Articles for Nonprofits
Explore articles, guidance, and stories to help nonprofit organizations strengthen their work and serve their communities.
June 18, 2026
Over the last three years, I have become even more convinced that Central Indiana has the talent, generosity, nonprofit leadership and civic infrastructure to become one of the most connected and impactful regions in the country.
June 11, 2026
Topic: Housing affordability with respect to common Hoosier occupations
Published by: National Low Income Housing Coalition
June 10, 2026
We are proud to announce the 2026-2027 cohort of Stronger Partners, Brighter Futures: A Planned Giving Cohort, a nine-month initiative designed to help nonprofits build long-term sustainability through planned giving.
June 2, 2026
If donors have seemed a bit unpredictable lately, you’re not imagining it.
May 21, 2026
With changes in tax law now in effect, some companies may adjust how and where they give.
May 21, 2026
For years, many nonprofits relied on familiar messages, especially around tax benefits, to encourage giving. But in 2026, the landscape has changed, and donor behavior is changing with it. That makes now a good time to revisit your fundraising and stewardship messages, especially before year-end planning begins.
May 21, 2026
Many donors are only now beginning to understand how recent tax law changes affect charitable giving. Moments like this create natural openings for conversation. Donors are paying closer attention and may be more open to thinking strategically about how philanthropy fits into their broader financial plans.
May 20, 2026
We are excited to share that Charitable Advisors has joined CICF, bringing together two organizations deeply committed to strengthening the nonprofit sector in Central Indiana. This partnership connects CICF’s role as a community foundation and regional convenor with Charitable Advisors’ trusted expertise in nonprofit talent, leadership, and information, creating a more coordinated and powerful system of support for nonprofits to grow, improve, and sustain their work. We spoke with President and Founder of Charitable Advisors Bryan Orander and CEO of CICF Jennifer Bartenbach to learn more.
May 18, 2026
CICF is making a major investment in Indiana’s nonprofit infrastructure by bringing Charitable Advisors—one of the state’s most trusted nonprofit resources—into the organization as part of CICF’s effort to strengthen nonprofit leadership and capacity across Central Indiana.
May 5, 2026
As financial resources tighten, donors’ attention naturally turns to what feels most immediate – food, housing, and health, for example.
May 4, 2026
A post-tax-season guide from the CICF Collaborative on smarter charitable giving. Learn three common donor regrets and practical fixes: donating appreciated assets, bunching gifts, and getting documentation right.
April 17, 2026
New tax law is an opportunity to refocus on what matters most: building relationships with supporters and reinforcing the value of giving at every level.
April 17, 2026
Research shows that younger volunteers are especially motivated by impact, connection, and purpose. That mindset translates naturally into charitable giving when nurtured the right way.
April 6, 2026
How can a nonprofit tell its story in ways that raise awareness, strengthen fundraising, and help the community clearly understand its mission? We put this and other messaging questions to five Central Indiana nonprofits, as well as CICF’s own in-house writer.
March 27, 2026
Most charitable gifts are simple: you write a check, click “donate,” or send a stock transfer. But every so often, generosity shows up in a form that’s a little more complex. Recently, one of our nonprofit partners, FACE Low-Cost Animal Clinic, found themselves in that exact moment.
March 23, 2026
This article previews how CICF helps nonprofits understand the basics, respond strategically, and strengthen fundraising communications around charitable giving.
March 23, 2026
Clear language can make donor communication stronger and more effective. This article shows how CICF helps nonprofits simplify planned giving terms so staff, boards, and donors can move forward with greater confidence.
March 23, 2026
Planned giving can feel complex, but nonprofits do not have to figure it out alone. This article outlines five ways CICF supports nonprofit partners, from donor conversations and board education to complex gifts and long-term fund structures.
February 20, 2026
In a time when donors are increasingly cautious and discerning, the existence of a nonprofit's endowment can influence whether a donor feels confident making a larger gift or including an organization in a legacy plan.
