Central Indiana Community Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity formed in 1997 through a partnership with The Indianapolis Foundation, serving Marion County since 1916, and Legacy Fund, serving Hamilton County since 1991.

Leaders of both community foundations formed the collaborative effort to provide a broader level of philanthropic service and support to the communities served. The focus of the collaboration centers around providing regional leadership to charitable efforts throughout Marion and Hamilton counties with a continued emphasis on local county initiatives. While the county foundations continue to serve the needs of their local communities, they also enjoy the synergies, strategic partnerships and resources of a regional foundation.

1914

First community foundation established in Cleveland, Ohio by Frederick Goff.
1916

Led by Evans Woollen and Henry Hornbrook, The Indianapolis Foundation was established by Resolution of Trust.

Click here to view video about The Indianapolis Foundation featured on WFYI TV 20 series Community Building Communities.


    

1920-1922

First three gifts to The Indianapolis Foundation were received ($200,000, $800,000 & $900,000)

1924-1948

Eugene Foster served as 1st staff director of The Indianapolis Foundation.

1924

First grants by The Indianapolis Foundation established a full-time visiting nurse service as a memorial to benefactor James E. Roberts. This nurse, equipped with a car and necessary supplies, devoted her entire time to the care of handicapped children in their homes.

1932

The William E. English Foundation incorporated. Click here to view video about William E. English featured on WFYI TV 20 series Community Building Communities.

1948-1957

Paul Ross served as the 2nd staff director of The Indianapolis Foundation.
1953

English Foundation Building opened and The Indianapolis Foundation moved from Hume Mansur Building on East Ohio Street to the new English Foundation Building at 615 N. Alabama Street.

  


1958-1978

Jack Killen served as the 3rd staff director of The Indianapolis Foundation.

1989

Library Fund established by an anonymous donor to the Foundation to benefit designated public, academic, and high school libraries in Marion County.

1978-1993

Ken Chapman served as the 4th staff director of The Indianapolis Foundation.

1991

The Indianapolis Foundation celebrated its 75th anniversary.

1991

Legacy Fund Community Foundation established through the Lilly Endowment, Inc. Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (G.I.F.T.) initiative.

1991-1998

Teri Hansen served as the 1st staff director of Legacy Fund.

1993

The Indianapolis Foundation awarded a major grant from The Pew Charitable Trusts for the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative


1993-2000

Ken Gladish served as the 5th staff director of The Indianapolis Foundation and 1st staff executive of Central Indiana Community Foundation.

1994

Investment Committee formed to oversee the investments of the Foundation.

1995

The Indianapolis Foundation and Lilly Endowment, Inc. establish the Summer Youth Program Fund, a collaborative effort among local and national funders who support agencies that provide summer programming for Marion County youth.

1996

Women’s Fund of Central Indiana established to award grants to programs that improve options and opportunities for women and girls in central Indiana. Jennifer Pope Baker serves as the 1st director of Women’s Fund.

1997

The Indianapolis Foundation and Legacy Fund Community Foundation partner to form Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF).

  



1998

Megan Wiles serves as the 2nd Legacy Fund President.

1998

 Dan and Lori Efroymson established the Efroymson Fund with a $90 million gift to CICF.
2000

Legacy Fund Community Life & Learning Center opened.


  




2000

Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Association and Indianapolis Parks Foundation become CICF supporting organizations.

     




2000

Brian Payne serves as the 6th President of The Indianapolis Foundation and 2nd CICF President.
2001

Legacy Fund celebrates 10th anniversary.

 





2001

Legacy Fund celebrates 10th anniversary.
2001

NPower Indiana and TechPoint Foundation (formerly Indiana Information Technology Association (INITA) Foundation) become CICF supporting organizations.




2002

CICF adopts 1st five-year strategic plan with revised mission and vision statements.

   



2003

English Foundation Building celebrated its 50th anniversary.
2005

CICF announces Family Success and Inspiring Places community initiatives at "Giving Back, Going Forward" event. Each guest walked away with a $20 bill to give to a charitable organization in central Indiana they care about.
2006 LogoIndianapolis Cultural Trail:  A Legacy of Gene & Marilyn Glick was unveiled.
2007

Brad LittleR. Bradley Little serves as 3rd Legacy Fund president


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