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Jun 27

Purpose Beyond a Paycheck: Indiana Nonprofits Show What It Means to Make a Difference

By Feature

By Chelsea Ohlemiller, Director of Community & Content, Charitable Advisors

A job can be more than a paycheck. It can be a purpose. It can be a way to strengthen communities, create meaningful change and become part of something bigger than yourself.

That belief is at the heart of Charitable Advisors’ “Work for a Nonprofit, Make a Difference” campaign — an initiative created to highlight the purpose, impact and opportunity found in nonprofit careers across Indiana.

Through storytelling, resources and community engagement, the campaign connects passionate professionals with organizations creating meaningful change every day. It challenges the idea that work is simply something we do and instead showcases how nonprofit careers can transform both the communities being served and the people who serve them.

Throughout May, 28 Indiana nonprofits opened their doors and their smartphones, and shared their missions, stories and impact with our community. From supporting children and families to advancing housing equity, strengthening education, improving health outcomes and creating opportunities for those who need them most, each organization showed what happens when people choose work rooted in purpose.

The participating organizations included Autism Community Connection, Child Care Answers, Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation, Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, Lutheran Child & Family Services, Perry Township Education Foundation, New Hope of Indiana, Clarity of Central Indiana, Mid-North Food Pantry, The Julian Center, Indiana Diaper Bank, Pretty Passionate Hands, Edna Martin Christian Center, Kids’ Voice of Indiana, John Boner Neighborhood Centers, Camp To Belong Indiana, Hope Academy, Cancer Services of NE Indiana, Parks Foundation of Hendricks County, Peace Learning Center, IWIN (Indiana Women In Need) Foundation, Dove Recovery House for Women, Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana, Immigrant Welcome Center, Indy Art Center, Dayspring Center, AYS, Inc., and InteCare Veteran Services.

Each organization created a short social media video sharing why their work matters — and the result was a powerful reminder that behind every nonprofit mission are people who care deeply about making Indiana stronger.

For AYS (At Your School), the campaign created an opportunity for the children they serve to share, in their own words, why the organization’s work matters.

“As a result of the Work For a Nonprofit, Make A Difference campaign AYS kids got to tell the audience, in their own words, why the work we do here at AYS matters to them,” said Abi Bainbridge, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, AYS. “The resulting video didn’t just allow us to reflect on our values and remind ourselves of exactly how the work we do benefits the children in our community. It also gave us the opportunity to create a unique piece of content that drove potential employees to our careers page during a vital hiring cycle.”

Beyond the visibility, the campaign created opportunities for organizations to grow, learn and connect.

“In the process of producing this video, our team developed new skills and gathered enough additional footage to be used for future projects,” Bainbridge said. “We also appreciated the opportunity to see the great work of other local nonprofit organizations. Campaigns like WFN, help bring us together as a community, and remind us of the power of collaborative action.”

For Pretty Passionate Hands, the campaign provided a chance to share the heart behind their mission and reach new audiences.

“Participating in the Work for a Nonprofit, Make a Difference campaign was such a meaningful experience for Pretty Passionate Hands,” said Chandler Jessup, Organizational Development Coordinator. “It gave us a platform to share our story and shed light on the heart behind our work. The visibility we gained through the campaign helped remind our community, and us, why this work matters so deeply.”

Jessup also emphasized the importance of celebrating the nonprofit sector and the people who dedicate themselves to serving others.

“Campaigns like this are so important because they shine a light on the people and organizations doing the quiet, consistent work that often goes unnoticed,” she said. “The nonprofit sector is full of passionate individuals who dedicate themselves to serving others, and being celebrated alongside other incredible organizations was both humbling and energizing.”

The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) also highlighted the value of reaching new audiences through the campaign.

“We, at the FHCCI, are so incredibly grateful to Charitable Advisors for allowing us to share the work we do (and why we do it) with audiences that we normally don’t reach within our typical channels,” said Brady Ripperger, FHCCI. “Unfortunately, algorithms are skilled at keeping audiences siloed into areas, and this campaign allowed us to reach new audiences.”

Ripperger shared that campaigns like this play an important role in connecting people with the many organizations working across Indiana.

“Through this campaign, the wide breadth of missions and work us nonprofits are doing across the state was highlighted, which we are incredibly grateful for, especially as nonprofit funding continues to be slashed,” Ripperger said.

Thanks to the support of the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF), Charitable Advisors was able to provide three $500 gifts to participating organizations:

  • Viewer’s Choice: Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana
  • CICF Team Choice: AYS (At Your School)
  • Charitable Advisors Team Choice: Pretty Passionate Hands

These awards, though small, provide additional resources for organizations to continue advancing their missions. AYS plans to pour its awarded funds back into programs supporting children across central Indiana, Pretty Passionate Hands will use the funds to support teen parents and their babies, and FHCCI will continue its work addressing housing barriers and discrimination experienced by Hoosiers.

