Stronger Partners, Brighter Futures

Stronger Partners, Brighter Futures is the CICF Collaborative’s approach to elevating the conversation and activity of planned giving.

About the Program

CICF and other entities within the CICF Collaborative partner with Cape Fletcher Associates to offer charitable organization fundholders the opportunity to focus on their planned giving program through Stronger Partners, Brighter Futures.

Stronger Partners, Brighter Futures is the CICF Collaborative’s approach to elevating the conversation and activity of planned giving. With the capacity to significantly and positively affect the long-term sustainability of nonprofit organizations, planned giving is all too often overlooked at many organizations.

Organizations with charitable org funds at an entity within the CICF Collaborative (which includes CICF, Hamilton County Community Foundation, the Indianapolis Foundation, and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana) are invited to apply for participation in the annual cohort. Selected organizations commit to meeting monthly over a period of nine months. This group of up to six nonprofits will benefit from philanthropic counsel, assistance in launching (or reinvigorating) their planned giving campaign, plus staff and board training.

Applications for the 2025-2026 program will open in early 2025.

Learn More

Read the stories below to learn more about the success of past cohorts.

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.

Praise from Past Cohort Members

“Planned giving gives Habitat the opportunity to think long-term and strategically, allowing us to invest in the kind of projects that grow homeownership for the families who need it most.” – Jim Morris, President & CEO, Greater Indy Habitat

“This was incredibly worthwhile and fruitful. The Nine-month cohort gave us the tools, knowledge, and best practices we needed to confidently launch and grow ‘Over the Rainbow,’ our new and proactive planned giving program.” – IYG (Formerly Indiana Youth Group

“Thank you so much for your guidance and support throughout the Stronger Partners, Brighter Futures cohort. It was an invaluable learning and growing experience for all of us at Kids Dance Outreach.” – Kids Dance Outreach

“Participating in the CICF Planned Giving Cohort has been a transformative experience for the IMC, equipping us with the tools and confidence to build a lasting legacy for our mission.” – Stephen McCoy, Executive Director, Indianapolis Men’s Chorus

“Thank you to CICF for providing our team the opportunity to participate in the Planned Giving Cohort—an experience that has already strengthened our donor relationships and inspired lasting impact through thoughtful giving.” – Gregg Hiland President and CEO, YMCA of Greater Indianapolis

“Planned giving is so impactful because it turns donors’ values into lasting change and provides nonprofits with long-term support to grow, adapt, and serve future generations.” – Girls Scouts of Central Indiana