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Andrea Muirragui

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State plays wait, see: Indiana likely to follow federal lead regarding oversight of charities

As the national conversation about improving not-for-profit oversight gains volume, Indiana’s top charity watchdog is tuning in-while he considers whether to join the cacophony. Attorney General Steve Carter convened an informal group of advisers to weigh in on the topic last year, ultimately pushing for changes in state law that give him more ways to deal with abuses in the sector. Now he’s content to let federal efforts play out before determining what more can be done to keep the…

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Charitable sector rides on road to recovery: Giving makes big jump for the first time since 2000

Americans gave more money to charity last year than ever before, signaling a return to the pre-9/11 philanthropic heyday. Contributions were up 5 percent, to $248.5 billion-the first significant increase after adjusting for inflation since 2000. “Things have been kind of flat,” said Eugene Tempel, executive director at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. “This … tells us things are getting a little stronger. This is a good sign.” Researchers at the center compile data each year and write…

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TAKING A GAMBLE: Charity poker fund-raisers risk running afoul of the law

When it comes to charity poker in Indiana, players and organizers alike need to know more than when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em. They also need to know whether they’re walking-or running-away from a legal game. Poker’s growing popularity has given rise to a veritable jackpot for aficionados nationwide. In Indiana, where wagering is only allowed at state-sanctioned riverboat casinos, many of those who want more than a home game are finding action at tournaments that benefit…

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Rising tide brings flood of visitors to attractions: Leaders say cultural sites don’t compete

Indianapolis Zoo’s splashy new dolphin exhibit has drawn waves of sightseers since it opened Memorial Day weekend, but other local attractions aren’t worried the flood will wipe out their summer crowds. The timing couldn’t be better, observers said: just after the grand reopening of the renovated Indianapolis Museum of Art and before the debut of an expanded Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. Indianapolis attractions seem primed to blow visitors out of the water. “To me, it’s a…

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Women’s group aims to pool philanthropic resources: High hopes for first year: two $125,000 grants to local charities

They want to make a difference-a significant, six-figure difference in a world where progress often comes $100 at a time. By this time next year, the dozen women at the core of a new philanthropic effort hope to have found 100 or more like-minded individuals willing to open their hearts and their checkbooks to help the central Indiana community. Modeled after similar initiatives in Cincinnati and Pensacola, Fla., the idea behind Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis is simple enough: get 100…

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Main post office pondering move: Relocation could prompt sale of 16 acres across street from proposed stadium

It’s not in the path of a new stadium planned for downtown Indianapolis, but the downtown post office may get out of the way anyway. U.S. Postal Service officials are negotiating an agreement to sell land the postal service owns within the stadium footprint, and a spokesman said that discussion is part of a larger scheme to relocate the entire facility. “They’re talking about moving the whole thing,” said Al Eakle, public affairs officer for the USPS’ Indiana district. “Basically,…

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Up to the challenge: Stadium project leader has been here before

John Klipsch didn’t necessarily set out to take control of one of the largest public-works projects in Indianapolis history, but he prepared for it nonetheless. “My degree is in counseling,” he said with a wry smile. “This is how my career has evolved over the years.” So here he is, two months before work is scheduled to begin on a $900 million stadium construction and convention center expansion project, relying on his professional experience and personal dedication to get the…

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Not-for-profit looks for way to continue its operations: Broad support must replace CILC’s sole funding source

It was supposed to be short-lived, an agency created solely to help Indiana schools tap emerging videoconferencing technology for distance learning. But a funny thing happened on the way to the virtual field trip. “We found it really wasn’t about the technology. It was about what you do with the technology,” said Ruth Blankenbaker, executive director of the Indianapolis-based Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration. “If you don’t have a reason to use it, what’s the point?” Teachers had to…

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HIGHER (cost of) EDUCATION: Students’ college burden continues to rise in Indiana

With state funding flat and operating expenses rising, Indiana’s public universities are turning to a familiar source to make up the difference-students. Tuition and mandatory fees at state institutions are set to climb an average of 5 percent next school year and higher in 2006-2007, if proposed rates stand. That’s a far cry from the double-digit increases most universities imposed just a few years ago, but observers say it’s worrisome nonetheless. “Tuition has been rising at twice the rate of…

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Event encourages leaders to get on board: Not-for-profit agencies looking for help at the top

Call it high-stakes matchmaking-with a twist. For the third time in as many years, Indianapolis-based Lacy Leadership Association is gearing up for a massive blind date, hoping to connect communityminded individuals with not-for-profits that need their help. And “Get on Board” has been more successful than most fix-ups: Two-thirds of the 500 people who turned out in 2004 got involved with a participating agency in some way; nearly 20 of them took the leap into board positions. Interest already is…

