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Dec 28

Why Credential Security is Critical for All Organizations

By Sponsor Insight

In the world of non-profit and non-governmental organizations, your mission is everything. Every dollar raised, every program executed, and every service provided works toward creating meaningful and lasting impact. But behind the scenes, a strong foundation of operational resilience is critical to protect your mission—and safeguarding your usernames, passwords, and pin codes, or credentials, is a cornerstone of that foundation. Ensuring that your organization maintains proper credential management and security protects your data, strengthens trust with stakeholders, maintains the operational integrity, and ultimately enhances your programming and service delivery.

Here’s why credential security matters and how implementing best practice solutions and policies can elevate your employee experience, protect your donors and beneficiaries, and support your executive leadership and board.

1. Credentials: The Keys to Your Organization

Every solution or service you use—whether it’s for fundraising, donor management, payroll, communications, etc.—requires secure credentials to function effectively. These credentials grant access to sensitive data and critical functions, but they also pose significant risks if mishandled or mismanaged.

The Risk of Neglect:

  • Shared logins can lead to poor accountability.
  • Using weak or undocumented credentials can expose your organization to cyberattacks.
  • Poor credential management disrupts workflows, creating inefficiencies. Remember that time the social media manager forgot the only login to the Facebook account and how long it took to recover it!

2. Why Credential Security is Non-Negotiable

For Employees:

  • Avoid Shared Logins: When team members share logins, accountability vanishes. If sensitive data is mishandled, it becomes nearly impossible to trace back the action. By assigning unique credentials to each user, you empower employees with the autonomy to do their jobs while ensuring clear accountability.
  • Ease with Single Sign-On (SSO): Implementing SSO reduces password and Multifactor Authentication (MFA) fatigue by allowing employees to log into multiple platforms with one set of secure credentials. This improves productivity and reduces the likelihood of insecure practices, like reusing weak passwords.

For Beneficiaries and Donors:

  • Trust and Confidentiality: Your beneficiaries and donors entrust you with their data—be it personal details, financial contributions, or sensitive case information. A breach in credential security can lead to a breach in trust, damaging your reputation and jeopardizing future funding and support.
  • Data Protection: Proper credential security ensures their data is safeguarded from unauthorized access, giving them confidence in your organization’s ability to protect their information.

For the Executive Director:

  • Operational Continuity: When credentials are properly documented and secured, your organization avoids disruptions caused by lost or inaccessible logins. This is critical during staff transitions or emergencies.
  • Strategic Oversight: Credential security provides the Executive Director with the assurance that the organization is operating efficiently and securely, enabling them to focus on advancing the mission.

For the Board:

  • Governance and Compliance: A well-documented credential management process demonstrates to the board that the organization is minimizing risks, aligning with best practices, and adhering to compliance requirements.
  • Mission Assurance: The board has a fiduciary duty to safeguard the organization’s assets, and credential security is an integral part of protecting those assets.

For the Mission and Programming:

  • Efficiency: Securely managing credentials reduces downtime and inefficiencies caused by password resets or security breaches, allowing staff to focus on what truly matters—delivering impactful programs.
  • Resilience: A secure credential management system ensures continuity even during unexpected events, such as turnover or cyber incidents, so that programming remains uninterrupted.

3. Best Practices for Credential Security in Non-Profits

  1. Document All Credentials

Credential security begins with documentation. This means keeping a record of logins for every technical solution and service—not just IT tools. For example:

  • Grant management software
  • Fundraising platforms
  • Event registration systems
  • Volunteer management tools

Documenting credentials ensures no access is lost during transitions or emergencies.

2. Avoid Shared Logins

While shared logins may seem convenient, they are a major security risk. Every user should have their own unique credentials. This improves accountability and ensures that permissions are properly aligned with each individual’s role.

3. Implement Single Sign-On (SSO)

SSO simplifies the login process by allowing employees to access multiple systems with one secure set of credentials. This reduces password fatigue, streamlines workflows, and minimizes the risk of weak passwords being used across multiple platforms.

4. Use a Credential Management System

Invest in a credential management system to securely store, manage, and share credentials as needed. Features like encryption, role-based access, and auditing capabilities provide peace of mind and protect against unauthorized access. Popular solutions like Keeper or Bitwarden for Business can be scaled to meet non-profit needs.

