The library’s nonprofit series offers free, in-person workshops on a variety of nonprofit management topics including starting a nonprofit, fundraising, recruiting volunteers, developing a board of directors, and strategic planning. Workshops are led by local nonprofit experts. Workshops are held in both spring and fall.
We also 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. Watch this space or the library’s event page for upcoming Foundation Directory classes.
Watch one of our recorded sessions from our Spring 2021 workshop series available on the Library’s YouTube channel. This recorded program series was made possible by Meridian Foundation, Inc. and Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.
2023 Programs:
Starting a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Saturday, March 11 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Register
Presented by Josh Abel, Legal Counsel at Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust
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.
Planning Effective Programs
Saturday, March 18 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Register
Presented by Gail Thomas Strong, Vice President of Community Engagement for WFYI Public Media
In this workshop, you will discover the main components of a solid program plan that will allow your organization to provide quality services to your community.
Successful Grant Proposals
Saturday, March 18 from 1:30 - 4 p.m. Register
Presented by Gail Thomas Strong, Vice President of Community Engagement for WFYI Public Media
In this workshop, you will learn about the grant application process and assess whether your organization is ready to apply for grants.
Strategic Planning for Nonprofits
Saturday, March 25 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Register
Presented by Alyson Parham Small, President and Founder of the Partec Consulting Group
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.
Intro to FDO: Finding Grant Funders
Wednesday, March 29 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Register
Saturday, April 15 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Register
Presented by Leah Kim and Chase Martin
Learn to use Foundation Directory Online (FDO), a research tool that can help 501(c)(3) nonprofits find grant makers most likely to fund their projects.
Evidence-based Research for Grant Proposals
Wednesday, April 12 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Register
Presented by Jordan Hunt, Public Services Librarian at the Indianapolis Public Library
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.
Volunteer Recruitment, Retention, and More
Thursday, April 20 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Register
Presented by Wendy Johnson (MPA, CVA) Volunteer Resource Supervisor at Indianapolis Public Library
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.
Fearless Asking: How to Build an Individual Giving Program
Saturday, April 22 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Register
Presented by Theresa Browning (CFRE), Major Gifts Officer at the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation and Bethany Warner (CFRE), President of Blue Pen Consulting.
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.
Developing an Effective Board of Directors
Saturday, April 29 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Register
Presented by Falicia Brewer, President of Brewer & Associates
This workshop will help you understand the basic responsibilities of nonprofit boards and identify methods for improving board effectiveness.
Questions about the Nonprofit Series? Email our Nonprofit Librarian, Leah Kim, or call Central Library and ask to speak with someone on the Nonprofit Team.
For more information, resources, funding tips, and helpful tools see our blog post Nurturing the Nonprofit Organization.