In recognition of Mental Health Month and the challenges facing the nonprofit sector, our features during May and June 2023 will focus on mental health. Visit our website to find a list of resources to support your mental health initiatives. |
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New certification program encourages Indiana employers to develop more robust mental health initiatives |
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Executive for Mental Health of America of Indiana discusses recent developments in efforts to advocate for mental wellness |
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by Shari Finnell, editor/writer, Not-for-profit News
With the recent approval of a $100 million Senate bill, Indiana is making inroads in providing much needed mental health resources to residents. But the funds still fall significantly short of what’s needed to address the state’s mental health needs, according to Stephanie Anderson, chief operating officer of Mental Health America of Indiana.
Anderson, who has been among the advocates championing for more attention to the state’s mental health needs, noted that Indiana continues to rank among the last in the nation when it comes to providing adequate mental health services to residents. Currently, Indiana ranks 42nd in the nation when it comes to mental health, according to the State of Mental Health in America 2023 report.
Anderson said the mental health bill is unprecedented in addressing mental health at this level in Indiana, but it has its limitations because of the two-year period of coverage. “For the caucus to consider mental health their No. 1 priority is a huge deal,” she said. “We have mixed emotions about it. I’m glad we’re paying attention to it and glad we passed the bill, but the funds do not support a sustainable program.”
Mental Health America is among the nonprofit organizations targeting gaps in mental health awareness and resources through various educational programs, toolkits, research, and advocacy. One of its most recent initiatives is the Bell Seal for Mental Health certification program, which encourages employers to develop more robust mental health programs in the workplace.
The concept of the Bell Seal certification predates the pandemic, Anderson said.
“The original thought behind it was multifaceted,” she said. “MHA national was really hoping to highlight organizations that are doing right by their employees in terms of mental health and supporting mental health from several different angles.”
The designation also provides a resource or technical assistance for employers that want to do more, said Anderson, who noted that since the program is fairly new, many employers, including those in Indiana, are unaware of the certification.
“We've been discussing ways to bring it to Indiana on a bigger level, including adding it as an invaluable resource to Indiana employers,” she said. “This recent session was huge for mental health, and we need to keep that momentum going.”
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Maintaining donor relationships during staff transitions |
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by Andy Canada, senior consultant and director of data analytics, Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates
Many nonprofits are facing a shortage of staff, and the issue seems to be hitting development teams most dramatically. According to a recent EAB (formerly Education Advisory Board) survey, a “great resignation” has occurred in fundraising over the past few years.
The study found a 14 percent vacancy rate in higher education, for example, with fundraising staff the most likely to leave their positions among advancement departments. In addition, a wave of retirements among the Boomer generation is adding to the number of staff transitions. Job postings for advancement staff increased by 40 percent from 2017 to 2022, challenging development departments to continue building relationships and securing major philanthropic investments.
Your people are your greatest asset. As team members leave and you welcome new staff, your remaining team will need to be flexible and creative to maintain and grow important donor relationships.
If your organization is experiencing changes in your front-line fundraising staff, the guide includes the following tips and many more useful insights to help you minimize the impact on your donor relationships:
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Keep donors engaged during staff transitions. Relieve some of the demands on front-line fundraising staff by exploring new ways of keeping donors engaged. This might include engaging other team members and exploring ways to use technology to send regular updates. Creating relationships with multiple team members deepens your donor relationships and maximizes the time major gift officers must commit to cultivation and solicitation.
