We help not-for-profits and grassroots organizations do world-changing work.
CICF, its affiliates—The Indianapolis Foundation and Hamilton County Community Foundation—and funds award, in total, more than $55 million in grants to not-for-profits each year.
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Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF), The Indianapolis Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana are a $1 billion collective of philanthropic organizations committed to making Central Indiana a community where all individuals have equitable opportunity to reach their full potential—no matter place, race or identity. We help people invest in the causes that matter most to them, award grants to effective not-for-profit organizations and provide leadership to make Central Indiana a better, more beautiful, more equitable community. Our investments enable organizations to provide effective programs and respond to the needs of people in the neighborhoods and communities they serve. Alongside individual, neighborhood and community partners, we dismantle barriers and build pathways for everyone to reach their full potential.
A Shared Mission
The staff and leadership at CICF, The Indianapolis Foundation and Hamilton County Community Foundation have studied the growing body of research that tells a dismaying story about the American Dream. Studies from The Brookings Institution, nationally, and locally in partnership with Indy Chamber and The Central Indiana Corporate Partnership; Stanford researcher Raj Chetty; and several others, confirm three things:
- There is a growing gap between the affluent and poor in Central Indiana.
- The chance of making it out of poverty is slim, and the chances of doing better than your parents are declining.
- Race has a profound impact on opportunity.
If we want Central Indiana to be a healthy and thriving community with inclusive economic growth, something has to change. We cannot stay comfortable. It’s time to reach for more—more opportunities and a more equitable playing field. We have goals that will take years—if not decades—to achieve. We know this work is complicated and we will make mistakes. We need this community to learn with us, hold us accountable and become our partners. We are committed to doing the work, but cannot do it alone.
Each fund at CICF has different criteria, processes and timelines for making grants. See below for a complete list of funds and staff contacts.
In general, CICF offers responsive grants, which have an open application process for all eligible organizations, and donor-advised grants, made based on the priorities determined by donor-advised fund holders. Alignment with donor-advised funds is identified by staff and only at the request of donors or after an application has been formally submitted through an open application round.
The Indianapolis Foundation and Hamilton County Community Foundation will each administer two general responsive grant rounds in 2023.
GRANTMAKING OPPORTUNITY |
APPLICATION WINDOW |
REVIEW PERIOD |
DECISION |
| The Indianapolis Foundation – round one | Dec. 12, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023 | February-April | May |
| Elevation Grant Program – round three (learn more) | Jan. 16 – March 3 | March | April |
| Hamilton County Community Foundation – round one | Jan. 17 – Feb. 28 | March – April | May |
| Central Indiana Senior Fund – (learn more) | Apr. 1 – Apr. 28 | May – September | October |
| The Indianapolis Foundation – round two | June 19 – July 31 | August-October | November |
| Hamilton County Community Foundation – round two | Aug. 1 – Sept. 8 | October – November | December |
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THE INDIANAPOLIS FOUNDATION
AT A GLANCE
- Grants are for general operating support.
- The max request is $50,000.
- Grants cannot exceed 1/3 of the organization’s annual operating budget.
- Organization must be located in Marion County and serve Marion County residents.
- Organizations are eligible for one responsive grant per year. (Organizations may apply for grants from other funds i.e. Elevation, Summer Youth Program Fund, etc. within the same calendar year.)
- Grants are made to organizations, not individuals.
- Grants will not be made to organizations or projects that discriminate based on race, ethnicity, age, gender or sexual orientation; to political campaigns or direct lobbying efforts by 501(c)3 organizations; for post-event or debt retirement; or to projects aimed at promoting a particular religion.
- Proposals must be submitted through CICF’s Smart Simple platform by the deadline. Late proposals will not be considered.
REVIEW PROCESS
The review process takes approximately four months. During this time, community leadership officers will read your application and schedule follow-up discussions as needed to gather more information. Depending on the nature of the request, the community leadership officer may recommend moving the grant request to another CICF fund for consideration. A final list of recommendations is presented to The Indianapolis Foundation board to approve or decline. Community leadership officers will notify applicants of final decisions within one week of the board meeting. Grants are typically paid out within two weeks of the board meeting.
Applications are assessed for alignment with its strategic plan and the degree to which the organization is equity-driven, as measured by its Equity Framework.
Learn more about The Indianapolis Foundation’s strategic plan
GRANT APPLICATION CRITERIA
We assess each funding request using the criteria listed below:
PROVEN SUCCESS
- measurable outcomes
- track record of achieving goals
STRONG LEADERSHIP
- clear mission
- board leadership represents community served
- fiscally responsible organization
COLLABORATION
- works with partners to leverage efforts
- innovative approaches
CULTURAL COMPETENCY
- behaviors, attitudes and policies that allow for effective interaction with a diverse community
- work viewed through a lens of racial equity
SUSTAINABILITY
- resources necessary to maintain the work
- growth strategy
HAMILTON COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
AT A GLANCE
- Grants are for general operating and program support.
