By Cate Charron, Inside Indiana Business

As president and CEO of Indianapolis-based Firefly Children & Family Alliance, Tina Cloer oversees an operation consisting of about 425 full-time employees providing a swath of services dealing with child abuse and welfare, sexual violence and mental health.

However, she is now dealing with a lingering workforce shortage-turned-crisis hitting not-for-profits especially hard. The organization’s job board has dozens of openings; some are more entry-level but others require degrees, licenses and a stomach for dealing with trauma.

“We want to serve the community, but we have to have enough staff to be able to do it well,” Cloer said.

Indiana’s not-for-profits often serve residents facing communal and systematic issues, but their leaders continue to deal with a human resources problem eating away at their ability to achieve their missions. The state’s organizations are not immune to a national workforce shortage seeing thousands of jobs go unfilled, and subsequently for community-facing organizations, fewer residents are reached.

Vacant jobs don’t go without consequences. Hiring struggles have led to curbing services, turning away families and forcing clients to wait longer for help. Some rural communities have to go without treatment, while others have too many clients for the staff on board.

As philanthropic advisors in central Indiana, we are experiencing firsthand the results of generational culture shifts. At Central Indiana Community Foundation, we are seeing that as the wealth of Boomers and Gen X philanthropists is shifting to Millennials and Gen Zers, each generation brings their own unique spin to how they approach philanthropic giving. While older generations traditionally have prioritized legacy and public recognition, many emerging donors are more focused on tangible results and measurable impact. By emphasizing transparency, accountability, impact, trust, and collaboration, not-for-profits can build meaningful relationships with the next generation of donors and drive positive change in our central Indiana community.

Let’s take a look at the philanthropic persona many of us have become familiar with in the past few decades. Traditional Boomers and, to some extent, Gen X philanthropists often seek to leave a lasting legacy. I have observed that many within this generation are driven by a desire to make a lasting, visible impact on their communities or causes they hold dear. Whether it's funding a new wing at a local hospital, endowing a scholarship fund, or supporting arts and cultural institutions, these donors want their contributions to be visible and enduring. They appreciate public recognition, such as having their names on prominent buildings or being featured in magazines. For them, philanthropy is both about giving and leaving a legacy for the organizations and causes they were most committed to during their lifetime.

The 18th Annual Matt Breman Run, held on April 20th at Military Park, had 304 registrants and raised $25,085.22. Funds benefit Prevent Child Abuse Indiana and will be used to provide free, statewide prevention educational programs to educators, coaches, community leaders, and others who interact with Hoosier children. Read more

Indy Reads' 40th Anniversary Ruby Slippers fundraising breakfast welcomed 400 community members and raised nearly $60,000. Proceeds will be used to help Literacy for All meet the growing need for free adult classes in High School Equivalency, English Language Learning, Literacy Foundations, workforce certifications, and more. Read more

The International Center has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Excellence in Global Leadership award. Recognized for its exceptional contributions to professional development initiatives, including the Morris Global Leadership Series, relocation services, international visitor programs, and community engagement efforts. Read more

The Association of Fundraising Professionals – Indiana chapter is accepting applications for the 2024 Indiana Philanthropy Awards. It is not necessary to be an AFP member to nominate an honoree. Nominate by June 7

Hoosier Women Forward is accepting applications for the 2024-2025 class to help elevate more women in positions of leadership in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Apply

Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center is accepting applications for public allies. Allies are passionate adults who are committed to strengthening our community. They are matched and serve with local non-profits, schools, or local government agencies a minimum of 25-32 hours per week from September through June. Apply

The “Work for a Nonprofit. Make a Difference.” campaign is off to an excellent start bringing increased awareness and visibility to the hiring challenges in the noprofit sector. As part of this focus, Charitable Advisors has created multiple resources for each side of this issue—both job seekers and employers looking to hire. See our resources below.

The Milk Bank is looking for volunteers to assemble Bereavement Resource Kits in their office at 8020 Castleway Drive. Learn more and register

Dynamic Minds Academy, a charter school in Indianapolis that offers a therapeutic, educational setting for K-12 students who are on the autism spectrum, is soliciting board members. A personal experience with autism is welcomed, but only a desire to help is required. Learn more

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