Monday, April 23, 2012


Volunteer Projects can = Extra $$ (through May 15)

The 1st Annual Central Indiana Service Challenge will award a total of $100,000 through volunteer teams of up to 10 people from the same workplace who serve a charity any day between now and May 15th (How about entering those volunteer activities you already have on your calendar?). Teams register for the challenge on-line now and then film a 2 minute video on their I-phone while they’re working and upload it to the Companies With A Mission (CWAM) website. Each team just answers three short questions about how they served, how they will be involved in the future, and what they will do for your organization if they win two, five, or ten thousand dollars for you!

That’s it! But you need to hurry because May 15th is coming up soon.

The teams have to serve and get the application and short video submitted by May 15th to be entered in the contest. After that, a team of judges will select the winners to be announced at the Indy 500 Breakfast. Share the registration page with all your regular and new volunteers and get your teams signed up at: http://cwam.com/central-indiana-2012-service-challenge/

The Central Indiana Service Challenge is presented by Companies With A Mission (CWAM) – inspiring a culture of service and spirituality in the workplace. If you have more questions or want to find out more about CWAM, you can contact Erica at CWAM 317.500.2245 or www.CWAM.com 

Bryan Orander
President of Charitable Advisors and Publisher, Not-for-Profit News

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Upgrade Your Volunteer Board Experience

Our theme for April is Leadership. One of my common recommendations to nonprofit staff leaders who want to improve their skills is to find a nonprofit board where they can serve. Research has shown that nonprofit board experience is a great development experience for corporate leaders but it may do even more for nonprofit leaders.

1) You will be a better staff leader if you have worked with a good staff team from the board member seat. You will gain a new appreciation for the staff/board dynamics and better understand why certain things happen or don't happen in your own relationship with your board.

2) It can be tempting to serve on the board of a partner organization - after all, you know the people and the subject. But you already have influence with that organization and they have access to your skills - you are taking the seat of someone who can bring an additional circle of contacts and new skills. Plus, they usually let you off the hook for raising money, so you don't have a true board experience.

3) Develop and practice your leadership skills in a setting separate enough from your typical work that you are refreshed by the focus, the people, and the work. Extend your network and try on a new approach. If you are the usually the finance guy, take on a role that deals more with people. If you are the marketing person, take on a program role, etc.

Read the article below, which takes a more self-serving approach.

http://www.asaecenter.org/Resources/ANowDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=168483

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Big News x 2

2012 Salary Survey Launches today (April 9)

We are excited about the next cycle of the Central Indiana Nonprofit Salary Survey. Our 2010 Salary Report was downloaded more than 1,000 times in the 30 days after it was released. The 2012 effort is co-sponsored by First Person Benefit Advisors and Crowe Horwath CPAs. There is no cost to participate. Participating organizations will receive an enhanced version of the final report.

A unique survey link is being e-mailed directly to several hundred HR managers and staff leaders this afternoon plus many of you will receive a reminder postcard. If you do not see a link by Wednesday afternoon, please contact us at Survey@CharitableAdvisors.com and we will get a link to you promptly.

I WILL Retire Someday: Preparing Yourself & Your Organization

Next week is our first free seminar aimed at helping local Executives Directors/CEOs begin thinking about retirement, even if it is in the distant future. We have 18 reservations so far, of all ages and organization sizes, and would love to have a group of 20-25. An active and open discussion format will focus on three important aspects: 1) What are other nonprofit leaders doing after they "retire?"; 2) Preparing yourself financially; and 3) Preparing your organization.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012 from 8:00am - 10:00am - David A. Noyes & Company, 96th and North Meridian St, Indianapolis.

Attendance is limited to current nonprofit Executive Directors and CEOs. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. Presenters: Bryan Orander, Charitable Advisors and John Wheeler, MBA,CPA, CFP/FPS of David A. Noyes & Company. John's father recently retired after 15+ years as CEO of a mid-sized nonprofit in SW Ohio.

FMI or Register at: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2953848039

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Best Leadership Training for the $$ - May 4, Carmel, IN

We are pleased to partner again this year with Choices, Inc as they host the once a year Chick-fil-A Leadercast on May 4. Through a very engaging LIVE webcast from Atlanta, more than 85,000 leaders from more than 17 countries will hear the latest thinking from long-time leadership gurus and rising stars.

"It is one of the single most consolidated sources of leadership that I know of," said Paul Urbanowki, senior manager at AT&T. "But it goes beyond that. I think this conference, although very focused on leadership, transcends the topic and really shows you how to lead in life."

This year's program will focus on the power of choice. The diverse group of internationally-acclaimed authors, leadership experts and practitioners will share insights to help leaders empower and equip others at work, at home and in the community.

Speakers include: Marcus Buckingham(Discover Your Strengths); Patrick Lencioni (Five Dysfunctions of a Team); Tim Tebow (does he play football :-); and from Indiana - Angela Ahrendts, CEO of Burberry.

The local webcast site is in Carmel, IN. Leadercast is presented by Choices, Inc., an Indianapolis-based nonprofit organization serving youth with mental, emotional and behavioral challenges.

FMI or to register - the entire event, including lunch is only $75 - http://choicescfal2012.eventbrite.com/