The true impact of this campaign, however, extends beyond a video, a contest or an award. It is found in the connections created, the stories shared and the reminder that meaningful work exists in every corner of Indiana.

At Charitable Advisors, we are grateful for the organizations that participated, the people who shared their stories and the nonprofit professionals who continue to show what it means to work for a nonprofit and make a difference.

And this is just the beginning. Another “Work for a Nonprofit, Make a Difference” campaign is coming this fall. Stay tuned for details and another opportunity to celebrate the people and organizations creating lasting impact throughout Indiana.

Experience the stories and impact shared through May’s campaign:

Jun 27

Why Your Organization Needs a North Star

By Sponsor Insight

Monica Hingst, Senior Consultant, Schunk Moreland Strategies

Most organizations have a vision and mission statement. Far fewer have a north star. A vision describes the future that an organization hopes to create. A mission declares why an organization exists, including what you do, who you serve, and how you serve. A north star answers a different question: What are we ultimately trying to achieve together?

For mission-driven organizations, this distinction matters. Unlike businesses that often look to profit margins as a guiding metric, nonprofits need to navigate competing priorities without a single profit-centered measure of success. A north star guides decision-making, keeping people aligned, and helps organizations stay focused on what matters the most as they pursue their mission and vision.

As organizations face competing demands, limited resources, and pressure to create meaningful impact, a shared north star becomes essential. This article explores why north stars matter, how they support second-order change, and how shared utility framing can help organizations make better decisions together.

Why Decision-Making is Challenging

Inter-organizational competition is everywhere, but it is especially common in the nonprofit sector where budgets, resources, and organizational capacity are often limited. These tensions become even more pronounced during periods of second-order change, which is any change that is complex, structural, or requires people to rethink big things like systems, human behaviors, or ways of working.

When nonprofit leaders face decisions about which programs to fund, which opportunities to pursue, or what initiatives to sunset, they need a clear way to evaluate competing priorities. Without a shared north star, or a shared utility framing, decisions can become political or personal instead of strategic.

Second-order change alters existing systems, structures, rules and assumptions, not just behavior within a system. In my research about navigating second-order change, I found that people naturally default to protecting their own interests. Within the public sector (e.g., nonprofits, government, higher education), this can look like departments competing for resources or working in silos to meet their own goals. It can look like board members advocating for their favorite initiatives or funders unintentionally pulling an organization in multiple directions. These dynamics are rarely driven by selfish intent. More often, they emerge when people lack a shared framework for evaluating decisions. The issue is the absence of a north star, not the competing interests themselves.

What is Shared Utility Framing?

Shared utility framing explains how a proposed change benefits an organization as a whole while also acknowledging how individual interests will be protected. Shared utility framing asks: How does this decision benefit the entire organization, not just one person, department, or program? For shared utility framing to work, stakeholders need to understand how value is created collectively. They also need confidence that their interests are recognized and protected in that shared value. Without both conditions, people often default to defensive positioning and zero-sum thinking, where one group’s gain is viewed as another group’s loss. Zero-sum thinking slows progress and makes change difficult to achieve.

During periods of second-order change, conflict often emerges when individuals or teams fear losing access to resources, influence, funding, staffing, or other things of value. Shared utility framing requires stakeholders to step outside of their silos and consider how value is created and distributed across the organization as a whole. When leaders clearly communicate how organizational value is created and how success will be measured through outcomes connected to the mission and vision, they address many of the concerns that can stall change. Teams, boards, and partners need to understand how the organization creates value collectively. They also need confidence that their interests are acknowledged and protected.

A North Star Creates a Shared Definition of Success

When nonprofit organizations face major decisions, conversations often focus on questions like: What does my department gain? What will my program lose? What does this mean for my workload? A north star shifts the conversation toward a different question: How does this move us closer to what we are trying to achieve together?

Here’s an example. In 2023, Indiana passed a law to automatically enroll eligible students in the 21st Century Scholars program.1 Stakeholders involved in the process initially focused on administrative concerns, implementation costs, staffing needs, and potential operational disruptions. Progress accelerated when leaders identified two broader outcomes that stakeholders could collectively rally around: improving the quality of life for Hoosiers and strengthening Indiana’s workforce and economy. Once those outcomes became the shared north stars, stakeholders could see beyond their individual concerns. The conversations shifted from organizational impacts to collective outcomes. A broader coalition formed around a shared purpose, and the policy ultimately passed.

