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Aug 17

Smart Money, Strong Mission: Why Financial Education Has Become a Strategic Imperative for Nonprofits

By Sponsor Insight

By The National Bank of Indianapolis and Barnes Dennig

Central Indiana is fortunate to have a nonprofit community that is innovative and deeply committed to serving others. Thousands of nonprofit organizations address our community’s most pressing challenges, from education and housing to healthcare, workforce development, arts, culture, youth development, and social services.

Even the most mission-driven organizations face a common reality: competition for funding continues to intensify, making every dollar, staffing decision, and strategic choice more important than ever. In this environment, passion for a mission remains essential, but it must be paired with a strong understanding of financial health. When nonprofit leaders invest in ongoing education, they build more resilient organizations.

Continue to focus on lifelong learning.

Executive directors, financial officers, development professionals, and board members are all expected to navigate increasingly complex financial, regulatory, and operational challenges. Organizations that prioritize learning are often better positioned to adapt, make informed decisions, and sustain their missions over the long term.

Understanding how your money works for you is essential for leadership.

Many nonprofits devote significant attention to fundraising and program outcomes, yet fiscal management is what enables those efforts to remain sustainable. Strong organizations understand not only where funding comes from, but also how to manage cash flow, maintain liquidity, anticipate future needs, and align financial resources with strategic goals.

A valuable opportunity for growth exists at the intersection of banking and accounting.

Too often, these functions operate independently. Yet when banking and accounting strategies work together, nonprofit leaders gain greater visibility into their organization’s financial health. Better forecasting, stronger cash flow planning, and coordinated financial guidance can help identify funding gaps earlier, strengthen governance, and support more informed decision-making.

For nonprofit leaders seeking to strengthen their organizations, three areas deserve ongoing attention:

Cash Flow Forecasting. Understanding when resources will be available is just as important as understanding how much funding has been secured.

Liquidity Planning. Maintaining financial flexibility provides stability during uncertain times and positions organizations to respond when opportunities arise.

Collaborative Financial Leadership. The strongest financial decisions are rarely made in isolation. Boards, executives, accountants, bankers, and operational leaders all bring valuable perspectives to the table.

At The National Bank of Indianapolis and Barnes Dennig, we believe supporting nonprofit education is one of the most important ways we can serve our community. That belief is the foundation of our upcoming joint event called Smart Money, Strong Mission: Banking and Accounting Strategies for Nonprofits, an educational forum designed to bring together nonprofit leaders and financial professionals for practical conversations and shared learning. On October 1 at Indiana Landmarks, this panel-style event followed by a social hour will explore how organizations can better connect their banking and accounting strategies to improve financial visibility, strengthen decision-making, and support long-term sustainability. There is no registration fee, and the program qualifies for 1 hour of CPE credits.

The nonprofit sector has long been one of Indy’s greatest strengths. As the challenges facing organizations continue to evolve, so must the knowledge and skills of the leaders guiding them.

When you invest in financial learning, you strengthen more than your finances. You strengthen your organizations and the communities you serve. Smart money management makes mission success possible.

Please visit here to learn more about the event referenced in this article.

Jun 22

A Starting Point: 10 Grant Opportunities for Indiana Nonprofits in a Challenging Funding Landscape

By Feature

By Morgan Riley, Charitable Advisors

Fundraising right now feels a bit like learning a new map while the landscape keeps shifting. Fortunately, to find their footing, organizations don’t necessarily need the biggest budgets. Resilient fundraisers are building a funding ecosystem and weaving together multiple sources of support instead of relying on a single lifeline.

Federal funding uncertainty, increased competition for grants, and growing community needs have created a difficult environment—particularly for small and midsized organizations that are being asked to do more with limited time, staff, and resources.

If you’re part of a team where grant writing is just one responsibility among many, there is still hope.

In times of uncertainty, diversification becomes a way to build resilience, and collaboration matters. Smaller grants can sometimes create meaningful momentum. Funders are looking for organizations that are building partnerships, sharing ideas, and working together to solve challenges that no single organization can address alone.

With that in mind, we’ve gathered 10 grant opportunities Indiana nonprofits may want to explore this summer. Some are designed specifically for smaller organizations, some support experimentation and capacity building, and others reward strong community partnerships.

