The Indianapolis Foundation Competitive Grants

Provided by collaborative member Indianapolis Foundation

The Funding Opportunity

Indianapolis nonprofits can request funding through our grant process to drive meaningful change and help shape Indianapolis into a thriving, welcoming community. 

Organizations that share our mission for thriving communities can access funding, resources, and collaborative opportunities that advance innovative solutions in housing, economic mobility, health, and environmental justice. Our grants support initiatives that uplift communities, foster equity, and create lasting impact—because together, we can build a stronger Indianapolis for all. 

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Grant Contact Info

You may direct communication to your assigned Community Leadership Officer or email the team at TheIndianapolisFoundation@indianapolisfoundation.org 

Application Opens:
July 15, 2025 (8 a.m.)

Application Deadline:
August 30, 2025 (4 p.m.)

Grant Notifications:
By December 10, 2025

What is Funded

  • Proven Success 
    • Measurable outcomes 
    • Track record of achieving goals 
  • Strong Leadership 
    • Clear mission 
    • Board leadership represents community served 
    • Fiscally responsible organization 
  • Collaboration 
    • Works with partners to leverage efforts 
    • Innovative approaches 
  • Cultural Competency
    • Behaviors, attitudes and policies that allow for effective interaction with a diverse community. Work viewed through a lens of equity 
    • Work viewed through a lens of racial equity 
  • Sustainability
    • Resources necessary to maintain the work
    • Growth strategy

About the Review Process

  • The grant review process takes approximately four months.
  • During this time, community leadership officers evaluate applications, conduct follow-up discussions as needed, and may redirect requests to other CICF funds when appropriate.
  • Final funding recommendations are submitted to the Indianapolis Foundation board for approval.
  • Applicants are notified of decisions within a week of the board meeting, with grants typically disbursed within two weeks. 
  • Applications are assessed based on their alignment with the Foundation’s strategic plan and the organization’s commitment to equity, as measured by the Equity Framework.

Eligibility

  • Applications must be led by a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) public charity status and have an EIN number. 
  • A 501(c)(3) public charity may serve as a fiscal sponsor for another applicant to administer the grant. 
  • Any organization may be part of more than one proposal but may only serve as the lead applicant for one proposal. 
  • Grants may be for projects, programs, capacity building and/or general operating support. 
  • The max request is $75,000. 
  • Grants cannot exceed 1/3 of the organization’s annual operating budget. 
  • The organization must be located in Marion County and serve Marion County residents. 
  • Organizations are eligible for one responsive grant per year. (Organizations may apply for grants from other funds i.e. Elevation, Summer Youth Program Fund, etc. within the same calendar year.) 
  • Grants are made to organizations, not individuals. 
  • Grants will not be made to organizations or projects that discriminate based on race, ethnicity, age, gender or sexual orientation; to political campaigns or direct lobbying efforts by 501(c)3 organizations; for post-event or debt retirement; or to projects aimed at promoting a particular religion. 
  • Proposals must be submitted through CICF’s Smart Simple platform by the deadline. Late proposals will not be considered.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit all application materials using our Grants Portal (powered by SmartSimple). If this is your first time submitting an application through this system, you will need to create a user profile for your organization.

For guidance on setting up your account and navigating your applicant profile, please refer to our Grants Portal 101 resource for guidance.

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Apply Here

How to get Assistance 

  • If you have questions regarding the application process or the grant program in general, please direct communication to your assigned Community Leadership Officer or email the team at TheIndianapolisFoundation@indianapolisfoundation.org.  
  • Grant Support staff for the CICF Collaborative are available to provide technical assistance for Grants Portal access and use throughout the application period at GrantSupport@cicf.org.