The same principle applies within nonprofits. Coalitions form more easily when people rally around shared outcomes rather than organizational interests.

How to Establish a North Star

If your organization has a strategic plan, start there. Ask yourself: What are we ultimately trying to achieve with this plan? Who benefits if we succeed? How would we know we are making progress? What outcomes matter the most?

If the answers to these questions are unclear or open to interpretation, it may be worth considering a neutral facilitator to help your leadership team arrive at a shared north star. A facilitator can guide a structured conversation, surface areas of misalignment, and help the group develop a shared understanding of what success looks like.

One way to begin is by asking each member of the leadership team to identify the three most important outcomes for the organization. If those answers vary significantly, there is a good chance your organization does not yet have a clearly defined north star.

While this exercise can be led internally, there are advantages to having a neutral facilitator guide the conversation. Team members are often more candid with someone who is not tied to organizational politics, departmental priorities, or reporting relationships. A facilitator can also ask difficult questions without being perceived as advocating for a particular outcome, helping the group move beyond individual interests and focus on what is best for the organization as a whole.

Put Your North Star to Work

A north star only works if it becomes part of daily organizational life. It should inform planning, prioritization, progress monitoring, partnerships, board discussions, hiring decisions, and, most importantly, budgeting. Where you allocate your resources should reflect your north star.

Strong organizations do not eliminate conflict within organizations. They create enough shared utility framing to foster understanding and make disagreement a productive exercise. When people know what they are trying to achieve together, they can debate tactics without losing sight of purpose.

A north star does not make decision-making easier. It makes decision-making clearer. The most effective and sustaining types of change begin with the question, “What are we ultimately trying to accomplish together?”

Jun 15

Leading Through Uncertainty: Financial Stewardship and Risk Management for Nonprofits

By Sponsor Insight

By Lauren Kreutzinger

Nonprofit organizations are navigating a period of significant uncertainty. Changes in federal funding priorities, economic pressures, workforce challenges, and increased demand for services are forcing many organizations to make difficult decisions about staffing and resource allocation.

While these challenges are not new, today’s environment requires nonprofit leaders to think differently about financial stewardship. Maintaining strong oversight is no longer simply a matter of compliance. It is essential to protecting mission delivery, preserving stakeholder confidence, and ensuring long-term sustainability.

When Capacity Changes, Risk Changes

Every nonprofit has some level of resource constraint. However, when staffing structures change, leaders should recognize that organizational risk changes as well. Responsibilities may become concentrated among fewer individuals, review processes may become less formal, and critical financial knowledge may reside with a smaller group of employees.

The goal is not to eliminate risk entirely. Rather, it is to understand where vulnerabilities exist and ensure that appropriate oversight and accountability mechanisms remain in place.

Building Organizational Resilience

Organizations that successfully navigate periods of uncertainty often focus on more than financial controls alone. They take a broader view of risk management and organizational sustainability.

Key questions leaders should consider include:

  • How dependent are we on a limited number of funding sources?
  • Do we have sufficient liquidity to manage reimbursement delays or unexpected disruptions?
  • Are we leveraging technology effectively to support efficiency and oversight?
  • Is institutional knowledge concentrated in too few individuals?
  • Do board members have the information needed to provide meaningful oversight?
  • Are there opportunities to supplement internal resources through strategic partnerships or outsourced support?

The Board’s Role in Organizational Sustainability

Strong governance is one of the most effective safeguards during periods of uncertainty.

Board members play a critical role in helping organizations understand emerging risks, evaluate strategic decisions, and maintain accountability. Beyond reviewing financial statements, boards should engage in conversations about liquidity, funding concentration, workforce capacity, cybersecurity, succession planning, and long-term sustainability.

Moving Forward with Confidence

While uncertainty may be unavoidable, organizations can take meaningful steps to strengthen their resilience.

By evaluating governance structures, reassessing financial risks, and aligning resources with strategic priorities, nonprofit leaders can position their organizations to remain agile and mission-focused regardless of external challenges.

Dean Dorton’s nonprofit advisors work alongside organizations to strengthen financial operations, enhance governance, evaluate risk, and develop practical strategies for long-term sustainability. If your organization is navigating funding uncertainty, staffing challenges, or operational change, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.

Connect with our nonprofit team to discuss strategies that can strengthen your organization’s financial stewardship, governance, and long-term resilience.

May 18

Charitable Advisors Joins CICF to Strengthen Central Indiana’s Nonprofit Sector 

By Feature

We are excited to share that Charitable Advisors has joined Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF), bringing together two organizations deeply committed to strengthening the nonprofit sector in Central Indiana.

