Several major donors have said they plan to stop giving to universities that fail to issue strong statements condemning attacks against Israel by Hamas, the Palestinian group that controls the Gaza Strip. But the issuing of political statements by nonprofits and for-profits has not been common practice until recently, and many institutional leaders are wondering when, how, or if they should weigh in.

Karin George, managing principal at the fundraising consultancy Washburn & McGoldrick, says she’s received a call from a client whose donors were unhappy with its statement about the Israel-Hamas War and wanted to talk through the issue. “It’s definitely on our clients’ minds,” she says. “It’s definitely on institutional leaderships’ minds, too.”

To succeed, it’s critical for a nonprofit to create and maintain accurate vendor information. From setting up a new vendor to a periodic review of vendors, each step in the vendor life cycle helps to keep an accurate and concise vendor list.

Prior to setting up a new vendor, make sure you have the needed documents. The most important document you should obtain is a signed W-9 form, and you should withhold any payment until receiving it. Other documents you may receive are a signed vendor agreement or contract and any special payment instructions, such as an Automated Clearing House (ACH) form with banking information. Some organizations have a form that they send to new vendors to fill out ACH information.

After all documents have been received, verify that the vendor is a legitimate business. This could be done through a public database search, such as the Secretary of State website. Then, enter the new vendor into the bill pay software (whether that’s the accounting software or another vendor management software).

The IBJ has announced the 2023 Women of Influence cohort, including numerous representatives of the nonprofit/philanthropic sector. Read more

The nonprofit arts and culture industry in Indianapolis has generated a larger economic impact during fiscal year 2022 than in fiscal year 2016, according to the new report “The Arts & Economic Prosperity 6.” According to the national study released by Americans for the Arts, Indianapolis-based not-for-profit arts groups and their audiences are responsible for $523.8 million in annual economic impact. Read more

The Evansville Rescue Mission plans to break ground on a new facility to support women and children in need. The Susan H. Snyder Center for Women and Children will serve as an emergency shelter for women and children experiencing homelessness. Fundraising efforts are continuing to support the project. Learn more

Butler Accelerator for Education & Workforce Innovation, a 12-week program, is investing $100,000 in five startups per cohort, twice a year. The grantees must be focused on transforming learning in the 21st century. Application deadline is Jan. 1, 2024. Apply

The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra (ICO) has received a $2.7 million legacy gift from the estate of Christel DeHaan. To honor DeHaan’s legacy, ICO’s multi-disciplinary performances will start its upcoming season with “New World with Dance Kaleidoscope, a Christel DeHaan Legacy Concert.” Learn more

The city of Fishers is now accepting applications for its 2024 Fishers Arts & Culture Commission Grant, which fosters creative partnerships between artists, creative companies, nonprofits, and for-profit businesses. Grants range from $1,000 to $7,500 and must take place within Fishers. Applications are due Dec. 15. Learn more and apply

Shatterproof Treatment Atlas provides an online resource to help people find addiction treatment that will meet their needs. Learn more

Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis is now accepting letters of intent for its $100,000 Change Maker Grant, a competitive grant given annually to Indianapolis area nonprofit organizations. Applications are due by Dec. 15. Nonprofit information sessions will be held on Nov. 8 and 9. Learn more

Aging in place webinar on Nov. 2. Explore the direct care workforce needed to help the growing older adult population age at home. Presented by the Central Indiana Senior Fund, a fund of the Central Indiana Community Foundation, The Polis Center, and WFYI Public Media. Cost: Free. Register

Planned Giving 101 webinar on Nov. 9 at noon. Learn from expert Matthew Treadwell on how to create a gift-planning program, including strategies for creating a program from start to finish. Presented by AFP-Lafayette Chapter. Cost: Free. Register

Excel MS Office Software Refresher Series (Part 1) starts Nov. 10 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Gain confidence in creating basic spreadsheets, leveraging tools to manage information and data, and adding formatting to create more visually appealing spreadsheets. Presented by IUPUI Professional Development & Continuing Education. Cost: $75. Register

IYI's 2023 KIDS COUNT^® conference on Nov. 14-15. Gain insights on innovative trainings, practical resources from national experts, and best practice models created for the youth professionals who support the well-being of all children. Presented by Indiana Youth Institute. Cost: $229-$550.

Activating board committees event on Nov. 16 from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Learn how to maximize productivity through board committees, including common structures and leading practices for effective committee functionality and leadership. Presented by Hedges. Cost: $90 for two people.

Engaging donors of all generations webinar on Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. Learn strategies on how nonprofits can connect with Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Z supporters who have different giving patterns and communication preferences. Presented by the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: $69. Register

Want to make a difference? Interested in autism? Dynamic Minds Academy, a charter school that offers therapeutic education for youth on the autism spectrum, is seeking new board members. All are invited to apply, especially those with experience in social work, law, finance, or special education. Email Rachel Deaton for more information.

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