4. The Ripple Effect of Strong Credential Security

When your organization adopts credential security best practices, the benefits cascade throughout the organization and beyond:

  • Empowered Employees: Staff can focus on their work without the frustration of lost or inaccessible credentials.
  • Protected Beneficiaries: Sensitive beneficiary data remains confidential, maintaining trust and ethical responsibility.
  • Confident Leadership: Executive directors and board members can focus on strategy and growth, knowing that operational risks are managed.
  • Mission-Driven Impact: Secure, efficient systems free up resources and time to invest in programs that drive your mission forward.

5. A Call to Action

Credential security isn’t just an IT concern—it’s a mission-critical responsibility. By documenting credentials, avoiding shared logins, implementing SSO, and leveraging a credential management system, your non-profit can build a foundation of trust, accountability, and resilience. Ultimately, this enables your organization to focus on what truly matters: serving your community and achieving your mission.

Let’s safeguard your operations so your impact can reach new heights. Start securing your credentials today.

Dec 02

Let’s invest in digital technology for all, building a more equitable Central Indiana

By Sponsor Insight

In November, a coalition of organizations released the Central Indiana Digital Equity Plan, with the goal of cultivating digital equity for all in the region

By Gary Thompson, project specialist, United Way of Central Indiana

Growing up in Franklin, Indiana, I knew too many parents who had to drive their kids to the nearest fast food restaurant, public library, or coffee shop so their kids could use the free Wi-Fi to get their homework done on school-provided Chromebooks.

Some days, they just simply couldn’t do their homework, usually because their parents were either too tired or busy to drive them again.

Now, almost a decade and a half later, friends who became teachers in Indiana complain about the same barriers for students, except this time, schools have required e-learning days on top of that.
Times have changed, but support hasn’t.

Digital technology and the internet are part of our daily lives, but not everyone has access to these essential tools. Investment in digital technology is like all other infrastructure investments in the United States: The lucky or wealthy get it, and others are left out. Marginalized and disinvested communities continue to lack access.

That’s where the Central Indiana Digital Equity Plan comes in.

In November, a coalition of organizations in the region released the plan, with the goal of cultivating digital equity for all in Central Indiana. We want to ensure Hoosiers in our communities have access to digital technology resources, education and support.

In the plan, we outline four main goals: internet access for all; access to, and ownership of, digital devices; digital literacy; and advocacy for an equitable and supportive ecosystem.

As the state was developing Indiana’s first digital equity plan, we wanted to develop a strategy addressing the unique needs of our region. Our coalition of about a dozen people began meeting in fall 2023, and the plan is intended to guide digital equity efforts over the next five years in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties.

We worked with the Purdue Center for Regional Development to develop the plan, and current coalition members include CICOA, Easterseals Crossroads, Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Indianapolis Public Library, Invest Hamilton, Minority Moves Network, You Yes You! and United Way of Central Indiana.

Investing in digital technology for all will help people live the lives they are capable of living.

If we actually invest in digital technology, parents and teachers won’t have to worry about kids not having access to their homework. Students can excel, prosper and learn – without barriers. Seniors and others unable to make it to a doctor’s office can still get needed check-ups, medical advice and medication, without leaving their homes or requiring a family member to drive them to appointments. Whole communities can live and prosper in Indiana, while working remotely. Those in need can apply to assistance programs, without having to make burdensome trips to offices far away.

You don’t have to look further than neighboring Chattanooga, Tennessee, to see how much economic and social benefit there is to having access to the internet and the skills to maximize those benefits.
Since investing in internet infrastructure in 2010, Hamilton County, Tennessee, has seen a return on investment of roughly $3 billion. Not only that, but their network allows the community to provide free internet to low-income households with children and to be more resilient to a rapidly changing landscape of digital opportunities and adversities.

This is exactly what we want in our communities here in Indiana. Join us in being a champion for digital technology and ensuring our neighbors have access to this critical point of connection to everyday life.

Our current Central Indiana Digital Equity Coalition members mostly represent Marion County, but our goal is to collaborate with partners across the region, including more nonprofits, to discuss areas of need, seek funding and review proposals. We also see a role for corporate partners, who can help support and implement the work.

