As local nonprofit teams plan for another calendar year, the agenda most likely will include strategies for embracing change, innovation and sustainability in numerous areas, according to Amir Pasic, Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

1. Integrating equity as a long-term solution. While conversations and news around racial equity may not be as intense at the height of social justice protests, it will remain at the forefront of agendas of nonprofits, Pasic said. 

2. Relying on a smaller pool of donors, mostly wealthy. Another trend that emerged during the pandemic is a shrinking pool of donors, Pasic said. “One of areas of research that has been interesting but somewhat worrisome is that giving continued to grow, but it came from a smaller number of donors,” Pasic said. “There was pretty strong evidence that donations are coming from a smaller number of wealthier people. We will be looking to determine if that trend will continue.”

Every person, regardless of their age, health or wealth, should include five estate planning documents when setting up a financial plan. They include:

The last document, a living trust, is not always necessary. However, it is included here because it is a vital component of many estate plans.

A durable power of attorney (DPOA) can help protect your property in the event you become physically unable or mentally incompetent to handle financial matters. If no one is ready to look after your financial affairs when you cannot, your property may be wasted, abused, or lost. A DPOA allows you to authorize someone else to act on your behalf, so he or she can do things like pay everyday expenses, collect benefits, watch over your investments, and file taxes. There are two types of DPOAs:

Advance medical directives let others know what medical treatment you would want, or allows someone to make medical decisions for you, in the event you cannot express your wishes yourself.

If you do not have an advance medical directive, medical care providers must prolong your life using artificial means, if necessary. With today’s technology, physicians can sustain you for days and weeks (if not months or even years).

The Watercolor Society of Indiana has received a $5,000 grant through the Indy Arts and Culture Restart & Resilience Fund, supported by Lilly Endowment Inc. The grant will be used for technology to offer the community in-person and online classes on watercolor as a medium.

The Healthcare Initiatives has provided a $50,000 grant to Hope Academy, which supports teens and their families impacted by substance abuse. The grant, which is designated for the 2021-2022 school year, will help expand the academy’s recovery coaching program. Read more

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration has announced that its Be Well Crisis Helpline has surpassed 25,000 calls — a major milestone in its efforts to provide Hoosiers with free mental health counseling.

The Glick Housing Foundation has invested $56 million to purchase seven affordable housing projects throughout the state, including two in Indianapolis. The other properties are located in Bedford, Bloomington, Lebanon, New Albany and Shelbyville. Read more

UNITE INDY is working with the Indiana Department of Correction's Hoosier Initiative for Re-Entry, Parole District 1, and Parole District 3 to help unemployed parolees find jobs with employers willing to offer them a second chance.

DONATIONS NEEDED: The Damien Center’s food pantry is asking for donations of soups, healthy snacks, canned meats, nutritional drinks, canned fruits and more. For more details, visit the organization’s site.

ReConstruct Indy Inc. is looking for members to join its volunteer board of directors. Candidates should be interested in supporting the nonprofit’s mission of creating jobs and revitalizing neighborhoods through the salvage and reuse of building materials. For more information, email Tobie Smith Kniess at tobie.kniess@gmail.com or call (317) 797-2264.

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