The Fund Raising School at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, in collaboration with Lilly Endowment Inc., launched the Advancing Indiana’s Nonprofit Sector program in Fall of 2025. This initiative empowered Indiana nonprofit organizations with training and resources to enhance their fundraising capabilities and better serve their communities.
Drawing on insights from surveys and focus groups conducted in five regions of Indiana, The Fund Raising School piloted this innovative, eight month program Participants benefited from easily accessible, research-based fundraising training, a comprehensive resource library, and a fundraising support helpline. The pilot program provided tailored fundraising training to nonprofit leaders, focusing on small and medium-sized organizations in Southern and Northeastern Indiana. Overall, the program’s goal was to equip nonprofit staff and board members with the essential knowledge and tools to build sustainable fundraising practices.
Key Training Needs Identified
- Fundraising for Small Nonprofits
- Annual Fund Development and Facilitation
- Board Development and Engagement in Fundraising
Cohorts
Drawing on insights from surveys and focus groups conducted in five regions of Indiana, The Fund Raising School piloted this innovative, eight month program Participants benefited from easily accessible, research-based fundraising training, a comprehensive resource library, and a fundraising support helpline. The pilot program provided tailored fundraising training to nonprofit leaders, focusing on small and medium-sized organizations in Southern and Northeastern Indiana. Overall, the program’s goal was to equip nonprofit staff and board members with the essential knowledge and tools to build sustainable fundraising practices.
Trainings
Participants engaged in eight three-hour professional development sessions in their region of the state. These sessions focused on key fundraising topics specifically tailored for small and mid-sized nonprofit organizations including the following:
- Organizational readiness for fundraising
- Board development, management, and engagement in fundraising
- New donor acquisition
- Fundraising with a small staff
- Planning and facilitating fundraising vehicles and strategies
Continued Support
Through this pilot, The Fund Raising School provided continued support to participating nonprofits by establishing a resource library and helpline for support.
Please check this page for future program updates.