Our Nonprofit 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 Candid Search, a comprehensive source of nonprofit information, combining decades of trusted data from Foundation Directory and GuideStar. These sessions are led by librarians on our Nonprofit Team at Central Library.
Nonprofit Program Series at Central Library Schedule & Registration:
- Event: Starting a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization – Fall 2026 Nonprofit Series
- Date & Time: Saturday, September 05, 10:30am
- Location: Central Library
- Description: 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. This session is presented by Ricardo Simmonds of Lighthouse Legal LLC. .
- Register Here
- Event: Developing an Effective Board of Directors – Fall 2026 Nonprofit Series
- Date & Time: Saturday, September 05, 2:00pm
- Location: Central Library
- Description: This workshop will help you understand the basic responsibilities of nonprofit boards and identify methods for improving board effectiveness. This session is presented by Falicia Brewer, President of Brewer & Associates.
- Register Here
- Event: Intro to Candid Search: Finding Grant Funders – Fall 2026 Nonprofit Series
- Date & Time: Saturday, September 12, 2:00pm
- Location: Central Library
- Description: Learn to use Candid Search, a research tool that can help 501(c)(3) nonprofits find grant makers most likely to fund their projects. This session is presented by librarians on the Nonprofit Team at the Indianapolis Public Library.
- Register Here
- Event: Volunteer Recruitment, Retention, and More – Fall 2026 Nonprofit Series
- Date & Time: Wednesday, September 16, 2:00pm
- Location: Central Library
- Description: 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. This session is presented by Wendy Johnson (MPA, CVA), Volunteer Resource Supervisor at the Library.
- Register Here
- Event: Fearless Asking: How to Build an Individual Giving Program – Fall 2026 Nonprofit Series
- Date & Time: Saturday, September 19, 10:30am
- Location: Central Library
- Description: This workshop will help you understand the current fundraising environment and overcome fears so you can ask confidently for the support your nonprofit needs. This session is presented by Bethany Warner, CFRE (Blue Pen Consulting).
- Register Here
- Event: Is Your Program Making a Difference? A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Your Program’s Impact – Fall 2026 Nonprofit Series
- Date & Time: Saturday, September 19, 2:00pm
- Location: Central Library
- Description: Learn how to answer one of the most important questions every organization faces: Is our program making a difference? You’ll explore practical ways to understand what’s working, identify areas for improvement, and gather meaningful information to strengthen your programs and communicate your impact.
- Register Here
- Event: Evidence-based Research for Grant Proposals – Fall 2026 Nonprofit Series
- Date & Time: Wednesday, September 23, 2:00pm
- Location: Central Library
- Description: 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. This session is presented by Jordan Hunt, Public Services Librarian at The Indianapolis Public Library.
- Register Here
- Event: Planning Effective Programs – Fall 2026 Nonprofit Series
- Date & Time: Saturday, September 26, 10:30am
- Location: Michigan Road Branch
- Description: 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. This session is presented by Gail Thomas Strong, local nonprofit professional.
- Register Here
- Event: Successful Grant Proposals – Fall 2026 Nonprofit Series
- Date & Time: Saturday, September 26, 1:30pm
- Location: Michigan Road Branch
- Description: In this workshop, you’ll learn about the grant application process and assess whether your organization is ready to apply for grants. This session is presented by Gail Thomas Strong, local nonprofit professional.
- Register Here
- Event: Strategic Planning for Nonprofits – Fall 2026 Nonprofit Series
- Date & Time: Saturday, October 03, 10:30am
- Location: Central Library
- Description: 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. This session is presented by Alyson Parham Small, President and Founder of the Partec Consulting Group.
- Register Here
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.
Need help? Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text or email Ask-a-Librarian.
Made possible by Meridian Foundation through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.
Candid Search Research Request Form
Please complete the Candid Search Research Request Form to receive preliminary grant research based on your nonprofit’s programs and service areas. If you have any questions about the Research Request Form please email.
Nonprofit Newsletter
The Library’s Nonprofit Team sends a quarterly nonprofit newsletter with announcements, resources, and stories. We often ‘spotlight’ a nonprofit with a short piece about the organization and its services. If your organization is interested in being included in the newsletter, please send us an email. You can also subscribe to receive the newsletter in your email.
Nonprofit Book Discussion Picks
A sampling of books relevant to issues facing nonprofit organizations. Consider reading one together with your organization. If you or your organization needs support locating learning resources, get in touch with our Nonprofit Team. Call the Library at 317-275-4100 and ask to speak to the Nonprofit Team or email us at nonprofit@indypl.org.
BK0026392536)