- The max request is $30,000.
- Organization must serve Hamilton County residents.
- If you have an open grant, you will not be considered for another grant until it is closed.
- Grants are made to organizations, not individuals.
- Grants will not be made to organizations or projects that discriminate based on race, ethnicity, age, gender or sexual orientation; to political campaigns or direct lobbying efforts by 501(c)3 organizations; for post-event or debt retirement; or to projects aimed at promoting a particular religion.
- Proposals must be submitted through CICF’s Smart Simple platform by the deadline. Late proposals will not be considered.
REVIEW PROCESS
All applications will be reviewed after the deadline. Applications are assessed for alignment with Hamilton County Community Foundation’s strategic plan. If more information is needed, a staff member will be in touch and ask you to make revisions. The grants committee will review and make its recommendations to the board of directors for their approval of final award decisions. Hamilton County Community Foundation will notify you of your application status soon thereafter. Grants are typically paid out within 30 days of the board meeting.
Learn more about Hamilton County Community Foundation’s strategic plan.
GRANT APPLICATION CRITERIA
We assess each funding request using the criteria listed below:
PROVEN SUCCESS
- measurable outcomes
- track record of achieving goals
STRONG LEADERSHIP
- clear mission
- board leadership represents community served
- fiscally responsible organization
COLLABORATION
- works with partners to leverage efforts
- innovative approaches
CULTURAL COMPETENCY
- behaviors, attitudes, policies that allow for effective interaction with a diverse community
- work viewed through a lens of racial equity
SUSTAINABILITY
- resources necessary to maintain the work
- growth strategy
CICF believes we can make a greater impact by leveraging funding resources and may share proposals with other CICF funds. It is very important to contact a community leadership officer prior to submitting any fund proposal.
MARION COUNTY
THE INDIANAPOLIS FOUNDATION
The Indianapolis Foundation was established in 1916 and is an affiliate of CICF. The Indianapolis Foundation is supported by gifts and bequests from donors who trust the foundation will address the diverse needs of Marion County now and in the future.
THE LIBRARY FUND
The Library Fund was established in 1989 as a field-of-interest fund of The Indianapolis Foundation. An anonymous donor to the foundation established the fund to benefit public, academic and high school libraries in Marion County. The purpose is to provide high-quality collections, resources and access for all Marion County information consumers.
Questions should be directed to Jamie Valentine, JamieV@cicf.org or 317.634.2423 x
INDY SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS
Indy Summer Youth Programs are supported through the Summer Youth Program Fund, a collaboration between The Indianapolis Foundation and 10 funders in Marion County. Indy Summer Youth Programs focus on providing safe and positive experiences for children and teens at little or no cost to families.
Questions should be directed to Leah Nahmias, LeahN@cicf.org or 317.634.2423 x178
THE ELEVATION GRANT PROGRAM
The Elevation Grant Program (previously known as the Violent Crime Prevention Grant Program) is a partnership between The City of Indianapolis and The Indianapolis Foundation. The program will invest $45 million in neighborhoods over the next three years (2022, 2023, and 2024) to address the root causes of violent crime in Indianapolis through a comprehensive approach, including neighborhood empowerment and community building.
Questions should be directed to Alicia Collins, Alicia@cicf.org or 317.631.6542 x173.
IMMIGRANT LEGAL SERVICES FUND
The Immigrant Legal Services Fund was established in 2021 in partnership with The City of Indianapolis. The purpose of the fund is to support Hoosiers who are seeking support through the immigration process or those at risk of deportation. Grantmaking prioritizes organizations providing prevention and/or intervention immigration services.
Questions should be directed to Guadalupe Pimentel Solano, GuadalupePS@cicf.org or 317.631.6542 x503.
HAMILTON COUNTY
Hamilton County Community Foundation was established in 1991—then known as Legacy Fund—and is an affiliate of CICF. Hamilton County Community Foundation is supported by gifts and bequests from donors who trust the foundation will address the diverse needs of Hamilton County now and in the future.
Questions should be directed to:
- Jeena Siela at JeenaS@cicf.org or 317.843.2479 x302
- Anita Rogers at AnitaR@cicf.org or 317.634.2423 x524
CENTRAL INDIANA
CENTRAL INDIANA SENIOR FUND
Central Indiana Senior Fund, a donor-advised fund of CICF, was established in 2004 to financially support programs and services that promote quality living for older adults in Central Indiana. Senior Fund originated from the assets, including an endowment, land and building, of the not-for-profit Indianapolis Retirement Home, which served Central Indiana for 138 years. The Central Indiana Senior Fund is interested in supporting programs that promote overall health and wellness, ensure that the basic needs of low-income older adults are met, enable older adults to reside in the environments of their choice, and provide opportunities that provide life-affirming opportunities.
