The Indianapolis Public Library (IndyPL) is hosting a free workshop series this fall to teach community members how to build a nonprofit organization.
Registration is now open for the Fall 2026 Nonprofit Series, which kicks off on Sept. 5 at Central Library. Librarians from IndyPL’s nonprofit team will lead the series, which will cover a variety of nonprofit management topics, including starting a 501(c)(3) organization, building an effective board of directors, strategic planning, fundraising, volunteer recruitment, program development and writing successful grant proposals.
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“Indiana’s nonprofit community plays a role in strengthening our neighborhoods and economy, employing about 10% of the state’s workforce,” Divya Pathak, public services librarian with IndyPL’s nonprofit team. “Whether someone is launching a new organization or looking to build a stronger foundation for an existing one, this workshop series provides practical guidance from experienced professionals. We hope participants leave with the knowledge, resources, and connections they need to create lasting impact in their communities.”
Fall 2026 Nonprofit Program Series:
Intro to Candid Search: Navigating Grants — Sept. 5, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Developing an Effective Board of Directors — Sept. 5, 2-4 p.m. at Central Library
Financial Management for Nonprofits: Accounting, Tax & Board Reporting — Sept. 12, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Central Library
Starting a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization — Sept. 12, 2-4 p.m. at Central Library
Volunteer Recruitment, Retention, and More — Sept. 16, 2-4 p.m. at Central Library
Fearless Asking: How to Build an Individual Giving Program — Sept.19, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Central Library
Is Your Program Making a Difference? A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Your Program’s Impact — Sept. 19, 2-4 p.m. at Central Library
Evidence-based Research for Grant Proposals — Sept. 23, 2-4 p.m. at Central Library
Planning Effective Programs — Sept. 26, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Michigan Road Branch and Central Library
Successful Grant Proposals – Fall 2026 Nonprofit Series — Sept. 26, 1:30-4 p.m. at Michigan Road Branch and Central Library
Strategic Planning for Nonprofits — Oct. 3, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Central Library
Successful Grant Proposals — Oct. 3 1:30-4 p.m. at Central Library
Ask-Me-Anything: Answers to Nonprofit Legal Questions — Oct. 5, 6 -8 p.m. at Central Library
Campaign 101: Planning for a Successful Fundraising Campaign — Oct. 7, 2-4 p.m. at Central Library
Storytelling That Inspires Investment — Oct. 10, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Central Library
Mission Amplified: Marketing Smarter to Fundraise Stronger — Oct. 10, 2-4 p.m. at Central Library
“Our 2025–27 Strategic Plan recognizes that thriving nonprofits are key partners in creating a stronger, more equitable Indianapolis,” Gregory A. Hill Sr., CEO of IndyPL, said in a statement. “This series reflects our commitment to equipping nonprofit leaders with practical tools that help organizations grow and serve their communities.”
The Fall 2026 Nonprofit Series is made possible by the Meridian Foundation through gifts to the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.
The Fall 2026 Nonprofit Series is Sept. 5-Oct.10. The program is free and walk-ins are welcome, but registration is preferred. For more information, or to register online, visit indypl.org/nonprofit.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
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