Fall 2025 Nonprofit Program Series Launches September 6 at Central Library

08/18/2025

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. These topics include starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, developing a board of directors, strategic planning, fundraising, volunteer recruitment, planning effective programs, and writing successful grant proposals. New to this year’s program are expanded opportunities to get legal questions answered, including the Ask-Me-Anything: Answers to Nonprofit Legal Questions session on September 17, as well as more ways to network and connect, such as the Nonprofit Panel Discussion and Networking event on October 11.

The Fall 2025 Nonprofit Series at Central Library, led by local nonprofit experts, launches on September 6 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, on , August 27, September 24, and October 29. These sessions are led by librarians on our nonprofit team at Central Library. The Library will also host a nonprofit book discussion on August 26 at 6 p.m.

“Creating a nonprofit is a meaningful way to give back, yet only 50% of nonprofit startups remain active after five years,” said Chase Martin, public services librarian with The Indianapolis Public Library and part of the Library’s nonprofit team. “This workshop series is designed to set participants up for long-term success by providing essential information on building and maintaining a nonprofit, from legal and financial foundations to effective outreach and fundraising strategies. In addition to hands-on learning, attendees will have valuable opportunities to network, share ideas, and collaborate with others who are equally passionate about making a difference.”

“Nonprofits play a vital role in shaping vibrant communities, and our 2025–27 Strategic Plan recognizes their importance. Through this series, The Indianapolis Public Library continues our tradition of helping nonprofits grow by offering expert guidance and critical resources,” said Gregory A, Hill, Sr., MLS, MSM, CEO of The Indianapolis Public Library.

The Fall 2025 Nonprofit Series was made possible by the Meridian Foundation through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.

Walk-ins welcome but registration preferred. The schedule can be found below or online at indypl.org/nonprofit. All sessions take place at Central Library, 40 E St Clair St, Indianapolis, IN.

Intro to Foundation Directory: Finding Grant Funders

Wednesday, August 27 · 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Starting a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

Saturday, September 6 · 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Developing an Effective Board of Directors

Saturday, September 6 · 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Volunteer Recruitment, Retention, and More

Wednesday, September 10 · 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Strategic Planning for Nonprofits

Saturday, September 13 · 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Successful Grant Proposals

Saturday, September 13 · 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm