workforce, nonprofits can cultivate a stronger, more resilient team. Whether it’s through facilitating access to homeownership resources, offering financial literacy training, or collaborating with programs like The National Bank of Indianapolis’ Financial Wellness Ambassador Program, nonprofits can make a meaningful difference in the lives of their employees.

Ultimately, financially well employees are the foundation of a thriving nonprofit. By investing in their team’s financial stability, organizations can unlock greater potential for achieving their mission and making an even bigger impact in the communities they serve.

For more information on financial wellness training or to connect with a Financial Wellness Ambassador, reach out to The National Bank of Indianapolis today. Let’s work together to build a financially empowered workforce.