February 20, 2026
For nonprofits, the “advised donor” reality has practical implications. It means that fundraising and stewardship efforts must resonate not only with the donor, but also with the professionals who influence their choices.
February 20, 2026
Reports about major donors help set the tone. When they publicly commit significant resources, they send a clear signal: this work matters, and change is possible.
February 2, 2026
The Form 990 functions not only as a tax document but also as a fundraising case statement that tells a story about an organization. What story does your form tell?
January 16, 2026
From engaging high-income and affluent supporters to nurturing entry-level donors just beginning their philanthropic journey, a balanced approach is key to building lasting relationships and sustainable impact.
January 16, 2026
Planned giving is a strategy worth pursuing for any nonprofit. Given the change in funding and tax laws of 2026, that's especially true now. Educate your board on the importance of a planned giving strategy to your organization’s future.
December 4, 2025
A new year is right around the corner. As many nonprofits celebrate big successes from Giving Tuesday and year-end campaigns, 2026 could be a splash of cold water.
December 4, 2025
As the last days of 2025 approach, you’re likely preparing to send a final appeal to your donors.
December 4, 2025
As your donors gear up for the giving season, it’s more important than ever to stay in front of them with clear, simple messages about how they can support both your annual campaigns and your long-term reserves—especially with major charitable deduction changes taking effect in 2026.
December 2, 2025
A corporate partnership is a great, mutually beneficial strategy for exactly that—and it can lead to more than funding.
November 14, 2025
Central Indiana nonprofits have a unique opportunity to raise awareness among supporters about Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).
November 14, 2025
As you look ahead to the next few weeks, consider that now is a key moment for Central Indiana nonprofits to double down on fundraising efforts.
November 14, 2025
Nonprofits serving Central Indiana families are working tirelessly to meet growing demand.
November 4, 2025
A good board can go a long way in establishing a more effective nonprofit. The right members can expand your reach, inform good decisions, and maintain continuity through leadership transitions.
October 17, 2025
This article offers practical strategies for integrating legacy giving into regular communications, donor conversations, and storytelling, making it a natural option for supporters who want to ensure your organization thrives for generations.
October 17, 2025
This article offers guidance for nonprofits on encouraging accelerated giving in 2025, highlighting strategies such as gifts of appreciated stock and Qualified Charitable Distributions for donors over 70 ½.
October 17, 2025
This article offers guidance for nonprofit fundraisers, emphasizing the importance of communicating impact, cultivating relationships with both new and long-term donors, and staying engaged with complex giving opportunities.
October 2, 2025
Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) has named Diana Coyle as its new Director of Nonprofit Services & Sustainability, a role designed to strengthen and elevate the nonprofit ecosystem in Central Indiana. As Director of Nonprofit Services & Sustainability, Coyle will lead efforts to help nonprofits build financial stability, operate more effectively, collaborate more efficiently, and navigate long-term challenges.
September 16, 2025
At CICF, we are honored to work with local charities that are powering through the obstacles to engage donors and keep charitable dollars flowing to support important work, all while keeping an eye on long-term prospects for legacy gifts and endowment growth. Here are strategies that are working for many charities:
September 11, 2025
The dust is settling on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025. Charities are beginning to wrap their arms around the new law’s significant shift in the tax treatment of corporate charitable donations.
September 10, 2025
The nonprofit sector is heading into one of the most unpredictable year-end giving seasons in recent memory.
September 5, 2025
Recently, CICF sat down with Indiana Humanities’ Keira Amstutz, president and CEO, and Marisol Gouveia, director of engagement. Together, they shared insights on the vital role humanities play in shaping vibrant communities across Indiana. From funding grassroots initiatives in rural towns to creating statewide programs that connect Hoosiers through literature, history, and culture, Indiana Humanities ensures the humanities are accessible to everyone. In our conversation, Keira and Marisol reflected on the organization’s impact, current challenges, and what gives them hope for the future.