This partnership connects CICF’s role as a community foundation and regional convenor with Charitable Advisors’ trusted expertise in nonprofit talent, leadership, and information, creating a more coordinated and powerful system of support for nonprofits to grow, improve, and sustain their work.

Since its founding in 2000, Charitable Advisors has published more than 1,200 editions of Not-for-profit News, shared over 15,000 job postings, supported 120 executive searches, and worked with more than 300 Indiana nonprofit clients.

CICF, meanwhile, has worked with our region’s donors, stakeholders and nonprofits to connect funding and other resources. In 2025 alone, CICF’s generous fundholders worked with CICF to grant $37.3 million into the community.

Together, this partnership represents an investment not just in individual organizations, but in the strength of the nonprofit sector.

We spoke with President and Founder of Charitable Advisors Bryan Orander and CEO of CICF Jennifer Bartenbach to learn more.

How will CICF and Charitable Advisors work together?

JENNIFER: One of the four pathways in CICF’s new strategic plan is People & Potential, in other words, how we support nonprofit staff and workplaces across Central Indiana. The stronger the people behind the work, the stronger the impact. Charitable Advisors will play a significant role in advancing that priority.

BRYAN: We’ll also be strengthening CICF’s Nonprofit Ecosystem pathway alongside People & Potential.

The Nonprofit Ecosystem and People & Potential pathways are directly in line with the work we’ve been known for over the last 25 years. It goes well beyond our weekly newsletter. For example, we convene the Nonprofit HR Peer Group, host the Central Indiana nonprofit job board, and started the Indiana Nonprofit Consultant Community, which is a key part of talent development in the sector. These initiatives will now receive even more support with Charitable Advisors being a part of CICF.

Jennifer, talk a little more about the “nonprofit ecosystem”. What is it and how do the services Bryan mentioned intersect with CICF’s strategy?

JENNIFER: It refers to the interconnected network of nonprofits across Central Indiana. We have several thousand nonprofits across the region doing tremendous work, but they can create even more impact when they know about each other’s efforts, connect and learn from each other, and are fully equipped to run their administrative operations. More than 90% of nonprofits have fewer than 20 staff members. Many cannot afford full-time expertise in areas like finance, marketing, HR, IT, or evaluation.

That is where ecosystem support matters. Through initiatives like Office Hours, the Nonprofit Benefits Consortium, and planned giving programs like Stronger Partners Brighter Futures, CICF helps nonprofits share these resources, expertise, and long-term funding strategies.

Those are not traditional grant programs, but they are critical. When nonprofits spend less time navigating operational challenges, they can focus on their mission.

What was it about this partnership, specifically, that felt like it would be valuable for our region’s nonprofits?

BRYAN: We have many more ideas than our small team can implement. CICF has the resources, staff, connections, and capacity to turn more of those ideas into action, something they do for other nonprofits and community foundations every day.

JENNIFER: For our part, and as Bryan said earlier, Charitable Advisors is far more than a newsletter. Their nonprofit salary surveys help organizations make better decisions in real time. Their executive search service helps nonprofits in our sector attract the best talent for a price that is affordable and with experience that is unmatched.

At a time when nonprofits face rising demand, funding uncertainty, and policy shifts, this partnership allows us to accelerate support where it’s needed most. Charitable Advisors brings deep insight into nonprofit leadership and operations. CICF brings the ability to
connect that insight to resources, capital, and regional strategy. Together, we can strengthen the sector in ways neither of us could do alone.

Bryan, with the staff and leadership remaining in place at Charitable Advisors, will readers and those who utilize your other services notice many changes due to this partnership?

BRYAN: We have usually seen our development as more evolutionary than revolutionary. That’s allowed us to become a consistent and trusted resource for our local communities, so changes will come gradually – there are enough special programs out there that make a splash and then disappear.

In the near term, we are refreshing the look of our weekly Not-for-profit News e-newsletter, launching our fourth “Work for a Nonprofit” campaign in May that shares videos from 30 area nonprofits, continuing several consulting projects, and supporting the staff across the various partners in the CICF Collaborative.

When my daughters were young, and they asked about my work, I used to tell them that Charitable Advisors “helps the people who help people.” I couldn’t be more excited about partnering with the Collaborative organizations to do even more.

More than ever, nonprofits need to engage new audiences and donors. Why should those outside the nonprofit sector care about and support this work?

JENNIFER: I’m not sure anyone actually lives outside the nonprofit sector. If we visit a hospital, attend a school, attend a house of worship, or visit a museum, then we “live in” the nonprofit sector.