In the future, there will be a more formal process of joining the Central Indiana Digital Equity Coalition. For now, if you are interested in joining our efforts, contact me and my colleague Jonathan Jones, United Way’s Impact Senior Director jonathan.jones@uwci.org; gary.thompson@uwci.org.

Oct 11

Beware of a New Scam Targeting Nonprofit Organizations

By Sponsor Insight

By Jill Robisch, National Bank of Indianapolis

Nonprofit organizations, known for their mission-driven work and commitment to community welfare, are increasingly becoming targets of a sophisticated scam. This scam involves fraudulent donors sending counterfeit checks to nonprofits, only to follow up with a request to return a portion of the funds—before the organization realizes the check is bogus.

Here’s how the scam typically unfolds:

  1. Initial Contact: The scam begins when a supposed donor reaches out to the nonprofit, often presenting themselves as a well-meaning individual or a representative of a company. They express a desire to make a substantial donation, often targeting smaller nonprofits that may be less equipped to verify the legitimacy of the funds.
  2. The Fake Check: The donor sends a check for a significant amount, which the nonprofit deposits into its bank account. The check appears genuine, and the nonprofit, eager to put the funds to good use, may not immediately question its authenticity.
  3. The Refund Request: After the check is deposited, the scammer contacts the nonprofit again, claiming that they accidentally overpaid or need a portion of the funds back for some reason—such as an emergency or to cover a different expense. They request that the nonprofit wire the excess funds back or send a separate check.
  4. The Revelation: After the nonprofit sends the requested refund, the original check bounces, as it was fraudulent. The organization is left with a loss, not only of the funds they returned but also of any bank fees incurred.

How to Protect Your Nonprofit

To avoid falling victim to this scam, nonprofits should take the following precautions:

  • Verify Donors: Before accepting large donations, especially from new or unknown donors, verify their identity and the legitimacy of the donation. Contact the donor directly using official channels, not through the contact information provided in suspicious emails or letters.
  • Wait for Clearance: Do not refund any part of a donation until the check has fully cleared. Bank processing times can vary, and it’s essential to wait until the funds are confirmed as available in your account.
  • Educate Your Team: Ensure that all staff and volunteers are aware of this scam and understand the importance of verifying checks and donations. Providing regular training on recognizing potential fraud can help protect your organization.
  • Consult with Your Bank: Work closely with your bank to identify and mitigate risks. They can offer guidance on how to verify checks and may provide tools to help you spot fraudulent transactions.

Nonprofit organizations should remain vigilant against this type of fraud. By implementing strong financial controls and educating their teams, they can protect themselves from falling prey to these increasingly common scams.

Aug 12

Best Practices for Monitoring Nonprofit Organizations’ Financial Health

By Sponsor Insight

By Jill Robisch, First Vice President and Manager, Nonprofit Services, The National Bank of Indianapolis

Nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in addressing social issues and serving communities. However, just like their for-profit counterparts, nonprofits must ensure sound financial management to fulfill their missions effectively. Monitoring the financial health of a nonprofit is essential for maintaining sustainability, transparency, and trust among stakeholders. Here are some best practices for keeping a close eye on the financial well-being of nonprofit organizations:

Establish Clear Financial Policies and Procedures: Implementing robust financial policies and procedures ensures transparency, accountability, and compliance. These policies should outline guidelines for budgeting, spending, fundraising, and financial reporting.

Regular Financial Reporting: Nonprofits should generate regular financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. These reports provide insights into the organization’s financial performance, trends, and areas needing improvement.

Budget Monitoring and Variance Analysis: Develop an annual budget aligned with strategic goals and regularly monitor actual expenses against budgeted amounts. Conducting variance analysis helps identify discrepancies and allows for timely adjustments to ensure financial stability.

Diversify Revenue Streams: Relying heavily on a single source of funding exposes nonprofits to financial instability if that source diminishes or disappears. Diversifying revenue streams by pursuing grants, donations, program fees, and earned income opportunities reduces dependence on any single source and enhances financial resilience.

Maintain Adequate Cash Reserves: Building and maintaining sufficient cash reserves provide a safety net during unexpected financial challenges or emergencies. Aim for a reserve level that covers several months of operating expenses to ensure stability.

Engage Board Members: Engage a knowledgeable and diverse board of directors with expertise in finance, accounting, and nonprofit management. Board members should actively participate in financial oversight by reviewing financial reports, asking pertinent questions, and providing guidance on financial matters.

