Community Programs

This engaging panel discussion is designed to help nonprofit leaders and professionals build sustainable, effective relationships with local funders. Beyond the grant proposal process, maintaining ongoing communication and cultivating meaningful partnerships are critical to long-term funding success. Panelists will share real-world strategies, best practices, and lessons learned from their experiences in working with local funders. Attendees will leave with actionable insights they can apply to strengthen their relationships, improve communication, and enhance funder engagement to better support their organization’s mission.

Session Goals and Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:

1. Understand the importance of ongoing communication with funders beyond traditional grant requests, including updates, success stories, and impact reporting.
2. Identify effective strategies and best practices for building authentic and sustainable relationships with local funders, including how to personalize outreach and demonstrate shared values.
3. Apply actionable advice and proven tips to enhance funder engagement, such as creating transparent communication channels, building trust, and understanding funder priorities.
4. Learn from real-world examples shared by the panelists, illustrating successful approaches to maintaining and growing funder relationships.

Audience: Nonprofit leaders, development professionals, board members, and anyone responsible for managing relationships with funders.

Cost: $25

Panelists

Autistic employees bring unique strengths—are you creating a workplace where they can thrive?”

This interactive panel will explore the experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum, best practices for workplace accommodations, and strategies for self-advocacy. We’ll discuss how organizations can foster inclusive cultures, streamline accommodations, and support neurodiverse employees in building meaningful careers. Attendees will gain practical insights, have the opportunity to engage in a dynamic Q&A session, and learn about community resources that support workplace inclusion and accessibility. Lunch will be provided.

Panelists:

• Dr. Courtney Jarrett
  Director of Disability Services
  Ball State University
• Melanie Wright
  Program Chair for Human Services
  Ivy Tech – Muncie
• Brad Robertson
  Community Advocate
• Grayson Joslin
  Ball State University Student
  Freelance Journalist/Writer
• Rhonda Jo Wood
  Internship Development Specialist
  Easter Seals Crossroads

This is a FREE Community Program and we will be providing lunch. Please register at least 24 hours ahead of time. 

Executive Director and Board President learning session to strengthen relationships, understand roles and responsibilities, and map out their year.

Together the Executive Director and Board President serve as the key leaders in a nonprofit organization corporation. As such, it is critical that they work in tandem to best serve their students, staff, and families.

The is a unique opportunity for nonprofit leadership to intentionally discuss, and delineate roles and responsibilities. Participants will leave the Summit with a clear plan of shared leadership for core functions along with a strategy for communicating that plan to the rest of the board.

Participants will:

• Discuss staff personnel
• Plan for the supervision of and annual review of the Executive Director / CEO
• Outline responsibilities for program development
• Discuss finance and budget
• Map out board meeting responsibilities
• Determine responsibilities for board building
• Examine the Executive Director and Board President relationship
• Determine an accountability and communication plan for the board

Cost: $50

Facilitators

Mitch Isaacs
Executive Director for Shafer Leadership Academy

Mitch Isaacs was named Shafer Leadership Academy’s Executive Director in May 2015. In this role, he works closely with the organization’s board of directors to fulfill the mission of the organization. He is responsible for creating vision, connecting with stakeholders, administering program offerings and leading the organization in meaningful ways.

Mitch has over 20 years of leadership development experience. He graduated from Ball State University in 2002 with a double major in History and Political Science and a minor in Counseling Psychology. Mitch completed his master’s degree in student Affairs and Higher Education at Indiana State University. Mitch returned to Ball State in 2005 and spent the next 10 years as a working professional in Higher Education, including five years as the Director of the Excellence in Leadership program, and Coordinator of the Leadership Studies Minor.

Mitch is an active member of the Muncie, Indiana community with broad nonprofit experience.  He  has served as the president of the board of directors Country Village / Creekwood Neighborhood Association, Muncie Action Plan, and Indiana Leadership Association. He has also served on the boards for Motivate Our Minds, Muncie Rotary and the Muncie Civic Center Authority. Mitch is passionate about youth development, with previous roles as Project Leadership Mentor, a Big Brother with Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Delaware County, and a member of the Burris Laboratory School Advisory Council.

Mitch has provided nonprofit consulting to organizations in Delaware County, Indiana, and beyond!

Jenna Ashby
Relationship and Resource Director for Nonprofit Support Network

Jena Ashby is Nonprofit Support Network’s Relationship and Resource Director. She has extensive nonprofit work and volunteer experience, and a wealth of experience convening diverse groups to build authentic, collaborative relationships.  She is passionate about the Muncie/Delaware County community and connecting people and organizations in meaningful, mutually beneficial ways.

 Jena is a lifelong Muncie resident who earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Ball State University in 2001 and continues to serve on the Department’s Advisory Council. She has also served on the staff of the following nonprofits: A Better Way, Habitat for Humanity, 8twelve Coalition, and Scholar House. Her Board involvement has included Muncie YMCA, Second Harvest Food Bank, Teamwork for Quality Living, and Step Ahead Preschool.

Jena and her husband have two young adult sons and enjoy outdoor activities, including cycling, hiking, and kayaking. They are active in leadership roles within their church.  She brings her skills in organizational management, public speaking, program development, connection/relationship building, and strategic planning to the many roles she is actively engaged in.