But even setting aside direct impact, Hoosier nonprofits employ nearly half a million people – roughly 1 of every 6 private-sector employees in the state. That’s almost the same share of Hoosiers who work in manufacturing.

And most importantly, services provided at nonprofits can be lifesaving – childcare, food support, housing, mental health.

That’s why partnering with Charitable Advisors is important to us. I agree with Bryan. Any group that supports people in the nonprofit sector is improving our quality of life. The stronger the sector is, the stronger our community is.

Read the press release

Apr 06

When You’re Always Giving: Why Nonprofit Leaders Need This Moment

By Feature

Written By Stefany Dolan for Leadership Johnson County

If you spend your days in the nonprofit world, you know something to be true: fulfilling the mission doesn’t neatly clock you in at 9:00 a.m. and out at 5:00 p.m.

It follows you home. It sits with you at dinner. It wakes you up at 2:00 a.m. when you’re thinking about the family you couldn’t quite help, the funding you’re still trying to secure, or the team member or volunteer who is one hard week away from total burnout.

Nonprofit work is deeply meaningful, rewarding, and impactful—but it’s also very demanding. And somewhere along the way, nonprofit leaders graciously accept this rhythm that leaves very little room to pause, reflect, or feel celebrated.

This is what makes moments of recognition so powerful. The team at Leadership Johnson County has seen what happens when you intentionally create space for nonprofit leaders to step away from the day-to-day and simply be. The focus shifts from output to reflection. Whether it’s framed as a gala celebrating Peace, Love & Gratitude or something else entirely, the heart behind it doesn’t change. It’s about reminding those who give so much of themselves that there is still space for connection, reflection, and a little joy.

These feelings don’t come from the live music, delicious food, or the fun, themed outfits. They are felt because, for a brief moment, nonprofit leaders are invited to step out of the constant giving of themselves and simply receive.

One of last year’s gala attendees, Sonya Ware-Meguiar, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Johnson County, described the experience this way, “It was truly a magical evening. I felt like I was treated like Cinderella for the evening… It was truly a night to remember. It was so refreshing to be able to just relax and have fun.”

There’s something beautifully human about that sentiment. Beneath the titles, responsibilities, and weight of leadership is a person who just needed a moment to breathe and be showered with gratitude.

Why Recognition Matters More Than We Admit

In many sectors, recognition is built into the culture—bonuses, promotions, awards, public praise. In the nonprofit world, recognition often takes a back seat to mission. There’s always more work to do, more people to serve, and more needs to meet.

But when recognition is absent, something subtle begins to happen.

Leaders start measuring their worth only by outcomes. Teams begin to move from passion to pressure. The quiet, steady impact they’re making can start to feel invisible or unimportant.

That’s why intentional moments of celebration matter so much. The goal of the gala is to remind nonprofits leaders that their work is seen and valued.

“Not knowing what to expect at the beginning, this event went up and beyond anything I could have imagined. It was an extraordinary experience to feel truly honored and appreciated for the work we all do… to feel special, seen and valued,” shared Kendee Kolp, CEO of Reach for Youth, Inc.

Those words carry weight, especially in a field where so much work happens behind the scenes.

A Rare Opportunity to Pause

There’s a common thread when nonprofit leaders reflect on moments like these: it’s not just about being honored, it’s about being able to stop and be still.

In that stillness, something important happens—reflection.

“For me personally, it’s a chance to reflect on the impact of that work—not just in numbers, but in lives changed, both human and animal. It’s about honoring ALL the non-profit teams that show up every day with heart, even in the most challenging moments. This event reminds us that while the work is hard, it is also deeply meaningful, and it deserves to be celebrated,” described Anne Sutton, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Johnson County.

In a world driven by metrics and outcomes, reflection can feel like a luxury; in reality, it’s a necessity.

When leaders take time to reflect, they reconnect with their “why.” They remember the faces behind the numbers and regain the energy needed to keep going.

The Power of Being in the Same Room

Another often-overlooked gift of these moments? Community.

Nonprofit leadership can feel isolating. Even in a room full of people, the weight of decision-making, responsibility, and service can create a sense of standing alone.

Now in its third year, this gala has become more than a single evening—it’s a growing tradition that nonprofit leaders can count on. A moment that continues to bring the community back together, year after year, to reconnect and recharge. Leaders are reminded of something they don’t always have time to see in the day-to-day.

“The Glitter & Gratitude Gala reminds me of what a wonderful community we have with so many individuals giving back and supporting one another,” Sonya Ware-Meguiar shared.

That reminder matters. The nonprofit ecosystem was never meant to function in silos—it thrives on shared purpose, mutual encouragement, and the understanding that no one organization carries the mission alone.