Adapt and Plan for the Future: Nonprofit operate in dynamic environments, and financial monitoring should adapt to changing circumstances. Continuously assess risks, anticipate future challenges, and develop contingency plans to maintain financial resilience.

By adhering to established best practices, nonprofit organizations can actively monitor their financial well-being, enhance accountability, and maintain their effectiveness in serving communities. To gain further insight into these best practices and ensure organizational sustainability, we invite you to participate in Session 3 of The National Bank of Indianapolis Nonprofit Training Series, focusing on Monitoring Financial Health. The session will take place virtually on September 10th at Noon. Registration at
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/950175399197?aff=oddtdtcreator

Apr 24

Transforming Strategic Goals into Achievable Outcomes: A Practical Approach

By Sponsor Insight

by Kristen Schunk Moreland of Schunk Moreland Strategies

There are few things worse than an unused plan. Navigating the complex world of nonprofit management necessitates not just the formulation of strategic visions and goals but also their effective execution. It’s one thing to craft a comprehensive strategic plan, encompassing vision, mission, and values; it’s entirely another to translate these elements into tangible results. What benefit does an exceptional strategy offer if it remains unexecuted, merely sitting on a shelf?

Enter Schunk Moreland Strategies. Consider us as your strategic partners, bridging the gap between conceptual planning and practical implementation. We extend our expertise beyond the development of strategic objectives and delve into the crucial phase of implementation planning. Our mission is to elevate the art of execution, transforming theoretical strategies into concrete achievements.

An organization’s success lies in its capacity to implement decisions and streamline processes with effectiveness, efficiency, and consistency. Central to this success is the engagement and commitment of the entire team towards the strategic goals. Involving the team in the execution process not only garners support for strategic initiatives but also imbues them with a sense of purpose. This collective endeavor enhances performance, boosts morale, and cultivates a culture of accountability and commitment.

Our experience with more than 50 nonprofits and higher education institutions underscores our ability to guide organizations toward their strategic ambitions. By facilitating inclusive planning sessions, we ensure comprehensive alignment and motivation across your team, enhancing the overall implementation process. This collaborative strategy fosters a sense of ownership among team members, propelling the organization toward its goals with increased momentum and alignment.

Schunk Moreland Strategies is dedicated to adapting our approach to fit the unique challenges and opportunities of the nonprofit sector. We customize our implementation plans to be not only realistic and actionable but also deeply reflective of your organization’s core mission and values. Our approach guarantees that strategic objectives are not merely aspirational but become active drivers of impactful change within the communities you serve.

Engaging with Schunk Moreland Strategies means more than securing consultancy services; it means clarity of mission, vision, and focus, with measurable outcomes. We are your surefooted partner bringing confidence and a sense of purpose that shines throughout your community, paving the way for enduring achievement.

You can reach Kristen at: Kristen@SchunkMorelandStrategies.com or learn more at: https://www.schunkmorelandstrategies.com/about

Mar 25

Building Endowment Readiness: A Strategic Imperative for Nonprofit Sustainability

By Sponsor Insight

By: Jill Robisch, First Vice President, Nonprofit Services, The National Bank of Indianapolis

In the dynamic landscape of nonprofit management, achieving sustainability is a primary goal. Endowment readiness stands as a cornerstone strategy, offering organizations a pathway to financial stability and long-term impact. By taking proactive steps to cultivate endowment readiness, nonprofits can safeguard their missions, weather economic uncertainties, and ensure their ability to serve communities for generations to come. Here are key steps to guide nonprofits on their journey towards endowment readiness:

