A moment to meet: Philanthropy’s crucial role

Written by Robin Elmerick, Senior Director of Effective Philanthropy

Over the last several years, communities across the country, including here in Central Indiana, have faced moments of enormous challenge—from natural disasters and economic uncertainty to housing shortages and growing mental health needs. Increasingly, our team is talking with donors and fund holders about how their charitable giving can make the biggest difference right now. Essentially, “meeting the moment.” 

In the simplest terms, meeting the moment means responding thoughtfully and generously to the needs that matter most today, while still keeping long-term community impact in mind. Sometimes that means supporting immediate emergency relief efforts. Other times, it means helping nonprofits today so that they can build long-term solutions that strengthen our community for years to come. 

Here are three tips that may help you and your family consider how you can make the biggest difference: 

Think broadly about your charitable giving plan 

Many fund holders have adopted a “portfolio approach” to their philanthropy, leaning on our team to serve as a convenient and strategic hub. For example, your charitable giving “portfolio” might include some combination of: 

• A donor-advised fund to support your annual and ongoing charitable giving 

• Legacy provisions to ensure that your impact extends across future generations 

• Capacity-building gifts to CICF or an associated entity to ensure the growth of philanthropy and impact across Central Indiana, and  

• Special “field of interest” or “designated funds” to support particular focus areas or specific nonprofit organizations as needs ebb and flow.  

• An impact investing fund to align charitable assets with mission-driven investments that create measurable community impact while generating financial returns to support future philanthropy. 

 The combination of multiple fund types and giving structures helps ensure that your dollars make the biggest difference. 

Incorporate flexibility as you carry out your charitable giving plan 

With the appropriate funds and planning vehicles in place, many donors take the next step to ensure their charitable portfolio allows for flexible funding during times of crisis and transition. Specifically, nonprofits in our community often need unrestricted support so they can respond quickly to changing conditions, invest in staff capacity, and continue serving people effectively even after headlines fade. Donors who understand this can play a powerful role in helping organizations remain resilient and responsive. Our philanthropic advisors can help you identify instances where it’s most beneficial simply to provide general support to nonprofit organizations, rather than designating your gift to a specific program or desired outcome. 

Consistency is key 

Meeting the moment does not mean changing all your charitable priorities overnight, only to revert them back when the moment has passed. There will always be moments of need! Instead, “meeting the moment” means staying informed about current community needs (with the help of our team, if needed), remaining flexible in the causes you support and the ways you support them, and responding quickly when your philanthropy can create meaningful impact – and when your community needs it most. Sometimes, even a small adjustment in timing, focus, or funding approach can make a big difference in the lives of people in need. 

As always, CICF is here to help.  Along with our colleagues at the Indianapolis Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation, and Women’s Foundation of Indiana – our team members are deeply connected to local nonprofits and community leaders, which means we are uniquely positioned to identify emerging needs and opportunities for impact. Whether you want to respond to a current challenge, support a specific cause area, or balance immediate needs with long-term charitable goals, we can help you structure your overall giving strategy and serve as a sounding board as you carry out your plans. 

Please reach out anytime!

About the Author

Robin Elmerick, senior director of effective philanthropy has been with CICF since 2019. A certified Impact Philanthropy Advisor, she works closely with fundholders to help them define their philanthropic strategies and maximize their impact. With a background in nonprofit leadership and consulting, she is passionate about bridging the needs of the community with the missions of nonprofits and the passions of our fundholders, aligning all three to create meaningful change in Central Indiana and beyond.