Our hope isn’t to create another overwhelming to-do list. It’s to provide a starting point and a light in the tunnel.

  1. Hamilton County Community Foundation Competitive Grants

    Apply: https://hamiltoncountycf.org/grants/hamilton-county-community-foundation-competitive-grants/

      Deadline: July 31, 2026

      Why it’s noteworthy: One of the strongest examples of trust-based philanthropy in Indiana, this funding opportunity emphasizes unrestricted operating support, allowing organizations to invest in both programs and the infrastructure that sustains them.

      Who it’s for: Nonprofits serving Hamilton County working in childcare, housing, workforce development, education, and social services.

      Takeaway: Funders are increasingly recognizing that strong operations are essential to strong outcomes.

      1. Indiana Humanities Mini Grants

      Apply: https://indianahumanities.org/grants/

      Deadline: Rolling monthly deadlines

      Why it’s noteworthy: These small but flexible grants are designed for experimentation—supporting storytelling, public dialogue, and community engagement projects that may not require large budgets but can have meaningful local impact.

      Who it’s for: Nearly any Indiana nonprofit engaging the public through education, storytelling, cultural programming, or civic conversation.

      Takeaway: Small grants can be strategic investments in innovation and pilot programming.

      1. CreatINg Places (IHCDA)

      Apply: https://www.patronicity.com/creatingplaces

      Deadline: Rolling through December 31, 2026

      Why it’s noteworthy: This program pairs community-led crowdfunding with state matching funds, rewarding projects that demonstrate strong local buy-in before public investment is made.

      Who it’s for: Indiana nonprofits and local governments working on placemaking, community spaces, neighborhood revitalization, and public gathering projects.

      Takeaway: Successful fundraising is increasingly tied to visible community engagement and support.

      1. Ball Brothers Foundation Grants

      Apply: https://www.ballfdn.org/grants

      Deadline: Open year-round

      Why it’s noteworthy: While many foundations focus on program expansion, Ball Brothers Foundation places significant emphasis on capacity building, including strategic planning, communications, leadership development, and collaboration.

      Who it’s for: Indiana nonprofits (with strongest consideration in East Central Indiana) seeking support for both program and organizational strengthening efforts.

      Takeaway: Building stronger systems is not overhead; it’s mission-critical work.

      1. Pacers Foundation General Grants

      Apply: https://pacersfoundation.org/grants/

      Deadline: Quarterly cycle (next interest form deadlines: Sept. 15, Dec. 15, March 17, June 16)

      Why it’s noteworthy: This funding prioritizes youth-serving work in education, health, and safety, with a strong preference for collaborative approaches involving multiple community partners.

      Who it’s for: Indiana nonprofits serving youth through education, wellness, safety, or community development initiatives.

      Takeaway: Partnerships can significantly strengthen competitiveness in youth-focused funding.

      1. USDA Rural Business Development Grants

      Apply: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-business-development-grants

      Deadline: June 30, 2026

      Why it’s noteworthy: This federal program supports rural communities through workforce development, technical assistance, equipment, and economic development projects.

      Who it’s for: Nonprofits serving rural areas focused on economic mobility, workforce readiness, or community infrastructure.

      Takeaway: Eligibility is broader than many organizations assume—don’t rule yourself out too quickly.

      1. Hendricks County Community Foundation Open Grants

      Apply: https://hendrickscountycf.org/for-nonprofits/apply-for-a-grant/

      Deadline: September 15, 2026

      Why it’s noteworthy: Designed for flexibility, this grant supports projects that do not fit neatly into traditional funding categories, allowing organizations to present community-driven solutions.

      Who it’s for: Nonprofits serving Hendricks County with projects that fall outside standard funding priorities.

      Takeaway: Some of the best opportunities allow room for creativity and local responsiveness.

      1. Indiana Climate and Democracy Catalyst Fund (CICF Collaborative / Indianapolis Foundation)

      Apply: https://indianapolisfoundation.org/climate-fund/

      Deadline: Rolling applications with quarterly reviews (through Nov. 20, 2026)

      Why it’s noteworthy: This collaborative fund supports community-led solutions that strengthen environmental resilience, civic participation, and local leadership—often prioritizing grassroots and emerging organizations.

