The Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce does a great job creating a sense of community among…read morelocal businesses and residents. Their staff works tirelessly on planning both fun and informative events. Geek in Pink has been a member since our company was founded in 2005 and the Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in our growth and success. The members are very active and supportive of one another. The chamber offers a variety of benefits for companies ranging from one employee to large companies with many employees.

Any organization that supports local business as much as your local chamber of commerce deserves 5…read morestars. If you are a small business owner you can use the unlimited amount of resources that they provide. Their are multiple opportunities to network with other chamber members. The leadership and guidance the Greenwood chamber provides is excellent and they are always happy to help. If you are new to an area you can visit your local chamber to find out whats happening in your community. While supporting your local chamber your supporting growth in your community and the small business's that make it.

Let's be honest…read more There are certain non-profits and certain businesses that are simply 5-star organizations. Anything else is unacceptable. It's so true that if you see someone bash the organization, you immediately think to yourself "This is not someone I want to know." It's true. You know it's true. Keep Indianapolis Beautiful is such a non-profit. It's hard to describe everything Keep Indianapolis Beautiful does. Truthfully, I'm probably not even aware of everything Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (also known as KIB) does. I just know that when it comes to keeping Indianapolis a wonderful place to live, KIB seems to always be involved. I first became aware of KIB years ago when longtime friend David Forsell led the organization. If you haven't met David (and his wife Shannon), they are, in my estimation, one of "Indy's Couples." That's an official designation now, I made it up. Okay, back to KIB. KIB has programs in three areas: Clean Neighborhoods - Adopt-a-Block, Great Indy Clean-Up, Plogging, and Busy Roads/Waterways. Trees & Native Habitats - Project Greenspace, Habitat Restoration, and Community Forestry. Engaged Citizens - Urban Naturalists, Tree Tenders, Youth Tree Team, and KIB Ambassadors. It seems like whenever there's a community event, KIB is involved (I'm currently working alongside a KIB staff person jurying a film festival). It seems like if there's a community partnership to be had, somehow KIB is engaged with it. Their events are well-run, well-led, richly beneficial to our community, and remarkably empowering. Their office on Fletcher Avenue In 2009 became the first civic nonprofit in Indiana to have a building LEED Gold Certified by the US Green Building Council! KIB has wind turbines, a cistern to collect stormwater, rain gardens, a pervious pavement parking lot (which lets water filter through), and a sunny atrium filled with native plants. They also have a green roof and are dog friendly! In other words, KIB lives its values. As a non-profit, they have the highest possible ratings from both GuideStar and Charity Navigator. In short, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful is one of those non-profits I consider to be "Indy's Non-Profits." These are organizations that truly make Indy a fantastic place to live (and it is). I love KIB and I love everything they do.

I joined KIB last year during the height of the pandemic, when I needed a healthy outlet to channel…read moreall of the anxiety I was feeling. I would go for walks daily to calm my brain, but I couldn't help but notice litter on the ground. It kind of messed with the calm vibe I was trying to accomplish -- every disposable mask and tissue and empty water bottle I would see on the ground would make me more and more irate. So instead of getting mad about it, I started to bring a trash bag and litter picker with me on my walks. Suddenly, my walks began to feel calming again. Picking up litter gave my walks a purpose. It gave me a feeling of control during a time when so many things felt out of my control (COVID cases spiking, the crumbling of society, etc.) Plus, I felt good knowing that I was helping, in a small way, to make other people feel calm during their walks, too, by removing the litter so they didn't have to see it. Not too long after I started picking up litter on my own, I found out about KIB. I learned that they have an Adopt-a-Block program, where you can "adopt" a portion of your neighborhood and maintain it (pick up litter, plant trees, etc.) I volunteered to be a Block Captain for a portion of the Monon Trail. KIB gave me some free supplies to help me start out (a nifty KIB trash bucket, lots of trash bags, gloves, a trash picker and a t-shirt). I've been an Adopt-a-Block Captain for almost a year now. Since then, I've walked lots of miles and picked up dozens (hundreds?) of buckets of litter. I've made friends with people I see regularly who use the trail where I pick up trash. I've had people come up to me and ask me about KIB (because they see me carrying my KIB trash bucket), and I'm always happy to sing this organization's praises and encourage others to adopt a block in their neighborhood, too. And KIB makes it super easy to do so. They are very inclusive and just want people to get involved in making their communities better places to live and play. I tend to enjoy picking up litter the most when I'm by myself, because it's become a meditative practice for me. But, I've also joined several litter-collecting projects that KIB has organized. These are always very well-thought-out, and they target areas of Indy that are under-cared-for and have a lot of litter lying around. During these events, it's nice to be around other people who love Indy and are as invested in it as much as you are. KIB has lots of projects happening all year, which is great because there is always something to do. I love this organization so much, and it's become a part of me and my lifestyle now. So much so, that one time, when my kids saw a KIB sign when we were out and about, they pointed to it and said, "Hey mom, that's you! That's the thing you do."