Creating Space for Joy

Joy isn’t a word that gets enough attention in nonprofit work. Joy comes from connection, laughter, and simply being present.

“Those who spend their lives serving others rarely pause to be celebrated themselves… Glitter & Gratitude creates a beautiful moment for nonprofit leaders to step away from their work, enjoy a night of music, fellowship, food, and encouragement, and feel the appreciation of the community that we are honored and humbled to serve. The event is a blessing beyond measure!” last year’s attendee, Kimberly Smith, Executive Director of Johnson County Senior Services shared.

Joy isn’t a distraction from the work—it’s fuel for it.

When leaders experience joy, even briefly, it provides restoration. It softens the edges of burnout. It reminds them why they started in the first place. It gives them something to carry back into the hard days.

Perhaps, most importantly, it reinforces a truth that’s easy to forget: You can be deeply committed to your mission and still allow yourself to feel joy.

More Than a Moment

The impact of the Glitter & Gratitude Gala doesn’t end when the lights go down.

It shows up the next morning when a leader walks into their organization a little lighter. It’s in conversations with their team, where appreciation becomes more intentional. It provides renewed energy, fresh perspective, and a deeper sense of connection to the community they serve alongside.

Moments like these don’t solve every challenge, but they strengthen the people who are solving them. In the nonprofit world, that might be one of the most important investments we can make.

A Simple but Powerful Reminder

At its core, the message is simple: Nonprofit leaders are human.

They are passionate, driven, and resilient—but they are also people who need encouragement, recognition, and moments of rest.

When we create space for that, whether through a gala, a handwritten note, a conversation, or a shared moment of gratitude—we’re helping leaders strengthen their mission.

When leaders feel seen, valued, and connected, they don’t just continue their work, they lead it with greater heart. That kind of leadership has a ripple effect far beyond any evening and deeply imprints on our communities.

Cheers to nonprofit leaders!

This year’s Glitter and Gratitude Gala will be held Tuesday, April 14th at The Sycamore at Mallow Run, in Bargersville.

Mar 23

Why a Strategic Plan Is Your Most Underrated Fundraising Tool

By Sponsor Insight

By: Kristen Schunk Moreland, President and Founder of Schunk Moreland Strategies

Many nonprofit organizations do not think of their strategic plan as a fundraising tool. It is often viewed as something required by the board, something funders may request, or something that helps guide internal priorities. Once complete, it may be referenced from time to time, but it is rarely fully activated in a way that meaningfully shapes how the organization raises resources.

At the same time, these same organizations are working diligently to secure funding through grant writing, donor engagement, and campaign development, all while trying to clearly communicate why their work matters and why it deserves investment. What is often overlooked is that these two efforts are not separate. In fact, when used effectively, a strategic plan can become one of the most powerful tools an organization has to support its fundraising efforts.

This became clear to me early in my career. In 2011, I co-founded a nonprofit organization that opened after several years of planning. I remember sitting in a funder’s office with my co-founders, confident in our mission and deeply committed to the work, only to be asked a simple but revealing question: could we share our strategic plan? At the time, we did not have one. We were encouraged to return once we had clarified our priorities and could more effectively articulate our direction. That experience was a turning point, highlighting that while passion is essential, it is not sufficient on its own.

Fundraising in the nonprofit sector is, at its core, about confidence. Funders are not only evaluating the importance of your mission; they are also assessing your organization’s ability to deliver on that mission. Whether explicitly or implicitly, they are asking whether an investment will lead to meaningful and measurable impact. A strong strategic plan answers that question before it is ever asked. It demonstrates that your organization understands the environment in which it operates, has identified clear priorities, and is aligned in its approach to achieving them.

Without that level of clarity, fundraising can become reactive. Organizations may find themselves adjusting their message depending on the audience, pursuing opportunities that do not fully align with their core priorities, and describing their work in ways that feel broad rather than focused. By contrast, a well-defined strategy shifts the dynamic. It enables organizations to move beyond generalized appeals for support and instead invite funders to invest in a clearly articulated vision for impact, one that is tied to specific initiatives, outcomes, and measurable progress.

This clarity also addresses a critical, and often unspoken, concern for funders: risk. Every grant, gift, or sponsorship represents a decision about where to place trust. An organization with a clear and actionable strategic plan signals stability, alignment, and thoughtful leadership. It reassures funders that the organization is not simply responding to immediate needs, but is working toward a broader, coordinated vision with intention and discipline. In a competitive funding environment, that distinction can be decisive.

A strong strategic plan also creates the conditions for more meaningful and sustained support. Funders who are willing to make larger or multi-year commitments are not focused solely on immediate needs; they are interested in understanding where an organization is headed over time and how their investment contributes to long-term outcomes. A strategic plan provides this context, connecting present-day funding to future impact and offering a framework that extends beyond a single grant cycle.