  1. Assessment of Financial Position: The first step in building endowment readiness is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the organization’s financial position. This includes evaluating current revenue streams, expenses, and assets, as well as identifying any existing endowment funds. Understanding the organization’s financial landscape provides crucial insights into its capacity for endowment growth and sustainability.
  2. Strategic Planning: Strategic planning lays the foundation for effective endowment development. Nonprofits should set clear, measurable goals for their endowment initiatives, aligning them with the organization’s mission and long-term vision. This involves identifying target fundraising objectives, determining investment strategies, and establishing timelines for implementation.
  3. Board and Staff Engagement: Endowment readiness requires buy-in and support from all levels of the organization, particularly the board of directors and staff. Boards play a crucial role in providing oversight and guidance on endowment-related decisions, while staff members are instrumental in implementing fundraising campaigns and managing endowment assets. Engaging both stakeholders in conversations about the importance of endowments fosters a culture of financial stewardship and philanthropy.
  4. Donor Cultivation and Engagement: Building a robust endowment necessitates cultivating relationships with donors who are passionate about the organization’s mission and willing to make long-term financial commitments. Nonprofits should develop targeted fundraising strategies, including major gift campaigns, planned giving programs, and donor stewardship initiatives. Effective communication and engagement are key to inspiring donors to contribute to the endowment fund.
  5. Investment Management: Prudent investment management is essential for the growth and sustainability of endowment funds. Nonprofits should develop investment policies that align with their risk tolerance, financial goals, and legal obligations. Diversification of investment portfolios helps mitigate risk and maximize returns over the long term. Regular monitoring and evaluation of investment performance ensure that endowment assets are managed effectively.
  6. Transparency and Accountability: Nonprofits must maintain transparency and accountability in all aspects of endowment management. This includes providing donors with regular updates on the performance of the endowment fund, as well as ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Clear communication about how endowment funds are used and the impact they have on the organization’s mission fosters trust and confidence among stakeholders.

In conclusion, endowment readiness is a strategic imperative for nonprofit sustainability. By following these key steps and committing to proactive financial planning and management, organizations can build the foundation for a secure and impactful future. With careful stewardship and dedication, endowments can become powerful tools for advancing missions, supporting communities, and leaving a lasting legacy.

Contact Jill Robisch, The National Bank of Indianapolis, at JillRobisch@nbofi.com

Feb 26

Bringing Together Allies and Advocates for Women in Central Indiana: The INspire Her Summit

By Sponsor Insight

A new event celebrating Women’s History Month: March 21 at Historic Union Station!

By Danielle Shockey, CEO, Girl Scouts of Central Indiana

Last year on International Women’s Day, I sat in the audience at the Indianapolis Arts Garden at the Pass the Torch for Women breakfast–witnessing the speakers, the energy, the diversity–and a palpable momentum. Sitting among hundreds of advocates for women’s leadership and advancement, I knew our collective power could move mountains to become a powerful force for women and girls in Indiana—if we could work together to harness it.

From the stage a speaker asked, “Now what? How can we together not lose this feeling? What differences can we make? Let’s make our collective passions to empowering, celebrating, and supporting each other happen every day, not just on this day once a year?”

In the weeks following the event, this call to action, intended to motivate all attendees to make a difference in their communities, began to feel like a personal challenge—calling me to capture the power of that moment, working not in isolation but as a collective community across not-for-profits serve Indiana’s women and girls. How could we pool our networks to advocate unapologetically for the female future in this state?

And from that moment, the INSpire Her Leadership Summit was born! On the eve of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day 2024, I am proud to share that Pass the Torch for Women, the Indiana Girl Coalition, and Girl Scouts of Central Indiana have joined forces to host a powerful community event for champions of women and girls in the Hoosier state.

Our immersive, full-day experience will be held on March 21 at Historic Union Station in Indianapolis, and it’s a must-attend event for allies and advocates in central Indiana!

What makes this event so critical is that each person participating–either from a seat or the stage–cares about the same thing: the female future. This isn’t a fundraiser for any one entity, nor a competition for volunteers and grants, but rather a collaboration across the three host organizations and every single attendee—all united equally in our commitment to making a better world for women and girls in Indiana.

Also unique to this day is the attendee experience, which will include:

  • Time to browse the Mission Marketplace, where they will learn about central Indiana’s landscape of not-for-profits whose missions are dedicated to women and girls and how they can get more involved.
  • Engagement in breakout sessions to gain tools and tactics for how they can use their own time, talent, treasure, and testimony to make a difference in the lives of Indiana women. From tools and tactics for how to get connected to and consider serving on not-for-profit boards from the local experts at the United Way of Central Indiana, to creating a personal giving portfolio for female philanthropy from CEO of the Women’s Fund, to running for public office or using their voice in every place from social media platforms to testifying in the state house from current elected officials.
  • Multiple moments for introspection and inspiration, with speakers like Alex Perry on conquering imposter syndrome, Allison Barber, president of the Indiana Fever, on what it means when she says, “there is an advocate in all of us,” Karrah Herring, chief diversity and people officer for Governor Holcomb’s administration, on using your voice when you’re “the only one in the room,” and Linda Calvin, who is tirelessly forging paths for women and girls in tech.

