Not-for-profits can grow in tough times
One of the most pressing questions not-for-profits should be asking is: “How will we respond to this economy?”
Fundraising
Articles
Economic slump causes ISO leaders to delay capital campaign
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s operating loss of $293,000 during the most recent fiscal year is not nearly as troubling
in the long term as the symphony’s shrinking endowment.
Humane Society woos animal-right welfare community
John Aleshire, the executive director of the Humane Society of Indianapolis, is rolling out policies that please animal advocates.
Tonic Ball raises money for Second Helpings
Tonic Ball — an annual fundraiser for Second Helpings — takes place the Friday before Thanksgiving, featuring 30
local bands
each playing 10-minute themed sets and local artists selling their work.
Monon Bell football game helps Julian Center
In the weeks leading up to this year’s
big rivalry football game, Wabash College and DePauw University students held various fundraisers to benefit the Julian Center, as well as A-Way Home Shelter
in Putnam County and the Family Crisis Shelter in Montgomery County.
Recession takes its toll on charities
Area not-for-profits are beginning to feel the sting of the year-old credit crunch, which has escalated into a full-blown
financial crisis that’s battered investors and likely pushed the nation into recession.
Dry cleaner’s fight against sons’ rare disease could lead to other life-saving treatments
Nathan’s Battle Foundation, led by Phil Milto–who has two sons afflicted with the disease–has evolved over 10 years into
what Milto calls a not-for-profit biotech company that has raised money and guided research that resulted in a promising treatment
for Batten disease. Now, some of the gene therapy techniques researchers developed are being applied to other disorders.
IMA Art & Nature Park outdoor exhibits will change regularly
Already draped in an ever-changing natural backdrop, the site for the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s Art & Nature Park will
come to life in 2009 through eight pieces of art commissioned for the setting. But unlike traditional sculpture parks that
feature permanent artwork, the IMA’s $25 million outdoor gallery will change regularly.
Zoobilation sells out fast despite $200-plus admission
Far from the typical rubber-chicken fund-raiser attended mostly by board members and their friends–Zoobilation, the 22-year-old,
annual black-tie fund-raiser for the Indianapolis Zoo–attracts 4,300 ticket holders eager to spend an evening wining and
dining at the zoo.
Simon family donates $40M to Riley
A $40 million gift from the Simon family to Riley Hospital for Children will help finish a new 10-story in-patient building and launch a fund-raising campaign, Riley Children's Foundation announced this morning.
Endowments on rise for small not-for-profits
Leaders of small not-for-profits often are so concerned with day-to-day survival that they have little–if any–time to worry
about saving for the future. A growing number of local organizations are bucking that trend, taking a proactive approach to
build an endowment its leaders hope will result in more stable, predictable income.
Charity alliances in United Way’s shadow seek their share
Once a year, the CEO implores employees to sign pledge cards to the United Way. Local health and human services agencies that
benefit wait to redeem your tax-deductible gift. But others are preaching there’s another path to charitable-giving heaven.
Lesser-known federations continue to nip at the heels of the United Way establishment in the workplace.
Charities struggle to cultivate donors
Attracting people under 40 with money to give is one of the latest challenges faced by not-for-profit organizations. As fund-raisers
look toward cultivating the next generation of supporters, they see a younger generation that appears less inclined to do
so.
With ‘dark days’ behind it, Conner Prairie gets back to business
In the 2-1/2 years following a 2003 overhaul of Conner Prairie management orchestrated by Earlham College, the Hamilton County attraction was mired in uncertainty over its future and an increasingly bleak financial outlook. Now the skies are brightening.