Free Nonprofit Program Series Launching September 9 at Central Library
The Indianapolis Public Library invites the community to learn how to build a nonprofit organization via a series of free, in-person workshops covering a variety of nonprofit management topics. The Fall 2023 Nonprofit Series at Central Library, led by local nonprofit experts, launches on September 9 and runs until October 21. In addition, The Library will offer training on using the Foundation Directory Online, a prospecting tool for researching grant funders. These sessions are led by librarians on our nonprofit team at Central Library.
"Establishing a nonprofit is an avenue for improving our local community. However, statistics reveal that fifty percent of nonprofit ventures don’t survive beyond five years," stated Leah Kim, supervisor librarian with The Indianapolis Public Library. "Our workshop series enables our participants to manifest their ideas into tangible, long-lasting nonprofits while providing a space for meaningful connections with peers."
The Fall 2023 Nonprofit Series was made possible by The Meridian Foundation through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.
Starting a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
This workshop will help you assess whether starting a nonprofit is right for you. Learn what a nonprofit organization is, and the steps required to start one. See our book list: Starting a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. Presented by Josh Abel, Legal Counsel at Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.
Saturday, September 9 from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Register for Starting a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Developing an Effective Board of Directors
This workshop will help you understand the basic responsibilities of nonprofit boards and identify methods for improving board effectiveness. See our book list: Developing a Nonprofit Board of Directors. Presented by Falicia Brewer, President of Brewer & Associates.
Saturday, September 9 from 2-4 p.m.
Register for Developing an Effective Board of Directors
Intro to Foundation Directory Online (FDO): Finding Grant Funders
Learn to use Foundation Directory Online, a research tool that can help 501(c)(3) nonprofits find grant makers most likely to fund their projects. Presented by Leah Kim and Charlie Cain, Librarians on the Nonprofit Team at the Indianapolis Public Library and Foundation Directory Certified Trainers.
Wednesday, September 13 from 2-4 p.m
Register for Intro to Foundation Directory Online (FDO): Finding Grant Funders on September 13
Saturday, October 21 from 2-4 p.m.
Register for Intro to Foundation Directory Online (FDO): Finding Grant Funders on October 21
Strategic Planning for Nonprofits
A strategic plan enables your nonprofit to look ahead and make plans for the future. Learn when and how to create an effective plan to guide your organization. See our book list: Strategic Planning for Nonprofits. Presented by Alyson Parham Small, President and Founder of the Partec Consulting Group.
Saturday, September 16 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Register for Strategic Planning for Nonprofits
Fearless Asking: How to Build an Individual Giving Program
An individual giving program is an important part of any nonprofit’s fundraising strategy. This workshop will help you understand the current fundraising environment and show you how to overcome your fears so you can ask confidently for the support your nonprofit needs. See our book list: Fundraising for Nonprofits. Presented by Theresa Browning (CFRE), Major Gifts Officer at the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation, and Bethany Warner (CFRE) President of Blue Pen Consulting.
Saturday, September 16 from 2–4 p.m.
Register for Fearless Asking: How to Build an Individual Giving Program
Volunteer Recruitment, Retention, and More
Learn best practices and proven methods to recruit and retain volunteers. Participants will receive tools to help guide the development of a strong and lasting volunteer workforce. See our book list: Volunteer Recruitment and Management Resources for Nonprofit Organizations. Presented by Wendy Johnson (MPA, CVA), Volunteer Resource Supervisor at the Indianapolis Public Library.
Wednesday, September 20 from 2–4 p.m.
Register for Volunteer Recruitment, Retention, and More
Evidence-based Research for Grant Proposals
This workshop will introduce you to resources for locating data and evidence-based research for your nonprofit organization’s grant proposals and answering critical needs statement questions. Presented by Jordan Hunt, Public Services Librarian at the Indianapolis Public Library.
Wednesday, September 27 from 2-4 p.m.
Register for Evidence-based Research for Grant Proposals
Planning Effective Programs
In this workshop, you’ll discover the main components of a solid program plan that will allow your organization to provide quality services to your community. Presented by Gail Thomas Strong, Local Nonprofit Expert.
Saturday, September 30 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Register for Planning Effective Programs
Successful Grant Proposals
In this workshop, you’ll learn about the grant application process and assess whether your organization is ready to apply for grants. See our book list of Resources for Writing Successful Grant Proposals. Presented by Gail Thomas Strong, Local Nonprofit Expert.
Saturday, September 30 from 1:30-4 p.m.
Register for Successful Grant Proposals
What’s Working? Utilizing Program Evaluation to Improve Service Delivery and Outcomes
This session introduces basic program evaluation strategies and activities to help you understand if your program is meeting goals, operating effectively, and making an impact in your community. Presented by Roxy Lawrence, Director of the Center for Research on Inclusion and Social Policy.
Saturday, October 21 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Register for What’s Working? Utilizing Program Evaluation to Imrpove Service Delivery and Outcomes