Equally important is the role a strategic plan plays in strengthening internal alignment. When board members, staff, and leadership are unified around clear priorities, that alignment becomes evident externally. Messaging becomes more consistent, the case for support becomes more compelling, and the organization presents itself with greater clarity and confidence. Without that alignment, even the most compelling mission can appear fragmented or inconsistent.

Despite this, many nonprofits invest significant time and energy into developing a strategic plan only to treat it as a static document rather than a living tool. It becomes something that exists, rather than something that actively informs how the organization communicates, prioritizes, and engages with funders and partners. When this happens, a significant opportunity is lost. The value of a strategic plan lies not simply in its creation, but in its application. It should be embedded in donor conversations, reflected in grant proposals, and integrated into how the organization consistently articulates its work and its impact.

At its best, a strategic plan aligns mission, priorities, and funding strategy into a cohesive and mutually reinforcing approach. When this alignment is present, fundraising begins to evolve. It becomes less about repeatedly making requests for support and more about inviting others to participate in a clearly defined and thoughtfully led vision. Organizations shift from reacting to opportunities to attracting the right partners who are aligned with their direction.

If a strategic plan is not actively guiding fundraising efforts, it is not reaching its full potential. When it is fully integrated into how an organization leads, communicates, and makes decisions, it becomes more than a guiding document. It becomes the most important fundraising tool in your toolkit.

Dec 22

Charitable Advisors’ Quarter-Century of Service

By Feature

As Central Indiana’s nonprofit sector reflects on the close of a memorable 2025, Charitable Advisors is marking a milestone of its own: 25 years of supporting, informing and strengthening the region’s nonprofit community. The anniversary not only celebrates progress but underscores the ongoing need for reliable information, shared resources, and strong sector infrastructure.

Founded in 2000, Charitable Advisors has focused on building nonprofit capacity across Central Indiana. This year’s initiatives — spanning workforce development, leadership transitions and community storytelling — highlight the organization’s commitment to helping nonprofits navigate evolving challenges. Read more about the history of Charitable Advisors.

Strengthening the Workforce

June of 2025 brought the release of the eighth Central Indiana Nonprofit Salary & Benefits Survey Report. With participation from more than 300 nonprofit organizations, the report provides detailed compensation data for 26 common roles, giving leaders essential insight for hiring and retention. Free access is made possible through sponsors: Barnes Dennig CPA and Advisors, the National Bank of Indianapolis, NFP, Charitable Allies, and Charitable Advisors.

Charitable Advisors also expanded recruitment tools for advertisers on the job board. The “Social Media Boost and Featured Job” option increases visibility for open positions, while the free applicant tracking system, available to all job advertisers, helps streamline candidate management.

The statewide “Work for a Nonprofit. Make a Difference.” campaign ran twice in 2025, featuring more than 50 nonprofits. Video profiles highlighted career pathways and the sector’s community impact. A November partnership with Dean Dorton expanded the campaign’s reach and funded three $500 awards. See the October 2025 participant videos here.

Why This Matters: Indiana’s Nonprofit Landscape

Nonprofits remain a vital force in Indiana’s economy and civic life. According to the Indiana Nonprofits Project, organizations in the sector employ roughly 10% of the state’s paid workforce. Tens of thousands of nonprofits statewide — including public charities, foundations and civic groups — underscore the need for communications, connection, accessible data, recruitment tools and leadership resources. Rising costs, shifting funding and changing community needs continue to place pressure on organizations large and small.

CEO Searches and a New Consultant Professional Network

As we wrap up 2025, Charitable Advisors is stepping into our 121st and 122nd executive searches for ED/CEO roles, helping small and midsize nonprofits access cost-effective succession preparation and search services. More than one-third of these searches support retiring executives, a trend that continues across the region.

The Indiana Nonprofit Consultant Community has taken shape this year, growing from a small, local peer group into a statewide network of about 290 consultants. Its active ListServ connects nonprofits to advisors and circulates both formal and informal RFPs, broadening access to specialized expertise. Consultants can be added to the list by contacting Bryan@CharitableAdvisors.com.

Sharing Nonprofit Needs and Successes

Charitable Advisors continued amplifying organizational needs and stories through its monthly Wants & Wins e-publication, curated by Director of Community and Content Chelsea Ohlemiller. This resource shares donations, success stories and surplus-matching opportunities, offering a practical tool for collaboration and shared problem-solving.

