The Indianapolis Public Library’s Nonprofit Workshop Series Launches on February 22 at Central Library
The Indianapolis Public Library invites the public to this year’s series of free, in-person workshops dedicated to teaching the community about building a nonprofit organization.
The Spring 2025 Nonprofit Workshop Series runs from February 22 through March 29. Some workshops that will be available to attendees this year include starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, developing a board of directors, strategic planning, writing grant proposals, and volunteer recruitment.
Along with the various mentioned workshops, the Library will also be offering training on how to utilize Foundation Directory, a tool for researching and finding grant funders, and GuideStar, a research tool for IRS-registered nonprofit organizations. These lectures will be presented by librarians on the nonprofit team at The Indianapolis Public Library who are Foundation Directory certified trainers.
This year, The Indianapolis Public Library will be offering their first networking event and book discussion. The nonprofit team also sends out quarterly newsletters during the months of February, May, August, and November.
“The Indianapolis Public Library has been hosting nonprofit workshop events at Central for over 20 years,” says Leah Kim, head of the nonprofit team at Central Library. “Over the years, the program has expanded and now covers everything that you would need to know in order to start your own successful nonprofit organization and make the world a better place. Having these in-person events not only allows the attendees to ask questions and receive help from local professionals, but also provides them with priceless opportunities for networking.”
The 2025 Indianapolis Public Library Nonprofit Workshop Series will be held in the Special Collections Room, located on the 6th floor of Central Library. Walk-ins are welcomed; however, registration is encouraged. Register at indypl.org/nonprofit.
The series is made possible through Meridian Foundation through donations to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.
The event schedule can be viewed below:
Starting a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
February 22 (Saturday) 10:30-12:30 p.m.
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.
Developing an Effective Board of Directors
February 22 (Saturday) 2-4 p.m.
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.
Intro to Foundation Directory: Finding Grant Funders
February 26 (Wednesday) 2-4 p.m.
Learn to use Foundation Directory a research tool that can help 501(c)(3) nonprofits find grant makers most likely to fund their projects.
Presented by librarians on the nonprofit team at the Indianapolis Public Library and Foundation Directory certified trainers.
Strategic Planning for Nonprofits
March 1 (Saturday) 10:30-12:30 p.m.
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.
Successful Grant Proposals
March 1 (Saturday) 1:30-4:00 p.m.
In this workshop, you'll learn about the grant application process and assess whether your organization is ready to apply for grants.
Presented by Alyson Parham Small, president and founder of the Partec Consulting Group.
Planning Effective Programs
March 8 (Saturday) 10:30-12:30 p.m.
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 professional.
Successful Grant Proposals
March 8 (Saturday) 1:30-4:00 p.m.
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, local nonprofit professional.
Evidence-based Research for Grant Proposals
March 12 (Wednesday) 2-4 p.m.
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.
Volunteer Recruitment, Retention, and More
March 15 (Saturday) 10:30-12:30 p.m.
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.
Intro to Foundation Directory: Finding Grant Funders
March 22 (Saturday) 10:30-12:30 p.m.
Learn to use Foundation Directory a research tool that can help 501(c)(3) nonprofits find grant makers most likely to fund their projects.
Presented by librarians on the nonprofit team at the Indianapolis Public Library and Foundation Directory certified trainers.
Intro to Foundation Directory: Finding Grant Funders
March 26 (Wednesday) 2-4 p.m.
Learn to use Foundation Directory a research tool that can help 501(c)(3) nonprofits find grant makers most likely to fund their projects.
Presented by librarians on the nonprofit team at the Indianapolis Public Library and Foundation Directory certified trainers.
Fearless Asking: How to Build an Individual Giving Program
March 29 (Saturday) 10:30-12:30 p.m.
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 Bethany Warner (CFRE), president of Blue Pen Consulting.
What’s Working? Utilizing Program Evaluation to Improve Service Delivery and Outcomes
March 29 (Saturday) 2-4 p.m.
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 Hui, senior director of research and evaluation at Black Onyx Management.
Media Contact: Keshia McEntire, kmcentire@indypl.org
This press release was drafted by PR Intern Layah Gebauer.