CICF celebrates graduates of Executive Leadership and Fundraising Academy

CICF is celebrating graduates of its first-ever Executive Leadership and Fundraising Academy, an 11-month program designed to help early-career nonprofit executive directors and CEOs build leadership and fundraising skills, grow their confidence, and develop a network of peers.

After hearing from local nonprofit leaders that new executives needed more access to professional development and peer networks, CICF partnered with The Fund Raising School at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy to create the Executive Leadership and Fundraising Academy.

“Executive leadership requires new and added responsibility for everything from fundraising and board relationships to people, strategy and the long-term health of an organization,” said Diana Coyle, director of nonprofit services and sustainability at CICF. “When nonprofit leaders told us they needed more opportunities to build those skills and connect with others navigating the same challenges, we wanted to respond as faithfully as possible to those needs.”

The academy combines practical frameworks, peer conversation, reflection and real-world application. Participants meet monthly through alternating in-person and virtual sessions focused on leadership, fundraising, strategic vision, team development, communication, innovation, storytelling and leading through change.

The Fund Raising School’s Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed. D served as lead faculty; Angela E. White, CFRE President and CEO of Eskenazi Health Foundation, and Nathan Hand, Chief Philanthropy Officer of Valeo Financial Advisors LLC served as guest facilitators.

Participants met 11 times over 11 months, building skills to lead and sustain their organizations while learning alongside other nonprofit executives. The cohort also gave participants an opportunity to share experiences, work through common challenges and build relationships with peers they can continue to turn to beyond the program.

“The expertise and community involvement each leader brought into the experience helped shape the learning of their peers,” Diana added. “I’m confident that the connections cultivated with fellow leaders will carry on long after the 11-month journey.”

Strong nonprofit leadership is critical for the region. Not only does Central Indiana’s nonprofit sector provide essential services and programs, but it also generates $43 billion in annual economic activity and employs 10% of the region’s private-sector workforce.

The 2026 Executive Leadership and Fundraising Academy graduates are:

• David Bacon, CEO, Mapleton Fall Creek Development Corporation

• Jennifer Bartenbach, CEO, Central Indiana Community Foundation

• Kelly Coker, CEO, Brightlane Learning

• Jenni Crago, CEO, Family Promise of Hendricks County

• Gregory Garrett, Executive Director, United Northeast Community Development Corporation

• Milele Kennedy, Executive Director, Gennesaret Free Clinics

• Heather Pease, President, Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center

• Taylor Schaffer, President & CEO, Downtown Indy, Inc.

• Emily Scott, Executive Director, Near East Area Renewal

• Khara Smith, Executive Director, BU Wellness Network

• Irina Sorrels, Director, Tu Refugio Seguro

• Terry Stigdon, CEO, Indiana Region, American Red Cross

• Danielle Stiles-Polk, President, Hamilton County Community Foundation

• Brandon Taylor, Executive Director, Local Initiatives Support Corporation Indianapolis

• Tami Wanninger, Executive Director, Prevail, Inc.

• Jennifer Wiese, CEO, BeeFree Bakes

The next Executive Leadership and Fundraising Academy begins in October 2026.