Resources to Support your Philanthropy
Explore resources created by the CICF team and its partners.
June 24, 2026
For donors aged 70½ and older, an effective charitable giving tool available is the Qualified Charitable Distribution, or QCD.
June 24, 2026
For donors aged 70½ and older, an effective charitable giving tool available is the Qualified Charitable Distribution, or QCD.
June 24, 2026
For donors aged 70½ and older, an effective charitable giving tool available is the Qualified Charitable Distribution, or QCD.
May 26, 2026
How can we spark generosity in our own lives and throughout our region? That was the question at-hand at the recent TEDxIndianapolis Salon, “Generosity for a New Era,” hosted in partnership with Central Indianapolis Community Foundation.
May 21, 2026
The word “philanthropy” comes from Greek roots, translating to a “love of humanity”. At its heart, philanthropy reflects a deeply personal desire to help others, strengthen community and make a difference in ways that matter to you.
May 21, 2026
Whether you’re just getting started, giving consistently or thinking about long-term legacy planning, our team can help you shape a charitable plan that fits your priorities and evolves alongside your life.
May 21, 2026
Many families today are rethinking traditional estate planning approaches. Rather than automatically passing all assets to heirs, some donors are considering how their wealth can support both future generations and the long-term wellbeing of the communities they care about.
May 20, 2026
Taken together, these trends clarify where Central Indiana can focus next, from scholarship design to employer support and community partnerships that help more students follow through on their plans.
May 5, 2026
As financial resources tighten, donors’ attention naturally turns to what feels most immediate – food, housing, and health, for example.
May 4, 2026
A post-tax-season guide from the CICF Collaborative on smarter charitable giving. Learn three common donor regrets and practical fixes: donating appreciated assets, bunching gifts, and getting documentation right.
April 22, 2026
A post-tax-season guide from CICF on smarter charitable giving. Learn three common donor regrets and practical fixes: donating appreciated assets, bunching gifts, and getting documentation right.
April 22, 2026
Get practical guidance on charitable giving and due diligence from CICF. Learn how our team helps donors find trusted nonprofits, understand local needs, vet organizations, and build a confident giving strategy that reflects your values.
March 27, 2026
Most charitable gifts are simple: you write a check, click “donate,” or send a stock transfer. But every so often, generosity shows up in a form that’s a little more complex. Recently, one of our nonprofit partners, FACE Low-Cost Animal Clinic, found themselves in that exact moment.
March 26, 2026
At a time when Indiana is seeing a decline in students pursuing higher education, stories like Oriana’s remind us why scholarship support matters.
March 23, 2026
You do not need all the answers to begin giving more intentionally. This article shows how CICF helps donors take the first/next step – from opening a fund to shaping a longer-term charitable plan over time.
March 23, 2026
New tax rules make charitable planning more nuanced in 2026. This article previews how CICF can help donors and their advisors think through deductions, documentation, QCDs, and giving strategies with greater clarity.
March 23, 2026
This article highlights how CICF helps donors structure giving in ways that reflect their values, involve future generations, and create lasting impact.
February 20, 2026
Whether you are considering establishing your first fund with the community foundation or considering adding another fund to complement the ones you already have, it can be helpful to step back and consider how different options support different goals.
February 20, 2026
Charitable plans can outgrow the paperwork. If you have a donor-advised fund with CICF, it is a great idea to meet with our team once a year to review where things stand.
February 20, 2026
Charitable plans can outgrow the paperwork. If you have a donor-advised fund with CICF, it is a great idea to meet with our team once a year to review where things stand.
January 29, 2026
In 2026 new tax laws may impact charitable giving strategies for some people. Here are the changes that you’ll want to be aware of, and, most importantly, share with your tax advisors as soon as possible to determine how these changes might impact your situation
January 29, 2026
The combination of busy lives and an ever-growing number of worthy causes can make getting started feel overwhelming. The good news is that taking a few simple, thoughtful actions at the beginning of the year can bring clarity and confidence to your giving.
