Center for Performing Arts angles for more shows, donors
Two years after opening, the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel is working on its first strategy, an effort aimed at maximizing attendance while providing financial stability.
Philanthropy
Articles
NFP of NOTE: Little Red Door Cancer Agency
Little Red Door Cancer Agency strives to make the most of life and the least of cancer by reducing the physical, emotional and financial burdens of cancer for the medically underserved residents of central Indiana.
Children’s Museum brings aboard David Wolf for space push
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has landed retired astronaut David Wolf as its first “Extraordinary Scientist-in-Residence,” calling on the native Hoosier to help develop programs sparking kids’ interest in science, technology, engineering and math.
Running events proliferate; sponsor dollars pour in
The 500 Festival Mini Marathon in May will once again focus Hoosier attention on distance running—a sport where shifting demographics and rising interest have combined to generate strong sponsorship revenue.
New CEO of disability-services group to tackle red ink
Easter Seals Crossroads has promoted its No. 2 leader to take the top post—a challenging assignment at a time the organization is weathering annual deficits of almost $1 million and facing uncertainty over future government funding.
Ex-Butler chief hatched plan to use basketball to turn around university
Twenty-five years ago, Butler University President Geoffrey Bannister had an idea to elevate the college by making the lowly men’s Bulldog basketball team a national power, then use it as a marketing tool to engage alumni, increase annual giving to the school, and recruit more and better students and instructors.
NFP of NOTE: Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
Conner Prairie Interactive History Park inspires curiosity and fosters learning about Indiana’s past by providing engaging, individualized and unique experiences.
One gift boosted major donations in Indiana in 2012
An Indiana-born entrepreneur gave $125 million. Just five others gave $1 million or more.
Quirky campaign aims to win new listeners for WFYI
National Public Radio is spending $750,000 on an aggressive advertising campaign designed to boost its audience in four test cities, including Indianapolis, by pointing out the wide variety of people who listen to public radio.
United Way sees promise in new CEO’s connections
Ann Murtlow has no experience running a not-for-profit, yet she is charging into the top job at one of the city’s largest charitable groups. The people who hired the former Indianapolis Power & Light Co. CEO say her connections to the Indianapolis business community are a big plus in her new role at United Way of Central Indiana.
Ex-IPL chief Murtlow picked to lead United Way
Former Indianapolis Power & Light Co. CEO Ann Murtlow will take the helm of the United Way of Central Indiana on April 1, the organization announced Wednesday afternoon. She’ll be the first new chief at the local not-for-profit since 1998.
Tipton County Pork Festival tries new business model
Organizers plan to add entertainment, increase breakfast selections, and sell many pork products that aren't normally available at the event.
NFP of NOTE: School on Wheels Corp.
School on Wheels Corp. provides one-on-one tutoring and educational advocacy for school-age children affected by homelessness.
Crean’s revival of IU basketball fuels donations, merchandise sales
Indiana University is looking to cash in on the success of its men’s basketball team this season, but is struggling to find ways to make more money from an already popular program.
Grant-funded projects aim to make Indianapolis nicer
Ten winning proposals were selected from almost 200 applications for “Nice Grants” from local Web marketing firm SmallBox and consumer-ratings service Angie’s List.
Group recruiting ‘standing army’ to support charters
A new group of 40-something professionals in central Indiana is hoping to do for education reform what the amateur sports initiative did 35 years ago: spawn a generation of leaders to work on a long-term challenge.
Purdue hopes huge donation first of many under Daniels
Purdue University has high hopes that former Gov. Mitch Daniels’ new role as president and donation pitchman eventually will help double charitable contributions to the school.
Purdue ag school gets $65M from anonymous donors
Purdue President Mitch Daniels said Monday in a statement that the gift is "a tremendous vote of confidence" for the university and its College of Agriculture. It is Purdue's largest-ever donation from individuals.
Former prosecutor to lead Humane Society in Indiana
Erin Huang spent five years prosecuting animal cruelty cases in Marion County. She also led seminars and outreach efforts about Indiana animal cruelty laws for shelter workers, law enforcement officials and attorneys.
Executives’ transitions to not-for-profits often awkward
Small not-for-profits’ strategy of recruiting big-business executives for top posts has had mixed results since coming into vogue in the 1990s. For some of the executives, the transitions is a culture shock.