"The sharing of information to gain knowledge to operate our foundation effectively and efficiently for the betterment of our communities is invaluable!"
-member feedback
"Your advocacy is a true value! We count on these updates to keep us abreast of important news and information that we would not be able to achieve on our own."
-member feedback
Public Policy
IPA is an active voice representing philanthropy and protecting the grantmaking environment.
We inform members about public policy issues impacting philanthropy and the nonprofit sector on both state and federal levels. While the 2017 Indiana General Assembly was in session, we sent members weekly reports covering bills that could impact foundation operations and grantmaking interests. We also hosted nine networking events for members and their elected officials.
Day At The Statehouse
Foundations On The Hill (FOTH)
Legislative Luncheons
“I love the programming – deep dive days and events like them are great not only for the content, but also for the networking”
-member feedback
Learning Opportunities
Based on member input and local and national trends, we crafted our 2017 programming to address four areas:
- Nonprofit Capacity Building
- Workforce Development
- Impact Measurement
- Grantmaking Skills
Nonprofit Capacity Building
"The content was timely, on-topic, well organized and well presented. This is an example of what only IPA can do, and can do at such a high level."
-member feedback
To address grantee capacity building, IPA partnered with Aly Sterling Philanthropy on a capacity building landscape scan, five regional workshops, and a Capacity Building Deep Dive Day. Our goal was to highlight best practices in increasing nonprofit effectiveness.
Workforce Development
"We had 15 individuals from various nonprofits and schools who viewed the webinar with us. The material shared was helpful."
-member feedback
In partnership with Strada Education Network, IPA delivered eight webinars and two workshops for funders working to impact Indiana's workforce challenges. The programs provided 234 members from 72 foundations with evidence-based practices to support post-secondary completion and job-readiness efforts. Many members hosted viewing parties for their nonprofit partners, further broadening our reach while strengthening funder/grantee relationships and transparency.
Impact Measurement
"This is great information that all of the funders in the state should be aware of and consider in measuring impact."
-member feedback
Measuring grant impact is an ongoing challenge for many foundations. To help members address this, we brought in Mark Friedman of the Fiscal Policy Studies Institute to explain his proven measurement framework, Results-Based Accountability™ (RBA). RBA is a simple but disciplined way of thinking, communicating, and taking action to produce measurable impact.
The RBA Deep Dive Day was followed with five workshops held across Indiana for members and their grantee partners. Led by Lisa Osterman of Community Solutions, Inc., these programs provided a roadmap to achieve targeted results.
Grantmaking Skills
"Thank you for organizing the great Grantmaking 201. I learned so much and left inspired."
-member feedback
IPA's two-day Grantmaking 201 workshop provided members with tools and resources to increase the effectiveness of their grantmaking.
2,000+ local & national funders & philanthropists participated in 90 IPA events.
GIFT
"GIFT is a true gift. I am a better leader because of them!"
-member feedback
IPA is home to the technical assistance component of GIFT (Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow), a Lilly Endowment initiative that supports the development of Indiana community foundations. The GIFT team offers technical support and professional development to Indiana community foundation staff and board members.
Community Foundation Boot Camp
"Wow! The expertise provided, always in a timely fashion, always joyfully."
-member feedback
2017 was a big year for training. Our two-day Boot Camp program continues to be the backbone of the GIFT training program. Presented multiple times a year, our Boot Camps provide a comprehensive understanding of the basic functions of a community foundation and how the pieces fit together.
Asset Development
"Awesome speaker! Informative and entertaining. Lots of takeaways."
-member feedback
In 2017, GIFT focused on asset development, an essential task of every community foundation. We joined forces with the Association of Fundraising Professionals-Indiana Chapter and the Charitable Gift Planners of Indiana, to host Penelope Burk, for a presentation on “Donor Centered Fundraising in Today's World.” Bryan Clontz, another popular speaker in the field, shared his presentation, “Community Foundation Planned Giving on Steroids.”
Back Office Services
"One of the best GIFT events that I have attended. It was worth my time out of the office."
-member feedback
Balancing back office functions with community work is a challenge for community foundations. GIFT hosted a Deep Dive Day to present our research on national models and begin a serious discussion about this issue. Our program covered the principles of outsourcing and using a professional employment organization.
Software has a big impact on back office activities and GIFT devoted significant attention to tracking the changes in this area to share new opportunities with the field.
YPII
Youth Philanthropy Initiative of Indiana
A signature program of IPA, YPII’s mission is to grow lifelong philanthropists who give of their time, talent, and treasure for the common good. YPII promotes effective youth philanthropy by providing technical assistance, educational resources, and training for adults and youth.
2017 YPII Webinar Series
“The webinar came at a perfect time and I gained valuable information and ideas.”
-webinar participant
YPII joined forces with Youth Philanthropy Connect (YPC) on a webinar series designed to support next-gen leadership and giving opportunities. Programs featured national experts and youth philanthropists highlighting topics of meeting facilitation, diversifying youth programming, successful media strategies for sharing your story, and top resources on youth philanthropy.
Better Together Youth Summits
“The low ropes course was very beneficial to everyone. It displayed logical problem solving, listening, and teamwork skills.”
-summit youth participant
In 2017, more than 100 Hoosier teens came to YPII's Better Together Summits to spend two days of their summer vacation building skills in giving and serving. Our three youth philanthropy workshops offered full-day trainings in Indianapolis, Columbia City, and Underwood, Indiana.
“I loved meeting others that share my passion for helping; it feeds my fire for sticking with it.”
-summit youth participant
Community Foundation Youth Councils
YPII's latest report on Indiana's community foundation youth councils found that in 2017:
- 455 youth were involved with 27 councils
- Youth council endowments grew to over $1.5 million
- $32,800 was raised by youth councils
- Youth councils made 235 grants totaling $156,000
Thank you for reading our 2017 annual report!
Special thanks to IPA members, Board and committee leaders, Leadership Circle, and other financial supporters for joining our mission to transform Indiana through effective philanthropy.
Exchange ideas and learn with Indiana's leading philanthropists by becoming a member.