January 29, 2026
In 2026 new tax laws may impact charitable giving strategies for some people. Here are the changes that you’ll want to be aware of, and, most importantly, share with your tax advisors as soon as possible to determine how these changes might impact your situation
January 16, 2026
These reminders make a real difference in helping donors maximize both their charitable impact and their tax benefits.
January 15, 2026
Staniford “Stan” Cox broke barriers as Eli Lilly’s first Black chemist, but his most powerful legacy lives outside the lab.
December 10, 2025
Americans over age 50 without children are more than four times as likely as parents to have a charitable estate plan. If you fall into this group—or advise family members who do—take a moment to consider adopting an intentional philanthropic strategy.
December 10, 2025
For donors aged 70½ and older, an effective charitable giving tool available is the Qualified Charitable Distribution, or QCD.
December 10, 2025
As the year winds down, keep these 10 tips in mind to help organize your charitable giving.
November 14, 2025
Even families who are not impacted directly by new tax law are beginning to recognize more value in their donor-advised fund for the variety of purposes it can serve.
November 14, 2025
As year-end approaches, we hope your thoughts turn to charitable giving—both as a way to support your favorite causes and to make the most of available tax benefits.
November 14, 2025
Whether increased community needs are triggered by politics, a natural disaster, or economic factors, CICF is committed to helping you structure charitable giving plans that make a real difference in the lives of people in our region.
October 31, 2025
Together with our partners across Central Indiana, we’ve outlined several ways to ensure that no neighbor goes hungry during this critical time.
October 17, 2025
This article celebrates DAF Day 2025 and highlights the benefits of establishing or transferring a donor-advised fund to CICF, where donors enjoy the same tax advantages as national firms plus the added value of local expertise, personal guidance, and strong community connections.
October 17, 2025
This article outlines six key tips for evaluating your philanthropy, including updates on estate tax exemptions, charitable deduction rules, and smart giving techniques like bunching and Qualified Charitable Distributions.
October 17, 2025
This article introduces our Values, Interests, Purpose (VIP) exercise, designed to help donors clarify their philanthropic mission, and explores key questions around timing, legacy, and fund structure.
October 17, 2025
This article explores ways advisors can help clients navigate these challenges by documenting family values, engaging younger generations, and formalizing giving structures.
September 25, 2025
September 16, 2025
Despite–or perhaps in light of–the recent whirlwind of commentary about new federal laws and the implications for the charitable deduction and charitable giving, it is really important keep in mind that for most individuals, the decision to give is driven by deeply personal factors–such as compassion, moral obligation, empathy, or a belief in a cause—rather than financial incentives.
September 16, 2025
“Philanthropy” may sound like something reserved for wealthy, “mature” adults, but that’s not at all the case. At CICF, we work with individuals of every generation, from young adults to retirees and everyone in between.
September 16, 2025
In an economic and legislative environment full of unpredictability, we encourage you to tap the knowledgeable team at CICF.
September 5, 2025
It’s more important than ever to stay informed about how changes in the tax law may affect your charitable giving.
August 29, 2025
Fifteen sites significant to Indiana’s African American history are receiving restoration and rehabilitation assistance through two funds established by the late Eli Lilly chemist and preservation champion Standiford “Stan” Cox.
August 16, 2025
Many people think of succession planning as something only relevant to businesses or nonprofits. However, it's equally important when considering the legacy you want to leave through philanthropy—including being intentional about what happens to your donor-advised fund after you're gone.
August 15, 2025
The recently-passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) creates challenges as well as opportunities for structuring your philanthropy.
August 15, 2025
It’s time for back-to-school planning!
May 27, 2025
With public education funding in decline, the CICF Collaborative hosted a May 14 bus tour to show fundholders how philanthropy can help fill critical gaps.
March 20, 2025
The goal of this effort was to educate lawmakers about the unique role of community foundations and to advocate for specific policy priorities related to charitable giving and donor-advised funds (DAFs).
December 2, 2024
November 19, 2024
October 7, 2024
September 17, 2024
September 17, 2024