Downtown Indy, the nonprofit is located in a neighborhood which is unsafe after dark…read more I got mugged around the corner from the Downtown Indy Headquarters. I wrote to Downtown Indy asking them to create outreach programs that improve safety and consideration towards tourists, but they don't care. The entire crew of Downtown Indy pretend to care about people but are only selfishly interested in promoting their nonprofit organization. Downtown Indy may now call itself Downtown Indy Alliance. Downtown Indy doesn't have any oversight or accountability. Either way, this organization is insensitive towards ordinary people. The president of Downtown Indy , Taylor never made any effort to answer me besides an automated email which mentioned "she was out of town". Nobody within Downtown Indy or most of its Board of Directors made any effort to contact me. After one year of waiting, I got a short email from someone on the board of directors from Downtown Indy, who mentioned they will bring attention to my concerns! The whole process of communicating with Downtown Indy is inadequate. Often, nobody answers the phones at Downtown Indy. Downtown Indy is an insincere nonprofit organization. Downtown Indy has done an awful job of helping visitors to downtown Indianapolis. None of their security teams were even outside the night I got mugged around the corner from Downtown Indy. The streets were all dark, whatever improvements the Downtown Indy organization claims to have brought about to their city were not noticeable. To make matters worse, I had been mugged on the first night of Indy 500, the most important event in Indianapolis. Awful Service! Awful Quality! Awful Value! Avoid Downtown Indy HQ and its area! Downtown Indy is both inconsiderate and unhelpful. Downtown Indy or Downtown Indy Alliance under their "rebrand" is still insincere and apathetic towards ordinary citizens. Crime in downtown Indianapolis is a topic which Downtown Indy hasn't resolved. Downtown Indy has no real motivation to resolve the problems of downtown Indianapolis. It was my first time in both the state of Indiana and the city of Indianapolis, I was booked to stay at the hotel across the street from Downtown Indy HQ. The hotel tried to pull a bait and switch on my room rates. I argued with the clerk who then threatened me with security. I ran out of the hotel in fear. I got mugged around the corner from Downtown Indy headquarters. One of the upper level crew at Downtown Indy works for Yelp. I fear that there is a potential conflict of interest concerning Yelpers posting positive reviews towards Downtown Indy. Yelpers may feel obliged to post positive reviews of Downtown Indy only because they know upper management is a Yelper too. NOTICE: they just changed their name to Downtown Indy Alliance, it's the same arrogant and pretentious organization filled with hypocrisy! I repeated this message twice because getting mugged around the corner from Downtown Indy Alliance and getting ignored traumatized me, especially since they posted annoying YouTube videos a few months afterwards which mention that they want "public feedback". Everything I have mentioned about my mugging near Downtown Indy Alliance really happened. Anybody who tries to discredit me is a real liar and should go stare into a mirror to reflect on the evil within their own heart!

Put your hands in the air if you're thankful for Downtown Indy!…read more From hosting incredible events that involve our whole city, to beautifying the streets we walk everyday, Downtown Indy works tirelessly to make our city the beautiful gem it is. They're responsible for the Circle of Lights, partnered with Lyft for discounted rides around Indy in a program called "Safe Summer Nights", put on a film summer film series on the canal, and recently executed a project that allowed local artists to decorate potholes covering the Cultural Trail. Those are only a handful of recent projects, and nothing compared to what they do throughout one year. Show them some love and support by writing your review too!

I love everything about the IMC! They support local businesses by people who speak over 200…read morelanguages in the area. They help promote them and sort out logistics so that neighboring businesses can help each other out, pick up ingredient orders together, and promote each other too. It's super special! There are so many amazing restaurants in the international marketplace and I still have so many more that I can't wait to try!

I had no idea this organization existed until this became an early voting site in Marion County for…read morethe 2018 midterm elections. Wow! What an amazing place to cast a vote. To be welcomed by flags from around the world, and to wait in a hallway lined with beautiful textiles from around the world was absolutely perfect! I took a bit of time after voting to look around the exhibits in the lobby and was impressed. I loved the masks over the entryway. I need to pay more attention to what this organization is doing; there are amazing small businesses in this neighborhood and I love that there is support for them. Indianapolis is more diverse and interesting than a lot of people think!

Like a newborn toddler learning to walk and then talk, it's been fun to watch Big Car grow and…read moredevelop over the last few years. I actually believe my first time to the Center was for the Yelp 500 two or three years ago and since then I've been for art shows, film screenings, meetings or just to marvel at their tremendous parking lot gardens and chickens. There's something so raw and edgy that makes Big Car a perfect fit for its surroundings. Nestled between all of my favorite ethnic eateries and stores, the building and staff is very in tune with what is going on in Lafayette and tapping in to the diverse audience of the area. I would have to say my favorite part about the Service Center is the simple fact that it once served as a car repair shop but is now filled with Sun King beer, a screening room, and a calendar packed with classes and events for all ages. Can't wait to see what comes next for this creative powerhouse.