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Convention payoffs won’t be instant: New deals, development unlikely until construction begins

The much-ballyhooed battle about funding for a new stadium and expanded convention center downtown appears to be over, but it will be some time before the victors get the spoils. Although state lawmakers authorized a series of tax increases to pay for the $900 million project, plenty of work remains to realize the promised payoffs-increased convention business, additional development and a shot at hosting the Super Bowl. “I don’t expect to see any of that until construction starts,” said Indianapolis…

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Deaf School building independent-living house: Students will practice skills they need to make it solo

Beginning this fall, high school students at the state-run school will get that boost at a new facility intended to help them learn how to make it on their own. The so-called Independent Living House-which may have a catchier name by the time it opens-will be able to accommodate as many as 10 students at a time, giving them a safe environment to practice cooking, cleaning and caring for themselves. “A large number of students need this kind of program,”…

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United Way enlists help from execs: Program provides extra muscle for annual fund-raising campaign

So UWCI will pitch the program with renewed fervor as agency leaders make the rounds of local businesses this year. They’ll point to networking opportunities and leadership skills, community awareness and self-confidence. And they’ll sing the praises of a revamped training program intended to be a big part of the answer. New this year are sessions on effective selling methods, project management and leadership development, intended to strengthen the appeal to employers and employees alike. “We really want to make…

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Charter service center works to broaden its reach: Collaborative programs a focus for organization

No charter school is an island-at least not from Kevin Teasley’s perspective. In fact, the independence at the very core of the charter movement creates demand for the kind of assistance his Charter School Service Center offers. “The fact that we have our own charter school makes us more helpful to others,” said Teasley, CEO of Indianapolis-based Greater Educational Opportunities Foundation. “We know what they need. Or at least we think we do.” GEO Foundation, which operates 21st Century Charter…

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Charter school leaving train station location for its own ’empowerment center’:

21st Century Charter School is pulling away from Union Station. Nearly three years after reinventing 17,000 square feet of space that once housed a bar and Hooter’s restaurant, school sponsor Greater Educational Opportunities Foundation has plans to build a stand-alone facility about five miles to the north. GEO has agreed to buy a two-acre parcel at 25th Street and Capitol Avenue that was to be the site of the Fall Creek Retail Center, an ill-fated project that fell apart in…

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Special Report: Flawed funding: Years of guaranteed increases set stage for school crisis

Indiana’s decades-long effort to protect shrinking school corporations from drastic cutbacks may well backfire on the very districts that most depend on it-including Indianapolis Public Schools. Critics say the promise of more money regardless of enrollment has allowed some school systems to bloat their budgets, and now state legislators are poised to let the air out. School funding already represents more than one-third of Indiana’s $24 billion, twoyear budget, and lawmakers want to rein in expenses and eliminate a projected…

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City ups charter aid: Loan program to help schools land financing for facilities

Indianapolis leaders are lending a helping hand-and the city’s strong credit rating-to charter school operators intent on building a different kind of educational environment, often from scratch. Charters receive tuition support payments from the state, but unlike other public schools, they do not get any tax revenue for their buildings. “The facility issue is a big issue,” said Mayor Bart Peterson, the only municipal leader in the country with the power to grant charters. “If we are committed to seeing…

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D.C. key to meeting biz: Indianapolis lands conventions with Washington contingent

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Kim Allison wants people to think of one thing when they see her: Indianapolis. So she makes the rounds, on and off the clock, creating that connection. Whether she’s bowling or shopping, eating or reading, Allison has her hometown in mind-even though she’s living and working nearly 600 miles away. “We go to everything,” said Allison, who leads the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association’s two-person office in suburban Washington, D.C. “It helps keep our name out there.” Thousands of…

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‘Placemaking’ finds champion: CICF to invest millions into quality-of-life enhancement

Central Indiana Community Foundation is making a multiyear, multimillion-dollar commitment to help find ways to make Hoosiers’ habitat a home. The Inspiring Places initiative, which is to be unveiled to foundation stakeholders March 22-23, aims to improve the region’s quality of life by rallying around the idea that vibrant public spaces create vibrant communities. But more than warm feelings are at stake, said CICF President and CEO Brian Payne. “More and more, a city’s economic development success revolves around its…

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Convention, Colts issues in play: Hospitality: Hospitality officials say delays may scare off potential clients

Hospitality officials say delays may scare off potential clients Patience is one thing. Imprudence is quite another. The Indiana Convention Center’s largest customers are keeping a keen eye trained on Indianapolis these days, hoping for a sign that state lawmakers will find a way to fund a $275 million expansion that would give them room to grow. But the lack of progress more than halfway into the legislative session has some reevaluating their options. “I’m very disappointed at how this is…

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