How to attract and retain diversity on nonprofit boards
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by Sahar Andrade, MB.BCh, Forbes Councils member
In part one of this two-part series, we discussed the important role diversity plays on nonprofit boards. When actively leveraged, diversity, equity and inclusion create a more productive culture leading to innovative solutions that maximize grant-making outcomes and the organization's ability to connect with the communities they serve.
Today, we will discuss how to attract and retain diversity on nonprofit boards. While it is a challenge to attract or recruit diverse board members, the biggest challenge is to retain them. It is a journey that involves three steps:
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Identify the point of origin. Assess where the organization is, take inventory of its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Conduct an environmental scan, not only of the board members but also of the workforce and the communities they serve.
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Start with the end in mind. Figure out and envision what will be the end goal. How does the organization need the board to look to achieve the best results for the nonprofit and the people it serves?
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Finally, fill the gap. Once you've completed the first two steps, you'll have more clarity on how best to fill the need for diversity on your board.
Now, let's take a closer look at how to actually attract and retain diverse board members.
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5 key steps to building a culture of philanthropy
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by Lee Ernst, senior consultant, Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates
Building a culture of philanthropy: it probably sounds like a dream — but kind of hard to achieve.
We had the opportunity recently to discuss this topic on a webinar with Danielle Shockey, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, where she shared insights from her work growing a culture of philanthropy among the staff and volunteers at her organization.
I’m excited to share some of the main points from our discussion.
What is a culture of philanthropy? We define it as: “One in which everyone — board, all staff, and the CEO — has a part to play in raising resources for the organization.”
The key driver behind a culture of philanthropy is the relationship — not just money.
When you have this culture in place, you are able to more closely connect fundraising to mission and programming. This, in turn, allows you to see donors holistically and be more donor-centric, utilize the strengths of the entire team, integrate the board in fundraising, and, ultimately, raise more money!
Here are five key steps to building a culture of philanthropy:
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Develop a shared responsibility for fundraising. Staff and volunteers need to act as ambassadors and engage in relationship building along all points of contact in your mission.
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Align fundraising with the mission. Philanthropy is a means to achieve the organization’s goals, and everyone needs to be able to articulate the case for supporting your mission.
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The Society of Professional Journalists Foundation has hired Matt Morris as director of development. Morris was previously a major gifts officer at Butler University.
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Kappa Delta Pi has hired Raevyn Harris as digital marketing manager. Previously, Harris was social media manager for Total System Services.
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New Hope of Indiana has reported a record-breaking $121,000 in donations following its Fourth Annual Silver Cup Celebration fundraiser. The nonprofit organization will use the funds to help Hoosiers with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
As part of an effort to generate new ideas on fighting hunger, Gleaners Food Bank is investing in an “agri-hub solutions center.” The facility, which will be located on on the west side of Indianapolis, will allow researchers to test, refine and teach innovative ideas in hunger relief — from improvements in the management of food supply chains to maximizing distribution efficiencies. Read
Villages of Indiana, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and the Indiana State Department of Child Services have partnered to fund the hiring and training of 24 adoption professionals during a three-year period. The initiative will focus on recruiting adoptive families for hard-to-place children, including older and special needs children. Read
The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art is nearing the completion of Project 2021, a $55 million capital and endowment campaign that is funding transformational changes to the museum’s galleries and programming spaces while also tripling the museum’s operating endowment.
Josiah White's, formerly known as White's Residential & Family Services, has opened a new training lab that will be used as part of an advanced manufacturing training program. The Wabash, Ind., nonprofit is partnering with Conexus Indiana to launch the Catapult program. Read
The Journey is accepting nominations for its 2022 Journey Fellows. Two fellowships are available. The Executive Journey Fellowship is focused on renewal for experienced youth workers in positions of influence. The Journey Fellowship for New Professionals in Youth Work is applicable for full-time youth workers with up to 10 years of paid experience. The application deadline is Nov. 28. Apply
The 2021 Central Indiana Salary Survey has been released to the public. More than 286 area nonprofits participated in the 2021 survey. The survey solicits compensation and benefits information for 26 common nonprofit positions and then segments the information based on organization size, by either annual budget or number of staff. Free download
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Diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace certificate program, a self-paced online course. Participants can start the course any time before March 31, 2022. Presented by University of South Florida. Cost: $99. Learn more and register
Relevant, local data makes a difference for non-profits webinar on Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. Gain insights from the 2021 Not-for-Profit Compensation & Benefits Benchmarking Study, a report on how to operate more efficiently, govern more effectively, and attract and retain employees and volunteers. Presented by BarnesDennig. Cost: Free. Register
The four principles of purpose-driven board leadership virtual discussion on Nov. 4 from 2-3 p.m. Evaluate what needs to change so that boards are better equipped to govern social sector organizations. Presented by BoardSource. Cost: Free. Register
Fundraising essentials for board members webinar on Nov. 4 from 10:30 a.m.-noon. Individuals looking to fulfill the fundraising responsibilities of nonprofit board membership will learn successful ways to engage in the four-part fundraising process. Offered by Hedges, with presenting sponsors Faegre Drinker and Katz, Sapper and Miller and supporting sponsor FirstPerson Advisors. Cost: $60. Register
Creating positive change in the community through equity, diversity, and inclusion virtual event on Nov. 9 from 6-7:30 p.m. Leaders from Johnson County’s public school, higher education, and health care systems will talk about the changes their organizations are making to incorporate equity, diversity, and inclusion into their everyday work. Presented by Spirit and Place Festival. Cost: Free. Register by Nov. 8
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Child Advocates needs volunteers to sponsor the community’s most vulnerable youth for the 2021 Holiday Gift Drive. The organization is collecting gifts from Oct. 18-Nov. 19. Learn more
United Way of Central Indiana has a significant need for volunteers for the ReadUP program, an initiative that helps third graders get on track with grade-level literacy. Educators have seen widening learning gaps because of the pandemic. Learn more
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Implement basic protections, develop policies to guide staff members, assess your risk and mitigate your organization’s exposure.
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Use this assessment tool to identify ways to improve your organization’s technological capabilities and discover solutions that maximize impact.
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Our sponsor marketplace serves to further connect our readers with our advertisers who are focused on serving nonprofits. To learn about each sponsor's nonprofit services, click on its logo.
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We believe a city thrives with a healthy and active arts and culture sector. Do you want to help make Indianapolis a city that delivers on the promise of A Full Creative Life for All? The Arts Council of Indianapolis partners with seventy local arts organizations and hundreds of local artists to become the most diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible in the nation.
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