Big Car? Oh, you mean the place with the chicken coops…read more I've driven past this facility several times and I always wondered about what went on inside. (The last time I visited, it was a tire center, lol) I was pleasantly surprised by what Big Car had done with the place. I had the opportunity to participate in the Digital Disconnect event where you surrender your mobile devices for an evening of good old fashioned fun. Think board games, letter writing, and live music. Of course, I panicked when I realized that I wanted to tweet about the event and my cell phone was nowhere to be found. But, wow. How refreshing to remember life before being connected to EVERYONE 24 hours a day. Kudos to Big Car on a great event and on re-purposing an unused building on the NW side. I'm looking forward to returning soon and often.

The Indiana Writers Center is another one of Indiana's true non-profit gems. In existence for over…read more40 years, it's an organization that has long been a presence even as I've grown as a writer in Indiana. The Indiana Writers Center, as I recall, used to be located in the Broad Ripple area but is now a part of Circle City Industrial Complex. One of the things I love about Indiana Writers Center is that they're VERY proactive about accessibility and even have a strong, uncompromising accessibility statement on their website including assurances regarding accessibility to their offices, classrooms, and event spaces. Bravo. I've had two strong connections to Indiana Writers Center before - original director Jim Powell and Barbara Shoup, a former instructor of mine who continues to be on the Indiana Writers Center staff. I credit Shoup with being one of the first to identify that my writing is a coping skill. The Indiana Writers Center is a non-profit that focuses on building the writing community in Indiana. They believe everyone has a story to tell and it's their vision to help people tell it. From new writers to professionals (Shoup herself has several books to her name), Indiana Writers Center embraces everyone who is on the journey of being a writer. They recently launched a poetry prize with Christian Theological Seminary and sponsor a Jim Powell Writer-in-Residence program. They offer events, classes, and a variety of programs for beginners, intermediate, and more professional level writers. The Indiana Writers Center website is a great place to learn about the Indiana writers' scene including writing opportunities. I've done both creative writing and professional film journalism and I love the Indiana Writers Center. The Indiana Writers Center is a membership organization with an amazing staff and an amazing board of directors. Sadly, I've never been quite as involved with Indiana Writers Center as I've intended - their former offices weren't particularly accessible and it's exciting to see such a positive transformation in this area. If you're a writer or curious about writing, Indiana Writers Center is a fantastic place to start. You'll find talented, enthusiastic, and encouraging people to help you along your wife and to share their tips, ideas, expertise, and lessons learned.

I visited Indiana Humanities to attend a workshop hosted by the Butler MFA Connections program. I…read moreenjoyed every moment! The space was welcoming and comfortable. It felt like being invited into the hosts home. Snacks and beverages were provided and amenities were accessible. It was my first time in the historic building, and I was amazed at the familial environment. I would recommend authors and artists check out their quality programming.

Think, read and talk...Indiana Humanities offers many low or no cost opportunities to do all of the…read moreabove. I've attended a few of their events, and had a lovely time at each one. Most recently I attended an event at the AMP showcasing independent short films created by Indiana residents about their relationship with our waterways. Very informative from an environmental perspective, but also entertaining. Example: did you know there are people here who create fishing nets by hand? Dare I call them artisanal, but they certainly fit the bill! We were lucky enough to have been graced with the creator of said film at this event. I love the premise of IN Humanities, and they offer a wide variety of opportunities across the state that are both educational and entertaining. You can't go wrong!

I have been a Big Sister for three years now and love spending time with my little! The…read moreorganization does a great job of matching you and your little. The process to become a little takes some time but it is worth it and I appreciate that they are so thorough. The organization often has free tickets for events for us to enjoy or partnerships with museums and places throughout the city. The best part is impacting your little and seeing them grow up and become their own person- I plan on being a big until my little graduates and hopefully will still stay connected after her graduation! If you have the time and passion, this is a great place to volunteer!! My advice is to be yourself and be open to new experiences.

One of my favorite Indy non-profits! Rooted in their desire to ignite potential in the youth of…read morecentral Indiana, BBBS is a phenomenal organization that matches bigs and littles together to create a positive relationship for all involved. I've been a Big for four years now and absolutely love it. My little and I enjoy doing things together like riding bikes on the canal, playing at the YMCA, and going to game nights hosted by BBBSCI - all for free thanks to BBBS and their partnerships. If you're thinking of becoming a Big - reach out and ask me anything! I love everything about it and can't rave about it enough!