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Re-released Join Bryan Orander as he speaks with Julie Goodman and Ernest Disney-Britton of the Indy Arts Council about the expanding arts scene in central Indiana and how appreciating art is more than going to a theatre or museum. Ernest also shares some reflections on the arts in Indianapolis as he heads toward retirement at the end of September. Listen
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Central Indiana Community Foundation has promoted Jennifer Bartenbach as CEO. Bartenbach served as COO and CFO of the organization for the past 10 years. |
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The Indianapolis Foundation board has named Dr. Lorenzo Esters as president. Lorenzo previously was the Chancellor for the Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis. |
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The Family Promise of Greater Indianapolis has named Whitney Johnson executive director. Johnson previously was vice president of programs at Indiana Youth Institute.—Inside Indiana Business
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United Way of Central Indiana has hired Ashley Scruggs as vice president of talent and culture. Scruggs previously worked at Elements Financial Federal Credit Union as an assistant vice president. |
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More than $100,000 was awarded to nonprofits at Propel, a United Way of Central Indiana pitch contest. During the event, seven human services organizations pitched their ideas on how to reduce barriers for those from under-resourced communities or asset-limited backgrounds. See recipients
The Hamilton County Community Foundation board recently made the largest philanthropic investment in its history — $1.4 million to HAND for its Fishers Cumberland Cottages project through an investment with IMPACT Central Indiana. Read
LISC Indianapolis named winners in the Bridges to Career Opportunities for outstanding contributions, initiative, and leadership. Recipients received a trophy and $3,000 professional development grant. See recipients
Carey Services, a not-for-profit located in Marion, is partnering with Conexus Indiana to provide training to prepare people with disabilities for careers in advanced manufacturing. Under the Catapult Indiana program, participants will undergo 160 hours of training to develop the skills needed for an entry-level position with an advanced manufacturing company. Learn more
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DONATION: 11 used beige cubicles in excellent condition. Size is approximately 78 inches by 64 inches. Filing cabinet on each side holds 8 ½ x 11 hanging files. Contact Jennifer to schedule a pick-up time prior to end of month at 6602 E. 75th St. |
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Creating an authentic personal brand webinar on May 17 at 9 a.m.-noon. Learn how to differentiate yourself by combining your Values, Interests, Personality, and Skills/Strengths (VIPS) with your unique experiences — the formula for determining your authentic personal brand. Cost: $69. Presented by Franklin College. Register
Horizon House is hosting an open house on May 17 from 4-7 p.m. at 1033 E. Washington St. to celebrate “35 Years of Hope.” Mayor Joe Hogsett will speak at approximately 5:30 p.m. RSVP
Make decisions with data workshop on May 23 at 9 - 11 a.m. Learn how to apply the skills learned in other workshops to your own real-world, data-informed project. Presented by SAVI. Cost: Free. Register
2023 Business software refresher series: PowerPoint (Part 2) on May 31 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Attendees will leave knowing how to produce engaging presentations using PowerPoint features and capabilities. The course is taught through focused discussion, demos, and hands-on practice. Presented by IUPUI Professional Development and Continuing Education. Cost: $75. Register
2023 Refresh Community conference on June 6-7. Explore industry skills and solutions that make it simple to refresh your fundraising strategy on a dime. Presented by DonorPerfect. Cost: Free. Register
Know your why online workshop is on June 6 at noon-1 p.m. There are many pressing community issues and organizations in need of committed volunteer leaders. It can be difficult figuring out how to get involved, where to get involved, and how to best utilize your skills. Presented by Leadership Indianapolis. Cost: $10. Register
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Disability Legal Services of Indiana, Inc. is seeking board members with experience in areas like fundraising, expanding services, information technology, marketing, strategic planning, and financial viability. Submit an application
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If you are a leader considering a move in the next two to four years, here is a two-step process to help you gather information and decide.
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Using change as a catalyst for growth, which transforms it from an unwelcome problem into an opportunity to improve yourself and your leadership.
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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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FUND DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGIC PLANNING
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BANKING/
ASSET MANAGEMENT
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Nonprofit office space in great location (Butler University area)
Indiana Interchurch Center, which is centrally located in Indianapolis at 1100 W. 42nd St., has available office spaces ranging from 200 to 1,600 square feet for 501(c)3 organizations. Free parking, utilities, high-speed internet, and shared meeting rooms are included. The facility is home to a diverse group of nonprofit and church organizations that are making an impact in the community. Contact Kris Keys or call (317) 923-3617. |
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Micro offices available for month-to-month lease
Nexus has two furnished micro-offices available and a premium suite for month-to-month rental that include meeting room credits, access to high-speed internet, printing, and coffee. The co-working space also provides tenants to engage with other small business owners and nonprofits that care about making a positive difference in the community. Micro-office rates start at $393/month. More information
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Executive Leadership (CEO/ED/COO)
Fund Development/Marketing/PR/Advocacy
Admin Support/Clerical
Finance/Accounting/HR/IT/Facility
Data/Research/Quality Assurance
Programs/Program Support
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