September 4, 2025
Understandably, nonprofits often worry that donor-advised funds may delay or diminish their donors’ contributions. In reality, though, donor-advised funds can be very helpful to boost financial support for your mission.
September 2, 2025
We’re proud to introduce the 2025 cohort of Stronger Partners, Brighter Futures (SPBF).
August 26, 2025
At Old National Bank’s Second Annual Nonprofit Summit, CICF’s Jeff Bennett and Women’s Fund’s Tamara Winfrey-Harris offered practical advice for nonprofits facing funding cuts, rising needs, and leadership burnout.
August 16, 2025
As you plan your next gala or golf tournament, keep in mind the special rules that apply to receiving support from donor-advised funds, including with CICF or elsewhere.
August 16, 2025
Recent changes in federal tax law under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) bring both challenges and opportunities for nonprofit organizations in our community.
August 16, 2025
After one of the most chaotic fiscal rides in memory, the end-of-year giving season is finally upon the nonprofit sector.
August 12, 2025
Indiana Elks have been raising money for cancer research in the state since 1948.
August 11, 2025
In July, Congress passed the mammoth “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” At a hefty 870 pages, the bill squeaked through the Senate by a vote of 51 to 50, with three Republican Senators joining unanimous opposition from Democrats to force a tiebreaking vote from Vice President J.D. Vance.
August 4, 2025
Here are a few key takeaways from our discussions with more than 90 nonprofit professionals from throughout the region.
July 1, 2025
In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, a couple of friends who work in philanthropy were having a socially distanced conversation about how nonprofit organizations with meaningful endowments were weathering the pandemic much better than ones that didn’t have those financial resources.
June 30, 2025
...So, if the thought of fundraising is enough to keep you up at night, read on. It’s not nearly as scary as you think, and it’s probably your safest bet when it comes to sustainable funding.
June 9, 2025
This year, of course, three major challenges have imperiled that landscape: Major cuts to government funding; socio-political pressure around race, immigration and gender; and a volatile market impacting philanthropic giving. Our region’s nonprofits and philanthropic sector are both on high alert...
May 27, 2025
Chances are, if you work at a nonprofit, then you have some awareness of donor-advised funds (DAFs) and how they contribute to philanthropy. If not, here’s a quick overview.
May 25, 2025
Many times, nonprofits highlight the most heartwarming stories to showcase the passion and generosity that our sector thrives on. While that will always be a crucial story, more of us need to extend the conversation.
April 3, 2025
From the foundation perspective, CICF is expressing to lawmakers that donors and foundations should be free to give to causes they care about without concerns of reprisal or retaliation. Through this commitment, we remain devoted to a more broadly prosperous Central Indiana.
March 2, 2025
Before looking at several tips to stabilize your nonprofit finances, let’s address the obvious. In the wake of the federal grant freeze and subsequent legal back-and-forth, an alarming level of uncertainty has entered the nonprofit sector. The Urban Institute recently created a map quantifying the risk level to nonprofits posed by the freeze. While it provides a critical level of awareness, it’s hardly comforting.
January 13, 2025
For your consideration, here are three resolutions that nonprofits can utilize for added sustainability – nearly all of which can all be accomplished indoors over coffee.
October 14, 2024
To “celebrate” Cybersecurity Month, CICF asked its Senior Director of Information Technology David Donaldson a few questions to help not-for-profits safely navigate the digital space.
September 19, 2024
For many of us, the word “endowment” can feel intimidating. It conjures up images of billion-dollar family foundations or Ivy League universities, entities that seem to exist in another dimension from our own. In reality, an endowment is far more accessible – and versatile – than many realize.
June 25, 2024
Welcome to the world of complex asset donation, an increasingly popular and effective form of philanthropy!
April 12, 2024
While older generations traditionally have prioritized legacy and public recognition, many emerging donors are more focused on tangible results and measurable impact.