Beyond Funding: The Importance of Relationships in Nonprofits

This past year, CICOA commemorated 50 years of helping older adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities here in Central Indiana. As we celebrated and worked together to raise awareness of our mission, I thought about how different groups – like other organizations, businesses, grant funders and people like you – are connected to CICOA and the CICOA Foundation.

You might have heard someone say, “Why don’t you ask the Gates Foundation for money?” or “MacKenzie Scott gives away a lot of money; you should ask her!” People mean well when they say this, especially if they care about what we do. It’s true that the Gates Foundation plans to grant $8.74 billion in 2025, and MacKenzie Scott gave away over $2 billion in 2024. So, it’s easy to think, “Why not ask? It can’t hurt, right?”

But there’s something important to understand in fundraising: LAI. That stands for:

• Linkage: Having a connection or history with the organization.
• Ability: Being able to give.
• Interest: Caring about the nonprofit’s mission.

So, think about the Gates Foundation or MacKenzie Scott. What’s their connection to CICOA? Do they know us? Do they know you? Connections matter deeply in giving. Giving comes from the heart, and deciding to give money is a big decision. Why does this matter?

At CICOA, we’ve experienced significant change, just like many other Area Agencies on Aging in Indiana. Due to decreased funding, our staffing levels have been affected, and some of our plans have been put on hold. As someone who has worked in giving for over 20 years, I know that connections and having friends who support us are more important now than ever! This isn’t just fancy talk – we truly believe that you matter, and your support, no matter how big or small, is more critical now than at any time in CICOA’s history. I always say, “Government funding is never enough, it can change anytime, and it’s always limited!” That means we need to grow our support from people like you.

We believe that 2025 will be a great year, but we need more funding to make it happen. We are working on a “CICOA Reimagined” plan that will allow for major growth opportunities to stabilize the organization, provide greater areas of direct service, and build security for the next 50 years and beyond. What’s the key? Our current connections! We’re all linked together to support CICOA’s mission. That’s not just a technical term, it’s inspiring! We’re working together to keep CICOA strong so we can help our community be better, healthy and vibrant. Relationships are where we start, and they’ll help us every day.

How Can You Help CICOA?

What can you do to help today? Here are three ways:

1. Tell others about us! You might think just talking about CICOA isn’t a big deal, but it is! Many people learn about us from friends or family members we’ve helped. Be our champion!
2. Volunteer at our events! We have many events, like Safe at Home in September, where we help a neighborhood with home repairs and yard work. It’s a great way to see the impact of what we do.
3. Give a gift! Your gifts make a real difference. Here are some things to think about:
   • Give a little more: Even a small increase helps us deal with rising costs. Your continued support helps sustain our mission in an ever-changing landscape.
   • Donate stocks: If you have stocks that have gone up in value, donating them can save you money on taxes.
   • Use your IRA: If you have to take money out of your IRA each year, consider giving some to CICOA and making a meaningful impact with your dollars.
   • Use a donor-advised fund: If you have a fund for giving, use it to support us. Setting up a donor-advised fund is easy and may allow you to make contributions beyond your usual giving capacity.

The Power of Relationships in Giving

Connections and relationships are important. Years ago, I knew a family who gave to an organization I worked for. I was renewing this relationship as it had been lost over time. After some time and having fostered the relationship again, I simply asked, “Why did you stop giving to our organization?” They said, “Steve, relationships matter!” That stuck with me, and having good relationships matters to me.

I’d love to grab coffee with you or chat at my office. Please reach out if I can help you with your giving goals.

Steve Gerber

Steve Gerber brings experience in pastoral ministry, nonprofit management and fundraising team leadership to his role as CICOA’s chief development officer. Steve is responsible for the agency’s overall fundraising strategy, leading annual campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, grants and special events.

He holds designations for Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy^® (CAP^®), and the executive certificate in religious fundraising. Steve earned a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Temple University, a master’s degree from Grace Theological Seminary and a master’s in business administration from the University of Phoenix.

Steve Gerber

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