Impact in Real Life
This is where we share how the work of CICF and those we work with is making a difference in Central Indiana. You’ll find updates from our team, news from our partners, and stories about the people and communities connected to our mission. Every story offers a glimpse into the progress we’re making together.
November 26, 2025
Jennifer Bartenbach, CEO of Central Indiana Community Foundation, presented at the Democratizing Philanthropy Research Workshop, hosted by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy on On December 19, 2026. Her remarks explored what it means to democratize philanthropy from a community foundation perspective, highlighting the role of residents, data, and long-term partnerships in shaping more equitable outcomes. This work is central to CICF’s work and to the work of community foundations more broadly: serving as connectors, elevating community voice, and turning research into practical strategies that strengthen local systems.
November 19, 2024
Herbert Simon Family Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the Indianapolis Creative Risk Fund, an initiative designed to propel Indianapolis’ arts ecosystem into new territory by supporting artists who are experimenting, innovating, and embracing creative risk.
November 19, 2024
Applications are now open for Indiana’s most comprehensive scholarship portfolio, offering access to 50+ awards across four-year, two-year, and technical programs. Students can apply for multiple scholarships through a single multilingual application—available in English, Spanish, and Burmese—at cicf.org/scholarships.
November 3, 2025
Indy Hunger Network (IHN), in partnership with Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF), Indiana University Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, and the City of Indianapolis Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS), today released the 2025 Survey of Food Assistance Need in Central Indiana. For the first time, the survey broadened its scope beyond Marion County to include all nine Central Indiana counties, providing the most comprehensive snapshot yet of how households are accessing and experiencing the region’s food system.
October 2, 2025
Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) has named Diana Coyle as its new Director of Nonprofit Services & Sustainability, a role designed to strengthen and elevate the nonprofit ecosystem in Central Indiana. As Director of Nonprofit Services & Sustainability, Coyle will lead efforts to help nonprofits build financial stability, operate more effectively, collaborate more efficiently, and navigate long-term challenges.
November 19, 2024
Today, The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis announced an exciting new chapter in its decades-long partnership with Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF), transitioning from a supporting organization to a special interest fund of CICF.
September 5, 2025
The nonprofit sector is heading into one of the most unpredictable year-end giving seasons in recent memory. With the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” set to change charitable tax benefits on January 1, donors may be motivated to give more before the deadline. From major donor strategies to incentives for everyday givers, this article breaks down what you need to know and how to plan for whatever comes next.
September 5, 2025
It’s more important than ever to stay informed about how changes in the tax law may affect your charitable giving. The recently-passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) creates challenges as well as opportunities for structuring your philanthropy. We encourage you to reach out to your attorney, CPA, and financial advisor to evaluate how the changes in the law impact your own situation.
September 5, 2025
Recently, CICF sat down with Indiana Humanities’ Keira Amstutz, president and CEO, and Marisol Gouveia, director of engagement. Together, they shared insights on the vital role humanities play in shaping vibrant communities across Indiana. From funding grassroots initiatives in rural towns to creating statewide programs that connect Hoosiers through literature, history, and culture, Indiana Humanities ensures the humanities are accessible to everyone. In our conversation, Keira and Marisol reflected on the organization’s impact, current challenges, and what gives them hope for the future.
September 2, 2025
We’re proud to introduce the 2025 cohort of Stronger Partners, Brighter Futures (SPBF). This nine-month initiative is led by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation, and the Indianapolis Foundation—all members of the CICF Collaborative—and supports nonprofits in strengthening their planned giving strategies. It is open to organizations with endowments or similar funds held at CICF Collaborative entities.
August 27, 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 12, 2025
Indiana Elks have been raising money for cancer research in the state since 1948. And that has worked out exceedingly well – the Elks have given more than $11 million to support research at Indiana and Purdue universities, which has led to new treatments like Pluvicto for prostate cancer and launched the careers of numerous cancer researchers.
But the Elks wanted to do more. They wanted to be able to raise more money faster,
attract more planned gifts and have a long-term, sustainable fund that will continue to provide money in perpetuity for cancer research.
They turned to CICF to help them achieve those goals.
July 9, 2025
In this letter marking her two-year anniversary as CEO, Jennifer Bartenbach shares CICF’s renewed vision and strategic plan for Central Indiana. She outlines the region’s significant potential, the critical role of the nonprofit sector—which contributes $43 billion annually and employs 1 in 10 private-sector workers—and CICF’s commitment to being a trusted partner through it all. With a goal to make Central Indiana the most connected, philanthropic, and impactful community in the country, CICF is stepping forward with a plan—and with the message that we’ve got our region’s back.
July 7, 2025
Allen Humphrey stands at the podium, staring out at a crowd of fresh-faced graduates. They’re dressed in gowns, but instead of caps, their heads are crowned with hard hats.
A year and a half earlier, Humphrey couldn’t have imagined himself on stage, sharing his story. Back then, he was juggling two fast-food jobs, just scraping by, and relearning to walk after being shot in 2023.
June 30, 2025
Staniford “Stan” Cox broke barriers as Eli Lilly’s first Black chemist, but his most powerful legacy lives outside the lab. Through two philanthropic funds at CICF, Cox has invested more than $1 million to preserve Black historic sites across Indiana, from churches and neighborhoods to resorts and community spaces. His quiet generosity has brought new life to places once nearly forgotten, helping ensure that the stories of Black resilience, community, and excellence are remembered and celebrated for generations.
June 30, 2025
In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, a couple of friends who work in philanthropy were having a socially distanced conversation about how nonprofit organizations with meaningful endowments were weathering the pandemic much better than ones that didn’t have those financial resources.
June 2, 2025
Central Indiana Community Foundation recently hosted a Senior Fund webinar exploring the evolving landscape of health policy and its impact on older adults.
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. Attendees heard from education leaders and visited two schools, Providence Cristo Rey and Brookside Elementary, to see innovative solutions in action. The day highlighted both urgent needs and long-term opportunities, encouraging donors to support education in ways that align with their values.
April 30, 2025
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February 9, 2025
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November 19, 2024
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September 17, 2024
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September 14, 2023
July 20, 2023