Questions should be directed to Julie Koegel at JulieK@cicf.org.
CROSSER FAMILY FOUNDATION
Janet R. Crosser and the late Richard H. Crosser established the Crosser Family Foundation in 2001, with the wish to continue, celebrate, and inspire philanthropy in our community today and in the future. The foundation provides financial support to organizations that focus on youth and their families and are located in Hamilton County or the surrounding areas in Indiana.
Questions should be directed to Anita Rogers at AnitaR@cicf.org or 317.634.2423 x524.
EFROYMSON FAMILY FUND
A donor-advised fund of CICF, the Efroymson Family Fund continues a long legacy of charitable commitment by the Efroymson family in Central Indiana. Established in 1998 by Dan and Lori Efroymson, it funds various efforts to promote the viability of Indianapolis. To date, it has awarded more than $100 million in grants in Central Indiana and beyond.
Questions should be directed to Joanna Nixon at Joanna@joannanixon.com.
GLICK FUND
Glick Fund was established in 1998 as a donor-advised fund of CICF by Gene and Marilyn Glick. Since its inception, Glick Fund has awarded over $42 million in grants to effective not-for-profit organizations. Glick Fund concentrates on increasing educational opportunities, promoting arts and creative expression, supporting efforts toward self-sufficiency, alleviating human suffering and helping those in need.
Questions should be directed to Allissa Impink, AllissaI@cicf.org or 317.843.2479 x504.
SHEEHAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
Tom and Soni Sheehan created the Sheehan Charitable Foundation to focus on improving the lives of children facing debilitating medical challenges. They provide financial support to organizations that remove barriers, provide assistance and encourage the development of children, support for veterans and other life-affirming efforts.
Questions should be directed to Jeena Siela, JeenaS@cicf.org or 317.843.2479 x528.
WOMEN’S FUND OF CENTRAL INDIANA
Women’s Fund of Central Indiana was established in 1995 as a special interest fund of CICF. Women’s Fund supports organizations that give opportunities, encouragement, knowledge and hope to women and girls in Central Indiana. Women’s Fund is interested only in gender-specific efforts, not just programs that happen to serve women and girls.
Questions should be directed to Julie Koegel at JulieK@cicf.org.
The Indianapolis Foundation
Community Leadership & Equitable Initiatives Team
Pamela Ross
Vice President of Community Leadership & Equitable Initiatives
PamelaR@cicf.org
317.634.2423 x149
Wahid Ahmed
Community Leadership Officer
WahidA@cicf.org
317.634.2423 x139
FOCUS AREAS:
- Affordable Housing
- Homelessness
- Historic Preservation
- Neighborhood Preservation
- Community Development
Leah Nahmias
Community Leadership Officer
LeahN@cicf.org
317.634.2423 x178
FOCUS AREAS:
- Indianapolis Summer Youth Programs
- Youth Development
- Youth Workforce
Josetté Robinson
Community Leadership Officer
JosetteR@cicf.org
317.634.2423 x126
FOCUS AREAS:
- Public Safety
- Crime Prevention
- Seniors
- Substance Abuse
- Domestic Violence
Guadalupe Pimentel Solano
Director of Community Leadership and Equitable Initiatives
GuadalupePS@cicf.org
317.634.2423 x503
FOCUS AREAS:
- Immigrants & Refugees
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiatives
Jamie Valentine
Community Leadership Officer
JamieV@cicf.org
317.634.2423 x141
FOCUS AREAS:
- Education
- Environment
- Food Access & Nutrition
- The Library Fund
Fabio Yataco
Community Leadership Officer
FabioY@cicf.org
317.634.2423 x143
FOCUS AREAS:
- Adult Workforce
- Economic Development
HAMILTON COUNTY COMMUNITY Foundation
Community Leadership Team
ADDITIONAL key staff contacts
for not-for-profits
Clayton De Fur
Director of Family Philanthropy, Senior Advisor to the Herbert Simon Family Foundation
ClaytonD@cicf.org
317.634.2423 x140
Allissa Impink
Director of Family Philanthropy, Senior Advisor to Glick Philanthropies
AllissaI@cicf.org
317.634.2423 x504
Julie Koegel
Consultant for Central Indiana Senior Fund & Women’s Fund of Central Indiana
JulieK@cicf.org
Before starting a grant application, reach out to your community leadership officer to discuss your needs, ideas and whether you’re a good fit for our grants. We also strongly recommend assessing your organization’s alignment with our strategic plan and Equity Framework before starting an application.
Once you’ve spoken with your community leadership officer and reviewed our strategic plan and Equity Framework, you can create a grant application in Smart Simple, CICF’s grants management platform.
If you’ve never applied to a grant from CICF before, you will need to set up an account in Smart Simple, our grants management platform. See our Smart Simple 101 Guide for directions. For technical assistance, contact us at GrantSupport@cicf.org.