Our team also welcomed Morgan Riley, who now supports our publications, nonprofit outreach and administrative responsibilities. Riley’s role follows the transition of longtime team member Julie Struble to a new career opportunity.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Charitable Advisors’ 25th anniversary serves as both a celebration and a recommitment. The weekly Not-for-profit News will continue every Tuesday at noon, delivering timely updates and resources to nonprofit leaders. The “Work for a Nonprofit. Make a Difference.” campaign will return in May, and new virtual and in-person opportunities are planned to help professionals form connections, share ideas and strengthen networks.

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 08

2025 Central Indiana Nonprofit Salary Report Now Available

By Feature

Nonprofit leaders across Central Indiana now have access to a vital new tool: the 2025 Central Indiana Nonprofit Salary Report, published by Charitable Advisors and available free of charge.

This eighth edition of the survey compiles salary and benefits data for 26 nonprofit positions, offering organizations critical benchmarks to guide compensation decisions. With responses from 319 nonprofits—more than double the sample size of typical surveys—the report delivers a comprehensive view of the region’s nonprofit workforce.

First launched in 2010, the salary report was created to fill a longstanding gap: before then, no summary of nonprofit wages and benefits existed for Central Indiana. Today, the report is considered a cornerstone resource for boards and executives seeking to balance limited budgets with the need to recruit and retain qualified staff.

“We regularly hear about the value this information provides to nonprofits to benchmark pay rates for specific roles and to consider changes to benefit offerings,” said Bryan Orander, president of Charitable Advisors. “Our hope is that these survey results will help organizations of all sizes attract and keep the talent they need to achieve their missions.”

The 2025 edition highlights wage trends across service areas and budget sizes. For example, average salaries for executive directors range from about $67,000 at small nonprofits to more than $250,000 at the largest organizations. The report also examines benefits such as retirement contributions, additional paid time off, and professional development opportunities—factors increasingly important in today’s competitive talent market.

Beyond compensation figures, the survey provides guidance on applying results to organizational strategy. It encourages boards to consider long-term pay philosophies, monitor executive compensation, and evaluate non-financial benefits like flexible schedules and training.

This year’s report was made possible through the support of The National Bank of Indianapolis, NFP, Barnes Dennig, and Charitable Allies. Their sponsorship ensures that the report remains free to nonprofits across the region.

The full 2025 Central Indiana Nonprofit Salary Report is available for download at CharitableAdvisors.com under the Resources tab > Salary Survey.

Download the Report
Sep 02

3 Podcasts for Nonprofit Leaders: September Picks for Motivation and Advocacy

By Feature

Charitable Advisors

As nonprofit leaders navigate the complexities of the sector, staying informed and inspired is crucial. With the arrival of a new month, several podcasts have emerged as valuable resources for motivation, advocacy, and organizational growth. Here are three standout podcasts that are currently popular and relevant for nonprofit professionals.

  1. Inspired Nonprofit Leadership
    Hosted by Sarah Olivieri, Inspired Nonprofit Leadership offers a blend of strategic insights and motivational content tailored for nonprofit executives and board members. The podcast delves into topics such as organizational health, leadership development, and effective communication. Recent episodes have featured discussions on building organizational courage and fostering inclusive leadership practices. With a 5.0 rating on Apple Podcasts, it stands out for its practical advice and empowering messages.
    Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inspired-nonprofit-leadership/id1446218521
  2. Nonprofit Leadership Podcast
    Dr. Rob Harter’s Nonprofit Leadership Podcast provides in-depth conversations with nonprofit leaders across various sectors. The episodes explore challenges and successes in areas like fundraising, community engagement, and strategic planning. Listeners gain insights into real-world applications of leadership theories and practices. The podcast’s consistent release schedule and diverse guest lineup make it a valuable resource for those seeking to enhance their leadership skills.
    Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nonprofit-leadership-podcast/id1102505312
  3. Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership
    Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership provides a platform for emerging and established leaders to explore career development and organizational growth. Recent episodes like “5 Essential Topics Every Nonprofit Leader Should Know” and “The Strategic Leap: How Nonprofit Leaders Can Scale with Intention” offer guidance on scaling organizations and navigating leadership challenges. Hosted by Dr. Patton McDowell, this podcast is tailored for those seeking to enhance their leadership journey and organizational impact.
    Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/id1487854841

As we enter a new month, these podcasts provide nonprofit leaders with the tools, insights, and inspiration needed to navigate the evolving landscape of the sector. Whether seeking to enhance leadership capabilities, develop strategic plans, or stay informed on industry trends, these podcasts offer valuable content to support nonprofit missions and objectives.

What are your favorite podcasts for nonprofit leaders and staff? Email your recommendations to chelsea@charitableadvisors.com