📢 IBC Member Update: May 2026
Mapping the Future of the Indianapolis Bridge Center
“Make a plan!”
“Before you start declarer play, make a plan.”
This is one of the first and most important lessons we are taught in bridge. I am convinced that this philosophy is also critical to the future success of the Indianapolis Bridge Center. Our budget, our physical facility, our strategy for growing membership, our leadership succession, and our educational programs cannot simply happen organically. They require a roadmap.
With this concept at the forefront, the IBC Board, staff, and several dedicated members held a retreat on April 29th to establish a strategic plan for the next five years. I believe we have begun a process that will allow our community to thrive for years to come.
A New Foundation: 501(c)(3) Status
The first step in this process involves a change in our tax-filing status. IBC is currently a 501(c)(4) organization, a designation that does not allow donations to be tax-deductible. We are currently preparing the necessary paperwork to obtain 501(c)(3) status.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, IBC would be recognized for its educational and charitable missions. This change offers two significant benefits:
Tax-Deductible Giving: Your future donations to the center will be tax-deductible.
Grant Eligibility: IBC will become eligible for grants from foundations that support educational initiatives and community service.
📈 Sustainability and Growth🌱
We recognize that while future costs can only be estimated, our current fees are already substantial. It is our hope that by opening these new pathways to income, IBC can avoid increasing annual membership or daily game fees above present levels.
Changing our tax status is only the beginning. Over the next five years, our aim is to listen more closely to your needs. Whether you are looking for more games at different levels, adjusted schedules, new forms of competition, or expanded classes, we want to hear from you.
Realizing this vision requires work. We need to survey our members, listen to feedback, and think beyond our current ways of doing things. I invite you to join us in being open to this new vision so that we can create a vibrant future together.
In the coming months, we will be asking for your input and support. Please consider volunteering in any area where you have professional expertise or a personal desire to see the IBC improve.
Following our next planning session in June, we hope to introduce several committees that can utilize your unique talents. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to the IBC Board or staff to let us know of your interest in getting involved.
April Recognition
Player of the Month: Penelope Millar
Novice of the Month: Ron Phillips
Social Events & Celebrations
Saturday Checkered Flag Social
Date: May 16
Details:
Signup sheets posted in the hallway
Club Championship game
Schedule: Meal starts at 5:00 P.M.; Game begins at 6:00 P.M.
Merris Young Life Master Party
Date: May 26
Schedule: Games at 10:30 & 11; Celebration and lunch at noon.
Special Games & Results
May 18-24: Play for GOLD
May 26th: Club Championships
Thursdays 12-2pm (14th, 21st, 28th): Soiree Games
Details: 18 Boards for only $8
Looking Ahead 👀
🏎️May Fundraiser: A reminder that the Indy 500 themed fundraiser to benefit Alzheimer’s research is underway. Entries are only $10, additional details posted at the club.
Reaching New Heights🔝
As Sharon recently shared, the ACBL has ranked IBC as having the 8th highest table count in the nation. We are incredibly close to climbing even higher—only 82 tables away from the 7th spot. To put that in perspective, if we add just two additional tables per week, we could potentially break into the top five.
Share Your Thoughts
As we race toward the Top 5, we want to make sure IBC is the best it can be. If you have suggestions to improve our space or make our schedules more effective, please reach out to the Board or Management. Help us keep the momentum going! 🏁
Larry N. Cohen
IBC Board President
larry@norle.net