Support for Nonprofits Strengthening Central Indiana
Strengthening the nonprofit ecosystem is a key part of CICF’s Pathways to a Stronger Central Indiana. This page brings together a variety of resources developed by CICF and its partners.
Nonprofit Programs
May 21, 2026
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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.
March 23, 2026
Clear language can make donor communication stronger and more effective. This article shows how CICF helps nonprofits simplify planned giving terms so staff, boards, and donors can move forward with greater confidence.
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.
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
The annual HCCF competitive grant round provides unrestricted organizational support to nonprofits serving Hamilton County, grounded in a trust-based approach.
Open | Closes May 29, 2026
As Women’s Foundation of Indiana implements its statewide expansion, it will spend most of its time and resources in 2026 envisioning how it “answers the call of the community” through its grantmaking in 2027 and beyond. The grantmaking process will be invitation only.
Open | Closes Jul 31, 2026
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.