      Who it’s for: Indiana nonprofits working in community engagement, coalition-building, environmental equity, civic participation, or place-based community development.

      Takeaway: Funders are increasingly investing in networks and relationships—not just standalone programs.

      1. Indiana Arts Commission Arts Project Support Grants

      Apply: https://www.in.gov/arts/grants/

      Deadline: September 3, 2026

      Why it’s noteworthy: These grants support arts-based projects across Indiana and are open to organizations that integrate creative approaches into broader community work—not just traditional arts organizations.

      Who it’s for: Nonprofits incorporating arts, creativity, or cultural engagement into their programming, regardless of sector.

      Takeaway: Cross-sector strategies can open doors to unexpected funding opportunities.

      1. Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) Funding Programs

      Apply: https://www.in.gov/ocra/

      Deadline: Varies by program throughout summer and fall cycles

      Why it’s noteworthy: OCRA offers multiple competitive programs supporting housing, infrastructure, downtown revitalization, and community development—many of which require or encourage local government partnerships.

      Who it’s for: Nonprofits working in collaboration with municipalities, counties, or regional partners on community development initiatives.

      Takeaway: Collaboration with local government is increasingly a key pathway to funding eligibility.

      The most important takeaway isn’t any individual grant on this list, it’s the reminder that you don’t have to have a large development department, a full-time grant writer, or a decades-long history with a funder to build a sustainable funding strategy.

      Some of the strongest organizations are successful because they’ve learned to diversify their support over time. They’ve pursued smaller opportunities, invested in relationships, and said yes to partnerships that expanded their impact.

      If this season feels particularly challenging, know that many organizations across Indiana are navigating the same questions. The work doesn’t happen overnight; You’re not behind; And you’re certainly not alone.

      May you have space to test a new idea, strengthen a partnership, or just create enough breathing room to continue serving your community well.

      We hope this list serves as a useful place to begin.

      Your work is important and worth investing in.

      Feb 13

      Grant writing: Tips to enhance your chances of approval

      By Feature

      Martin University’s vice president of institutional advancement gives insights on strategic fundraising

      by Shari Finnell, editor/writer, Not-for-Profit News

      While nonprofits have numerous options for raising funds, mastering the art of grant writing can be critical in gaining ongoing support for your organization. But the odds of approval can be against you. According to numerous estimates, only one out of 10 grant applications are approved.

      However, with a strategic grant writing process that includes research, creative writing, and the ability to recognize when a grant is not a good fit, you can increase those odds, according to Kristie Johnson, vice president of Institutional Advancement at Martin University and a Certified Fundraising Executive.

      Johnson, who earned a Ph.D. in leadership in higher Education from Bellarmine University and is currently working on an executive MBA from Howard University, recently led a grant writing workshop for the Black Heritage Preservation Program Research training workshop hosted by Indiana Landmarks in partnership with Indiana Humanities and Freetown Village.

      The following are highlights of the tips she offered for more successful fundraising through a comprehensive grant writing plan.

      Invest time in research before starting the application process. In addition to identifying foundations listed in directories, including the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance (IPA) website, nonprofits could maximize the use of their time by gaining a deeper understanding of the organization. Some grant writers may not take the research far enough.

      “Research is really important because you need to take the time to identify where your resources are,” Johnson said.

      Review a foundation’s 990 tax documents. Gaining an understanding of a foundation’s giving history also can be an important step in being more successful in the grant writing process, Johnson said. In Indiana, that process can include researching foundations on the IPA website, which provides various pertinent information, including a foundation’s 990 tax documents.

      “They’re required by law to complete Form 990,” Johnson said. The document provides financial insights about a nonprofit or foundation. The documents can provide information about a foundation that may not necessarily be evident on its website, she noted.

      “The website may indicate that they’ll fund up to a million dollars. But if you look at what they’ve awarded in the past, you may find out that they have never given any organization more than $500,000,” Johnson added. “So, knowing that’s their sweet spot will give you a strong indication of their funding range.”

