Support for Nonprofits Strengthening Central Indiana

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Nonprofit Programs

Office Hours

These quarterly, virtual sessions are a chance to connect, share experiences, and walk away with ideas you can put into action right away. The final two sessions of 2026 are Wednesday, September 9 and Thursday, December 10.

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Planned Giving Cohort

Planned giving is all-too-often overlooked at many nonprofits, yet is a major contributor to their long-term sustainability. Stronger Partners, Brighter Futures is CICF’s approach to elevating the conversation and activity of planned giving.

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Executive Leadership Cohort

This cohort, in partnership with the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and The Fund Raising School, is for new nonprofit executive leaders with less than three years of experience in executive leadership roles to build skills, confidence, and a peer network. 

Charitable Organization Funds

Partner with CICF to manage and grow your organization’s endowment fund. We handle the financial stewardship so you can stay focused on your mission. With access to expert investment management, personalized support, and strategic guidance, your organization can build financial sustainability for the future while deepening its impact today.

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Resources and Insights From CICF's Nonprofit Sustainability Experts

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June 2, 2026
Fundraising Like it’s 2026
If donors have seemed a bit unpredictable lately, you’re not imagining it. 
May 21, 2026
Big things can happen: Don’t give up on corporate donors
With changes in tax law now in effect, some companies may adjust how and where they give. Businesses still care deeply about community investment, but they may be looking for partnerships that feel more strategic, measurable and connected to their values. For nonprofits, that means relationships matter more than ever.
May 21, 2026
Is Your Donor Messaging Up to Date?
For years, many nonprofits relied on familiar messages, especially around tax benefits, to encourage giving. But in 2026, the landscape has changed, and donor behavior is changing with it. That makes now a good time to revisit your fundraising and stewardship messages, especially before year-end planning begins. 
May 21, 2026
New tax law and donor behavior
Many donors are only now beginning to understand how recent tax law changes affect charitable giving. Moments like this create natural openings for conversation. Donors are paying closer attention and may be more open to thinking strategically about how philanthropy fits into their broader financial plans. 
May 20, 2026
Q&A with Charitable Advisors' Bryan Orander & CICF's Jennifer Bartenbach
We are excited to share that Charitable Advisors has joined CICF, bringing together two organizations deeply committed to strengthening the nonprofit sector in Central Indiana. This partnership connects CICF’s role as a community foundation and regional convenor with Charitable Advisors’ trusted expertise in nonprofit talent, leadership, and information, creating a more coordinated and powerful system of support for nonprofits to grow, improve, and sustain their work. We spoke with President and Founder of Charitable Advisors Bryan Orander and CEO of CICF Jennifer Bartenbach to learn more.
May 5, 2026
Quality of Place Drives Quality of Life: Evidence to Attract Support for Placemaking and Beautification in Central Indiana
As financial resources tighten, donors’ attention naturally turns to what feels most immediate – food, housing, and health, for example. That can leave parks, trails, public spaces and neighborhood beautification feeling secondary or, even worse, indulgent. But research says it should still be a priority.
May 4, 2026
Jennifer Bartenbach: We need clearly defined roles for Indiana’s public, private, and nonprofit sectors
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 17, 2026
How to Sustain Donor Support When Conditions Shift
While philanthropy has never been driven solely by tax benefits, there’s no question that tax incentives can be part of a larger charitable giving strategy among higher-income donors. New tax law is an opportunity to refocus on what matters most: building relationships with supporters and reinforcing the value of giving at every level. 
April 17, 2026
Building your future donor base
Research shows that younger volunteers are especially motivated by impact, connection, and purpose. That mindset translates naturally into charitable giving when nurtured the right way.
April 6, 2026
Q&A: How Six Nonprofits Approach “Storytelling”
How can a nonprofit tell its story in ways that raise awareness, strengthen fundraising, and help the community clearly understand its mission?  We put these and other messaging questions to five Central Indiana nonprofits, as well as CICF’s own in-house writer. They weighed in on everything from what makes for effective storytelling, how to simplify complex operations for a general audience, making time for meaningful communication without a dedicated comms staff, writing tips, and more.  
March 27, 2026
When a Gift Isn’t a Check, We Can Still Help
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 23, 2026
Tax time: Old things, new things, and things you can do
Tax law changes are shaping donor conversations in new ways. This article previews how CICF helps nonprofits understand the basics, respond strategically, and strengthen fundraising communications around charitable giving.

Connect with our Nonprofit Support Team

We want to help nonprofits stay strong, informed, and connected. Our team brings deep experience in nonprofit sustainability and works alongside organizations across Central Indiana every day. Reach out to share trends you’re seeing, ask for help making connections, or find out if we have a resource that could support your work.

Please note that this form is for non-financial requests. Find current and upcoming grant opportunities from CICF and its foundation partners here.

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Please note that this form is for non-financial requests.

Find current and upcoming grant opportunities from CICF and its foundation partners here. Thank you. 

Grants

CICF administers grants for our funds and foundations as well as for our partners at Hamilton County Community Foundation, the Indianapolis Foundation, and Women’s Foundation of Indiana.

Below you’ll find all grant opportunities that CICF helps administer.

Opens Jun 15, 2026
Hamilton County Community Foundation Competitive Grants
The annual HCCF competitive grant round provides unrestricted organizational support to nonprofits serving Hamilton County, grounded in a trust-based approach.
Open | Closes Jul 31, 2026
Hamilton County Community Foundation Flexible Grants
Flexible Grants at Hamilton County Community Foundation are designed to provide timely, responsive support for nonprofits navigating urgent needs or emerging opportunities. This pathway allows organizations to address unexpected challenges, bridge funding gaps, or move quickly on time-sensitive initiatives that benefit the Hamilton County community.
Open | Closes Nov 20, 2026
The Indiana Climate and Democracy Catalyst Fund
The Indiana Climate and Democracy Catalyst Fund consists of local, state, and national funders who are committed to catalyzing movement building to accelerate environmental equity, decarbonization, and an inclusive democracy throughout the state of Indiana. This co-investment will progress environmental equity and inclusive democracy through grants to non-profit organizations leading this work in their communities. 2026 Application Open Dates: Rolling application with quarterly reviews.
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View all Grant Opportunities