Attendees will also hear from Indiana business leaders who have taken a passion for women’s empowerment and created a world-changing company—including Boss Babe Founder and CEO Mariah Oliver and Leslie Bailey, curator of the powerhouse space for women at Indy Maven. Anne Marie Tiernon of WTHR will lead a compelling conversation with our lunch panel, featuring well-known public figures like Marianne Glick, Deborah Hearn Smith, and Carolene Mays—women who have dedicated their lives, professionally and personally, to giving back and being unapologetically passionate in their pursuits.

And there is so much more, including one of 23 women billionaires, Jenny Just, founder of Poker Power, to an end of day engagement activity where each guest will create a visible reminder to wear as a promise to each other. Attendees will leave this summit energized to go make a change, with new contacts and resources to leverage in their missions. I am confident Women’s History Month 2025 we will gather again to celebrate all the progress sparked by the inspiration, knowledge, tools, tactics, friends made on this day 2024! And we certainly hope you can join us.

Feb 19

A Guide to Hiring the Right Grant Professional for Your Next Application

By Sponsor Insight

by Melanie Priest, Director of Grants Services, Hedges

In the world of nonprofits, securing grants is a vital component of sustainable funding. However, the process of researching, preparing, and submitting grant applications can be complex and time-consuming. This is where grant professionals come in. Hiring a professional who specializes in grants can provide numerous benefits for organizations seeking financial support through grant funding. In this guide, we will explore the advantages of hiring grant professionals and how they can help streamline not only the grant process but also your overall organizational operations.

The Role of Grant Professionals
Grant professionals have expertise in navigating the grant landscape. They possess the knowledge and skills necessary to identify suitable grant opportunities, develop compelling proposals, and effectively manage the grant application process. Their role extends beyond simply writing grant proposals; they serve as strategic partners in aligning an organization’s mission and goals with potential funding sources.

Here are some key areas where grant professionals can make a significant impact:

Strategy Development
One of the primary benefits of hiring grant professionals is their ability to develop a comprehensive grant strategy. They work closely with nonprofit teams to understand the mission, programs, and funding needs. By conducting a thorough needs assessment, grant professionals can identify suitable grant opportunities that align with the organization’s objectives. This strategic approach ensures grant applications are targeted and have a higher chance of success.

Research and Prospect Identification
Grant professionals are well-versed in conducting in-depth research to identify potential funding sources. They have access to proprietary tools and databases that enable them to search for grants tailored to the specific needs of an organization. Through their expertise, they can save valuable time by filtering out irrelevant grants and focusing on those that are the best fit. This targeted approach increases the likelihood of securing funding.

Proposal Development
Crafting a compelling grant proposal requires a combination of storytelling, data analysis, and strategic planning. Grant professionals excel in this, as they possess the necessary skills to effectively communicate an organization’s mission, impact, and financial needs. They have a deep understanding of what funders look for in grant proposals, allowing them to present the organization’s case in a persuasive manner. Moreover, grant professionals can ensure that proposals adhere to the specific guidelines and requirements set by funders.

Project Management and Reporting
Managing the grant application process involves meticulous planning, coordination, and adherence to deadlines. Grant professionals can assist in project management, ensuring all necessary documents, evaluations, and reports are submitted on time. They work closely with key staff members to gather the required information and compile it into a cohesive and professional submission. They can also assist with the monitoring and reporting requirements of funded grants, ensuring compliance with funder expectations.

The Advantages of Hiring Grant Professionals
Now that we have explored the role of grant professionals, let’s delve into the specific advantages they bring to nonprofit organizations. From strategy development to project management, these professionals can significantly enhance an organization’s grant-seeking efforts. Here are some key benefits:

Expertise and Efficiency
Grant professionals possess specialized knowledge and expertise in navigating the complex world of grant funding. They understand the intricacies of the application process, including the specific requirements and preferences of different funders. This expertise allows them to streamline the grant submission process, saving organizations valuable time and resources. Additionally, grant professionals are skilled in researching and identifying the most suitable grant opportunities, maximizing the chances of success.

