2024 IMPACT REPORT
From Foundation to Connection
A Letter from our Leadership
In 2022 and 2023, Nonprofit Support Network spent its first two years creating a solid foundation by building partnerships and connections for the important work of supporting local nonprofits. By 2024, that foundation felt solidified with a comprehensive approach to connect nonprofits to the resources they need to thrive. Nonprofit leaders, staff, board members, and volunteers accessed programs, services, and tools regularly. In fact, twice as many people attended programs compared to the previous year!
We’re proud to support the nonprofits that serve our community, and grateful for everyone who shows up every day to do the work. We are also so thankful for the foundational leadership and vision provided by Carly Acree-King as the first Relationship & Resource Director of Nonprofit Support Network.
I received a warm welcome as the new Relationship & Resource Director near the end of 2024. It was clear to me right away that Nonprofit Support Network is here to stay, and I look forward to continuing to support the established initiatives and listening to you for ways to be responsive to the needs of our local nonprofit community.
Thank you, and I look forward to serving our community!
Jena Ashby
Jena Ashby, Relationship & Resource Director
Key Programs
Grant Writing Learning Circle
Nonprofit Support Network partnered with Muncie Public Library to offer a free, three-part Grant Writing Learning Circle in early 2024. Designed to make the grant process more accessible, the series combined expert instruction, peer learning, and practical tools, including guided use of the Candid Foundation Directory. The interactive format allowed nonprofit staff and board members to strengthen their skills, build confidence, and connect with peers to support stronger and more sustainable fundraising efforts across the local nonprofit community.
Executive Director Huddles
To support nonprofit leaders in their complex roles, we expanded Executive Director Huddles to offer more opportunities for shared learning and connection. These gatherings provide a space for executive directors to exchange ideas, share experiences, and strengthen leadership practices. Participants value the relationships and trusted peer network they build through the huddles.
HR Resource and Help Desk
In 2024, 12 nonprofit organizations accessed the HR Resource and Help Desk for guidance on personnel matters, while others engaged through related trainings and huddles. The help desk provided expert support on topics including values-based performance management, employee goal-setting, and the evolving FLSA overtime threshold. Through this resource, nonprofits received timely advice to navigate complex HR challenges and strengthen internal practices.
Nonprofit Essentials
In 2024, we continued our partnership with Shafer Leadership Academy to offer Nonprofit Essentials. Sessions covered branding, financial management, fundraising, board leadership, grant opportunities, and funder engagement, helping nonprofit leaders build skills and strengthen connections.
How Our Programs Make a Difference
In 2024, our programs helped nonprofit leaders, staff, and volunteers feel more connected, more confident, and better equipped to do their work. What we offer isn’t just information—it’s community, support, and forward motion.
Here’s what participants had to say.
Mandy Williams pictured left
Grant Writing Learning Circle
"Nonprofit Support Network's Grant Writing Learning Circle was invaluable for our agency's fundraising and development toolbox. Being able to learn from seasoned grant-writing professionals, while networking and sharing best practices with nonprofit peers, armed us with practical tips and tricks to help take our grant seeking, writing, and management to the next level."
—Mandy Williams, Vice President of Programs, Lifestream
Doug White
Executive Director Huddles
“I’ve attended the Executive Director Huddles and the Nonprofit Support Network educational programs since their inception. As a relatively new nonprofit executive director, they have given me a place and people to interact with in similar roles. We share experiences and ideas and learn about available resources through this awesome network of caring people. The Huddles have helped me to be more productive, make great connections, and strengthen operations at Muncie ARF.”
—Doug White, Executive Director, Muncie ARF
Dottie Kreps
Nonprofit Essentials
"We are incredibly fortunate to have an organization like the Nonprofit Support Network here in Muncie. It's such a valuable resource for anyone involved in the nonprofit world, whether you're full-time staff or an occasional volunteer. I've taken advantage of so many of the sessions, and I know they've helped me grow into a stronger board member. The insights I've gained on fundraising and development, board development, and storytelling have been invaluable as a board member of the Soup Kitchen of Muncie.
Nonprofit Support Network also helped me feel more prepared and confident as I stepped into my role as board president of the Soup Kitchen of Muncie this year. On top of all that, I've made some great connections and real friendships that have given me a solid group of people to bounce ideas off and collaborate with."
—Dottie Kreps, Board President, Soup Kitchen of Muncie
Bekah Clawson pictured left
HR Resource and Help Desk
"I really enjoyed that training. Kourtney (McCauliff) answered some questions I had about values-based performance management, which involves evaluating employees based on a set of values that are applied to every staff position and are rooted strongly in the organization's mission. I also remember her sharing some information about the importance of goals set by the employees themselves, which also included continuing education opportunities.
We have used a professional employment organization (PEO) for years, and we had just spoken to them about building our own digital employee management tool, and that training came at the right time."
—Bekah Clawson, President & CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank
2024 by the Numbers
283
people attended Nonprofit Support Network programs
130
organizations represented
139
people attended the 2024 Nonprofit Summit
12
organizations used the HR Resource and Help Desk
3–4
8
average HR Help Desk tickets per month
organizations attended Performance Management training
2024 Nonprofit Summit
139 nonprofit professionals came together for a half-day Nonprofit Summit focused on education, networking, and professional growth. The event featured a keynote address by Dr. Deb Mashek, a relationship scientist and author, who spoke on Collaboration: From Empty Buzzword to Key Transformative Impact.
The Summit offered multiple breakout sessions designed to strengthen organizations across critical areas, including employee engagement, strategic storytelling, and inclusive leadership.
Experience the
2024 Nonprofit Summit
Supporters
Foundation Partners
Funders Forum Collaborative
Heart of Indiana United Way
LifeStream Services
City of Muncie
Northwest Bank
Ball State University: Office of Community Engagement
EBS Consulting Inc.
Rotary Clubs of Muncie
Sponsors
Donors
Tania Said
With Gratitude for Carly Acree-King’s Leadership
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Carly Acree-King for her leadership as the first Relationship and Resource Director of Nonprofit Support Network. Carly’s vision and dedication helped shape Nonprofit Support Network into a trusted resource with a strong foundation that continues to benefit nonprofits.