Charitable giving, due diligence, and how we can help

By Robin Elmerick, Sr. Director of Effective Philanthropy

With so many worthy organizations and urgent needs, it can feel difficult for donors to know where to start—or how to know if your giving will make the greatest impact.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re supporting the “right” organizations, you’re not alone. This is where CICF can help.

One of the most valuable roles CICF plays is serving as a trusted partner in your philanthropy. Our team works closely with nonprofit organizations across Central Indiana and beyond and brings a strong understanding of the issues shaping our community. We don’t just present options—we provide context. If you care about a particular cause, we can help you understand what’s happening locally right now, which organizations are leading the work, and where additional support can make a meaningful difference.

We also help you approach giving with confidence through due diligence. While many organizations do excellent work, it’s natural to want reassurance that your gifts align with your intentions and create real impact. Our team can review organizations’ missions, programs, and financials and share insight based on our experience across a wide range of nonprofits. This can be especially helpful when you’re considering a new organization or responding to a timely need.

That combination—local insight and thoughtful review—helps many donors feel more confident not just in individual gifts, but in their overall approach to philanthropy.

Just as importantly, CICF can help you take a more strategic view of your giving. Instead of treating each donation as a separate decision, you can step back and consider how your giving fits together over time. You might ask: Which causes matter most to me? Do I want to balance immediate needs with long-term impact? How might I involve my family in this work?

We can support those conversations in a way that fits your preferences. You may want to stay hands-on in selecting organizations, or you may want help narrowing your focus. Either way, we tailor our approach to you.

The goal is not to create a rigid plan. It’s to give you a clearer, more confident path forward.

Philanthropy is personal. There’s no single right way to give. But having a knowledgeable partner can make the process feel more manageable—and more meaningful. CICF is honored to work alongside you, helping ensure your generosity reflects both your values and a clear understanding of how to make the greatest impact.

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.