Strategic Partnerships
By hiring grant professionals, organizations gain access to valuable networks and relationships within the grant-funding community. These professionals have established connections with funders and understand how to foster positive relationships with them. They can facilitate introductions, arrange site visits, and provide insights into funders’ priorities, enabling organizations to build strong partnerships and increase their likelihood of receiving grants.

Enhanced Proposal Quality
Writing a compelling grant proposal requires a combination of persuasive storytelling, data analysis, and a deep understanding of the funder’s interests. Grant professionals ensure that proposals are well-crafted, concise, and aligned with the funder’s expectations. Their expertise in grant writing increases the likelihood of securing funding, as funders are more likely to invest in proposals that clearly articulate the organization’s impact and funding needs.

Increased Grant Success Rate
Securing grant awards is a competitive process, and organizations need every advantage they can get. By hiring grant professionals, organizations significantly increase their chances of success. These professionals are well-versed in the art of grant-seeking and possess the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the process effectively. Their strategic approach, combined with their expertise in proposal development, research, and project management, ensures that organizations submit high-quality applications that stand out among the competition.

Time and Resource Savings
The grant application process can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, especially for organizations with limited staff and capacity. Hiring grant professionals allows organizations to offload the time-consuming tasks associated with grant-seeking, such as research, proposal development, and project management. This frees up internal resources, enabling staff to focus on core programmatic activities and other essential organizational tasks.

Finding the Right Grant Professional
Now that we understand the benefits of hiring grant professionals, the next step is finding the right one for your organization. Here are some key considerations when seeking a grant professional:

Grant Success History
When evaluating potential grant professionals, it is essential to review their track record of success. Look for professionals who have a proven history of securing grants for organizations similar to yours. This demonstrates their ability to navigate the grant landscape effectively and maximize funding opportunities.

Writing Style and Sample Documents
Grant professionals should have a strong writing style that effectively communicates an organization’s mission and funding needs. Request samples of their previous work to assess their writing skills and determine if their style aligns with your organization’s voice and values. This step ensures that the grant professional can present your organization in the best possible light.

Expertise and Alignment
Consider the specific expertise and knowledge that a grant professional brings to the table. Assess whether their experience aligns with your organization’s focus areas and funding needs. For example, if your organization operates in the healthcare sector, it is beneficial to hire a grant professional with experience in securing healthcare-related grants.

Cost Considerations
While hiring a grant professional undeniably comes with a cost, it is important to consider the return on investment (ROI) and the potential long-term benefits. The cost of hiring a grant professional can vary depending on factors such as the professional’s experience, the complexity of the grant applications, and the geographic location. However, compared to the potential funding a successful grant application can bring, the cost of hiring a grant professional is often a worthwhile investment.

Hiring a Grant Professional is an Investment, not an Expense
Let’s be frank, a grant professional’s mark on an application can mean the difference between winning and losing the prize you seek more than any other singular role. From strategy development to project management, these professionals bring specialized knowledge and expertise to streamline the grant submission process.

By leveraging their skills, organizations can increase their chances of securing funding, save valuable time and resources, and build strategic partnerships within the grant-funding community. Their track record, writing style, and expertise ensure the best fit for your organization. Ultimately, investing in a grant professional can be a strategic decision that propels your organization toward sustainable funding and greater impact.

Melanie Priest is passionate about making Indianapolis a great place to live, having strong connections in the community, and helping nonprofits share their stories of impact. For 25 years, Melanie has worked closely with the Central Indiana philanthropic community to provide creative solutions to complex problems. As Director of Grants Services at Hedges since 2012, Melanie has secured hundreds of grant awards for dozens of Indianapolis nonprofit organizations to ensure they are able to advance their missions.

Feb 05

United Way Accredited Partners: A Bigger Family

By Sponsor Insight

Right now, United Way’s outcomes measurement dashboard, “Impact United,” touts the direct and profound impact being made in our community by 88 nonprofit organizations. These 88 partners are accredited with United Way, which means they demonstrate best practices in tackling poverty and are meeting the ever-changing needs of the neighbors they serve.

