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. 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.
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.
NOTE: This workshop is currently full. Please sign up for the waitlist to be automatically registered if cancellations allow. You will receive an email confirmation if a spot becomes available.
- Saturday, September 17 from 1- 3 p.m. Waitlist
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.
NOTE: These workshops are currently full. Please sign up for the waitlist to be automatically registered if cancellations allow. You will receive an email confirmation if a spot becomes available.
- Wednesday, September 28 from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Waitlist
- Tuesday, October 18 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Waitlist
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. Walk-ins welcome but registration preferred. 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. Register
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. Walk-ins welcome but registration preferred. 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. Register
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. Walk-ins welcome but registration preferred. Presented by Gail Thomas Strong, Vice President of Community Engagement for WFYI Public Media.
- Saturday, October 8 from 1:30 - 4 p.m. Register
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. Walk-ins welcome but registration preferred. 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. Register
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. Walk-ins welcome but registration preferred. Presented by Falicia Brewer, President of Brewer & Associates.
- Saturday, October 22 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Register
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.
NOTE: This workshop is currently full. Please sign up for the waitlist to be automatically registered if cancellations allow. You will receive an email confirmation if a spot becomes available.
- Tuesday, October 25 from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Waitlist
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. Walk-ins welcome but registration preferred. Presented by Bethany Warner (CFRE), Vice President at the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.
- Saturday, October 29 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Register
Find Your Stats in a Flash!
This workshop will introduce you to Indiana State Data Center resources and give specific examples for finding data for grant proposals. Presented by Katie Springer, State Data Center Coordinator at the Indiana State Library
Questions about the Nonprofit Series? Email our Nonprofit Librarian, Chase Martin, or call Central Library and ask to speak with someone on the Nonprofit Team.
Not able to attend one of our workshops? Watch one of our recorded sessions from our Spring 2021 workshop series available on the Library’s YouTube channel.
For more information, resources, funding tips, and helpful tools see our blog post Nurturing the Nonprofit Organization.
This program was made possible by Meridian Foundation, Inc. and Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.