Free Nonprofit Program Series Launching September 17 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 including starting a nonprofit, fundraising, recruiting volunteers, developing a board of directors, and strategic planning. The Fall 2022 Nonprofit Series at Central Library, led by local nonprofit experts, launches on September 17 and runs until October 29. 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.
“Starting a nonprofit is a great way to act on your passion to serve your community, but only half of nonprofit startups survive beyond five years,” said Chase Martin, public services librarian with The Indianapolis Public Library and a member of the Library’s nonprofit team. “This workshop series allows our patrons to turn their vision into a reality. It offers practical tools to equip nonprofit organizations and networking opportunities for attendees.”
The Fall 2022 Nonprofit Series was made possible by the Meridian Foundation and Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.
The schedule can be found below:
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. Presented by Josh Abel, Legal Counsel at Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.
Saturday, September 17 from 1- 3 p.m.
Intro to FDO: Finding Grant Funders
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. Presented by Leah Kim and Chase Martin, Librarians on the Nonprofit Team at the Indianapolis Public Library, and FDO Certified Trainers.
Wednesday, September 28 from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Tuesday, October 18 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.
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. Presented by Alyson Parham Small, President, and Founder of the Partec Consulting Group.
Saturday, October 1 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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, Vice President of Community Engagement for WFYI Public Media.
Saturday, October 8 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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. Presented by Gail Thomas Strong, Vice President of Community Engagement for WFYI Public Media.
Saturday, October 8 from 1:30 - 4 p.m.
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. Presented by Wendy Johnson (MPA, CVA), Volunteer Resource Supervisor at the Indianapolis Public Library.
Thursday, October 20 from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
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. Presented by Falicia Brewer, President of Brewer & Associates.
Saturday, October 22 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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.
Tuesday, October 25 from 10:30-12:00 p.m.
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. Presented by Theresa Browning (CFRE), Major Gifts Officer at the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation, and Bethany Warner (CFRE), Vice President at the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.
Saturday, October 29 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.