Impact in Real Life

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Central Indiana Community Foundation recently hosted a Senior Fund webinar exploring the evolving landscape of health policy and its impact on older adults.

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.