The Library’s Fall 2024 Nonprofit Program Series at Central Library offers free, in-person workshops on a variety of nonprofit management topics including 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. We 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 our Nonprofit Team at Central Library.
Nonprofit Program Series at Central Library Schedule & Registration:
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. See our book list: Starting a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization.
Presented by Q Collins, Volunteer Governance & Reporting Manager at Trout Unlimited.
- Saturday, September 7 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Register for Starting a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
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. See our book list: Developing a Nonprofit Board of Directors.
Presented by Falicia Brewer, President of Brewer & Associates.
- Saturday, September 7 from 2-4 p.m.
Register for Developing an Effective Board of Directors
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 Professional.
- Saturday, September 14 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Register for Planning Effective Programs
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 Professional.
- Saturday, September 14 from 1:30-4 p.m.
Register for Successful Grant Proposals
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, September 18 from 2-4 p.m.
Register for Evidence-based Research for Grant Proposals
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, September 21 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Register for Fearless Asking: How to Build an Individual Giving Program
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, September 21 from 2-4 p.m.
Register for Strategic Planning for Nonprofits
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 Charlie Cain and Divya Pathak, Librarians on the Nonprofit Team at The Indianapolis Public Library and Foundation Directory Certified Trainers.
- Wednesday, September 25 from 2-4 p.m.
Register for Intro to Foundation Directory Online (FDO): Finding Grant Funders on September 25 - Saturday, October 5 from 2-4 p.m.
Register for Intro to Foundation Directory Online (FDO): Finding Grant Funders on October 5
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, Senior Director of Research and Evaluation at Black Onyx Management
- Saturday, October 5 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Register for What’s Working? Utilizing Program Evaluation to Improve Service Delivery and Outcomes
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, October 9 from 2–4 p.m.
Register for Volunteer Recruitment, Retention, and More
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 Program Series at Central Library? Email or call Central Library and ask to speak with a librarian on our 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.
Made possible by Meridian Foundation through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.