We are proud to call these fiscally strong and outcome-driven organizations our United Way family. We have the “veterans” of accreditation – organizations such as the YMCA, Salvation Army, Flanner House and Little Red Door Cancer Agency – who have been affiliated with United Way for decades. We have newer accredited organizations, like Family Promise in Hendricks County, Indy Reads and TeenWorks, which joined us just a few years ago. This big family of 88 partners is working tirelessly to fulfill their missions while helping United Way achieve measurable outcomes in poverty alleviation.

However, current data indicates we are missing some folks at the table. We are in need of additional partners to fill service and geographic gaps in our communities.

So this year, United Way is opening the application for accreditation to organizations who specialize in adult/youth employment, education credentialing and basic needs services in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Morgan and Putnam counties. Similarly in Marion County, we have targeted zip codes where the need is greater for workforce development, credentialing, and safe and affordable housing services.

Once we receive applications by February 23, our team of board members, staff and volunteers will visit these sites and get to know these potential partners. We will evaluate them on financial health, governance, strategy, sustainability, and diversity and inclusion. In turn, these nonprofits will learn more about the key benefits to joining United Way’s network, which include access to grant funding, training and resources, and technical assistance to grow their organizations. By the summer, we hope to name our newest members to the list of United Way accredited partners.

As the youngest of eight children, I know firsthand the benefits of a big family. The Payne kids utilized our individual strengths, learned how to work together, and supported one another. That sounds very much like the accredited organizations that make up and strengthen United Way. And as our family continues to grow, we will be proud to update our Impact United dashboard over time with the outcomes of their impactful work in our community.

Fred Payne

Feb 05

Pitch Your Passion to Win a Four-Year Scholarship

By Sponsor Insight

High school seniors and IU Indianapolis students who want to change the world can compete for funding to study at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

INDIANAPOLIS—Two top winners of an upcoming Pitch Your Passion student competition will receive all-encompassing, four-year scholarships to the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IU Indianapolis (IUI), the world’s first school dedicated solely to teaching and research about philanthropy.

Students selected as Thomasson Scholars will receive scholarships that provide up to four years of tuition and fees, room and board, and books, as well as support for a semester of study abroad. Other winners of the competition will receive partial scholarships.

Lilly Family School of Philanthropy students have a passion for making a difference in the lives of others, for community service, supporting a cause or meeting a need. The school’s Bachelor of Arts in Philanthropic Studies degree program equips students to make their passion their profession, while preparing them for a job and a career in the growing field of philanthropy, which has a tremendous need for new leaders.

“Our scholarship program is designed to attract talented, compassionate students to meaningful, fulfilling careers in philanthropy and nonprofit organizations,” said Amir Pasic, Ph.D., the Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the school. “Our graduates serve in change-making positions in nonprofits, corporations and government across the country and around the world. Their work changes lives and communities and influences education, social services, health, arts and culture, animals, the environment as well as many other endeavors that make a lasting difference.”

The Pitch Your Passion competition will be held March 8 at IUI; the deadline to apply is Feb. 23. During the competition, participating students will identify a current social, economic or cultural issue of concern to them. Together with other students who have similar interests, they will develop and present a group plan of action that describing how they would leverage resources to bring about a transformative change for the population impacted by the challenge the students selected. For example, previous presentations have addressed issues such as mental health, sexual abuse, homelessness, and the need for resources for new mothers.

In addition to the group presentations, students will be evaluated on their grades, extracurricular activities and interests, and academic and career goals, and on an individual interview with a committee of the school’s faculty and staff.

Competition applicants must:

  • Be a high school senior, a current IU Indianapolis undergraduate student (with fewer than 60 credits) or a transfer student
  • Be admitted to IUI
  • Plan to major in Philanthropic Studies

How to apply:

  1. Submit an application by Feb. 23, 2024
  2. Accept an invitation to the competition
  3. Present a group pitch
  4. Interview with the scholarship committee

For more information about the Pitch Your Passion competition, scholarships and other financial aid at the school, and the Bachelor’s Degree in Philanthropic Studies program, contact Pamela Clark at pamelac@iu.edu or 317-278-8927.

About the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is dedicated to improving philanthropy to improve the world by training and empowering students and professionals to be innovators and leaders who create positive and lasting change. The school offers a comprehensive approach to philanthropy through its undergraduate, graduate, certificate and professional development programs, its research and international programs, and through The Fund Raising School, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy, Women’s Philanthropy Institute, and the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative. Follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, or Instagram and “Like” us on Facebook.