Spring Nonprofit Workshop Series Launching February 24 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 programs covering various nonprofit management topics.
The Spring 2024 Nonprofit Workshop Series at Central Library launches on February 24 and runs until March 30. Patrons can attend workshops on 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. Workshops are led by local nonprofit experts.
The Library will also offer training on using Foundation Directory, a prospecting tool for researching grant funders as well as how to find evidence-based research for grant proposals. These sessions are led by librarians on Central Library’s Nonprofit Team.
“IndyPL has hosted in-person nonprofit workshops for more than 20 years,” said Leah Kim, who runs the nonprofit team at Central Library. “The nonprofit series has grown and has expanded to cover everything you need to know to start and run a successful nonprofit. It’s for people who want to change the world and make our community a better place. The in-person workshops allow attendees to ask questions from local experts at the same time provide invaluable networking opportunities.”
This series will be held in the Special Collections Room on the 6th floor of Central Library. Walk-ins are welcome but registration is preferred.
The Spring 2024 Nonprofit Workshop Series is made possible by the Meridian Foundation 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. Saturday, February 24 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 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. Saturday, February 24 from 2-4 p.m.
Intro to Foundation Directory Online (FDO): Finding Grant Funders
Learn to use Foundation Directory Online, a research tool that can help 501(c)(3) nonprofits find grant makers most likely to fund their projects. Presented by Leah Kim and Charlie Cain, Librarians on the Nonprofit Team at The Indianapolis Public Library and Foundation Directory Certified Trainers.
Wednesday, February 28 from 2-4 p.m.
Saturday, March 23 from 2-4 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, Local Nonprofit Expert.
Saturday, March 2 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. See our book list Resources for Writing Successful Grant Proposals. Presented by Gail Thomas Strong, Local Nonprofit Expert.
Saturday, March 2 from 1:30-4 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. See our book list: Strategic Planning for Nonprofits. Presented by Alyson Parham Small, President and Founder of the Partec Consulting Group.
Saturday, March 9 from 2-4 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.
Wednesday, March 13 from 2-4 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. See our book list: Volunteer Recruitment and Management Resources for Nonprofit Organizations. Presented by Wendy Johnson (MPA, CVA), Volunteer Resource Supervisor at The Indianapolis Public Library.
Wednesday, March 20 from 2–4 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. See our book list: Fundraising for Nonprofits. Presented by Theresa Browning (CFRE), Major Gifts Officer at the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation and Bethany Warner (CFRE) President of Blue Pen Consulting.
Saturday, March 23 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
What’s Working? Utilizing Program Evaluation to Improve Service Delivery and Outcomes
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, Director of Evaluation at the Center for Research on Inclusion and Social Policy.
Saturday, March 30 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.