      Be willing to engage in conversations. Documentation about an organization also typically provides a list of its officers. Browsing the list can help the grant writer determine if they have a connection to any board members or officers.

      Even if that is not the case, grant writers should be willing to connect with those involved in the organization, Johnson said. “For example, when a grant opportunity becomes available, try to speak with the program officer, if possible,” she said. “Many foundations also offer webinars, workshops, and other resources to ensure that potential grant recipients understand the grant process and requirements.”

      Connect with other grantees. Previous grant recipients also can provide insights about a grant opportunity, Johnson said. “If you know that an organization has received the grant funds before, connect with them to see how the process was for reporting,” she recommended. “Ask questions like, ‘How strenuous is the process?’”

      Read the RFP thoroughly. Nonprofits also may make the mistake of failing to thoroughly read a request for proposal (RFP) before applying for a grant, Johnson said. It is important to make sure your organization and projects are aligned with the foundation’s objectives and requirements.

      Combine creative writing with data gathering. Johnson said grant writing also should provide a good balance between creative writing and data gathering. “It’s important to look at the data to demonstrate how you will determine success,” she said. “But you also have to create a compelling narrative about how your program is innovative, sustainable, and provides a great opportunity for a foundation to invest and partner with you as an organization.”

      Know when to pass on a grant opportunity. “It’s important to determine, as an organization, if you have the capacity to manage a grant well,” Johnson said. “Every grant is not necessarily a good fit. Sometimes, you may have to leave the money on the table perhaps because the reporting requirements are every quarter or every six months.

      “Some grant requirements may be too labor intensive for your team if you don’t have the staff to manage it,” she said. “It’s a really good idea to just consult with staff members who actually be taking on this initiative to determine if they have the capacity to manage it.”

      Join professional associations. Grant writing can be a lonely endeavor, Johnson said. Consider joining a membership-based organization like the Grant Professionals Association. “Not only will they provide you with resources and professional development, but you will also have the opportunity to meet funders from various organizations who are invited to speak to the group,” she said. “Connect with other like-minded professionals in the field so you can support one another.”

      Oct 24

      MacArthur, Chicago Community Trust create low-interest loan program for nonprofits

      By Feature

      By Lisa Bertagnoli, reporter, Crain’s

      Chicago Community Trust and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation earlier this year introduced what they say is a win-win for Chicago’s philanthropic community: A way for charitably minded investors to participate in a local social-impact fund and a way for area nonprofits and social-enterprise companies to access $100 million in long-term, low-interest loans.

      The program, called Benefit Chicago, is unique in the country and is the city’s most ambitious social-impact investing tool to date, said Julia Stasch, president of MacArthur Foundation. “It is the first-of-its-kind collaboration among a community foundation and global private foundation with a deep commitment to its hometown,” Stasch said.

      It is designed to meet what research has shown to be a $100 million need for capital over the next five years among area nonprofits and social-enterprise companies. It will also satisfy investors’ desire to make investments with “meaningful social, economic and environmental impact,” the release announcing Benefit Chicago said.

      The program is set up for an initial 15-year run. If successful, it could be emulated in other cities, Stasch said. The fund could also increase beyond $100 million. “It would be good to not see the unmet gap that we’re seeing today,” Stasch said.

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      Oct 17

      Indiana legislation to watch: After-school funding bill

      By Feature, Programming

      By Lynn Sygiel, editor, Charitable Advisors

      Last year, 11 percent of Indiana young people took part in after-school programming. That is below the national average of 18 percent.

      While before- and after-school programs serve nearly 45,000 Indiana children each day, they often operate with limited and patchwork funding from diverse public and private sources.

      But that may be changing.

      In the 2016 legislative session, Sen. Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn, authored Senate Bill 251, the Out-of-School Learning Fund, to create a fund to give schools grants to pay for programs before and after school and create an advisory board to make recommendations about the fund to the Indiana Department of Education.

      The bill was sponsored by Rep. Robert Behning, R-Indianapolis, Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary, and Rep. Woody Burton, R-Whiteland.

      The bill passed both chambers and was signed by Gov. Mike Pence. It established an out-of-school learning advisory board for a three-year period. The advisory board is required to make an initial report on existing programs and recommends policies, procedures, funding levels and eligibility criteria to the General Assembly before Nov. 1.

      “The after-school topic got on the agenda last year in the legislature, and the education committee under the guidance of Senator Dennis Kruse for the first time said, ‘Hey, let’s take a look at after-school education,’” said Bob Abrams, Indiana’s After-School Network STEM coordinator.

      “Where it’s going to lead in this budget year, I don’t know, but for the first time, it was discussed,” said Abrams. “There are states around the country – Oregon, California and Maryland — where after-school programming is a line item in their state budget.”

      “I’d say that for the initial foray into the legislature, it went really well,” said Paul Ainslie, managing director of I-STEM based at Purdue University.

      “It isn’t just STEM. In fact most of it is really safety and security for kids after school. We don’t have that many kids in after-school programs, and quite frankly, there’s a lot of kids at risk because of that during that 3 to 6 p.m. after-school time.

      “So I think that’s part of what’s being recognized,” he said.

      May 05

      Cooper Union inquiry puts nonprofits on notice

      By Feature, Fundraising, Governance

      By James B. Stewart, New York Times |

      In what should be a ringing alarm for nonprofit boards across the country long accustomed to minimal scrutiny or accountability, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman of New York has signaled that the laissez-faire approach to nonprofit governance is over.

      Mr. Schneiderman’s office has sent letters to the board members of Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, the prestigious college founded in Manhattan in 1859 by the philanthropist Peter Cooper on the premise that it be “open and free to all.” Last year, after the school said it faced financial ruin otherwise, it began charging tuition.

      The investigation, reported earlier by The Wall Street Journal, is focusing on the board’s management of its endowment; its handling of its major asset, the Chrysler Building; its dealings with Tishman Speyer Properties, which manages the skyscraper; and how it obtained a $175 million loan from MetLife using the building as collateral, according to people involved.

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      May 05

      From projects to people

      By Feature, Fundraising, Governance

      By Ken Banks, Ashoka fellow, Stanford Social Innovation Review |

      Bill Siemering was about to jump in his cab to make an airport pickup when his home phone rang. It was the vice president of the MacArthur Foundation. “I was shocked,” said Bill, “when he told me I was being awarded a MacArthur Fellowship.” That phone call proved to be the turning point of his life.

      He never did make that airport pickup.

      Years before, Bill had been the director of programming of National Public Radio (NPR), where he had created the first signature program in public radio, All Things Considered. He had also crafted NPR’s first mission statement, and while vice president at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia, he was instrumental in bringing Terry Gross and Fresh Air from a local to a national audience. Not bad, you might think.

      Despite blazing a trail, though, Bill had eventually found himself out of work; at that time, there just weren’t many opportunities in his sector. As he put it: “I’d spent over 30 years practicing the art and craft of my profession and had no way to use it. I felt like a pianist who lost the use of his hands.” Out of frustration and the need for a job—any job—he started training to be a driver for a car service at Philadelphia airport. He was about to go on his first driving assignment when he got the MacArthur call.

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      May 05

      Eight common innovation traps

      By Feature, Fundraising, Governance

      By Gabriel Kasper & Justin Marcoux, Stanford Social Innovation Review |

      Innovation, it seems, is easier said than done.

      Despite growing interest in applying innovation methodologies to social sector challenges over the past decade, more often than not, philanthropic efforts to support innovation fall short.

      That’s because the processes, strategies, and structures that funders need to deliberately seek out and support innovation are often quite different from the ones they use for traditional grantmaking—a lesson many funders learn the hard way.

      In our SSIR article “The Re-Emerging Art of Funding Innovation” last year, we highlighted many specific approaches that innovation funders are now using. But we find that many grantmakers still end up falling into one or more “innovation traps”—common mistakes that can prevent them from succeeding as they try to find and fund breakthrough social change.

      Some of these traps are challenges related to execution and implementation; others are more conceptual, rooted in the way organizations think about what innovation is and what it can achieve. As you read through the eight common innovation traps below, ask yourself whether your organization has faced one or more of these problems, and consider sharing your experience in the comments.

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