January 28, 2025
Impact Stories

Central Indiana Community Foundation and Herbert Simon Family Foundation Announce Expanded Team

Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) is proud to announce the expansion of its support to the Herbert Simon Family Foundation (HSFF). These changes reflect the evolution of a 14-year collaboration aimed at advancing impactful philanthropy that creates more equitable, sustainable, and vibrant communities. 

As part of this ongoing evolution, Clayton De Fur, previously Senior Advisor to HSFF, has been named Executive Director of the Herbert Simon Family Foundation. Joining him are two new Program Directors, Leah Nahmias and Guadalupe “Lupe” Pimentel Solano, who will play pivotal roles in overseeing grants and programs. Together, this team will enable the foundation to better align HSFF’s grantmaking with its mission and values, amplifying its impact. 

“Our family is thrilled to grow the team that supports Herbert Simon Family Foundation,” said Rachel M. Simon, President of the Herbert Simon Family Foundation. “We have worked with Clayton, Leah, and Guadalupe in varying capacities through CICF and Indianapolis Foundation in the past, and couldn’t be more excited to bring them on as dedicated staff for our Foundation.”  

“The Herbert Simon Family Foundation has made tremendous enhancements to the quality of life in Indianapolis and the state of Indiana,” said Jennifer Bartenbach, CEO of CICF. “It has supported hundreds of organizations and programs, most notably, Pacers Bikeshare, the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever Experience at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and Artists at Work Indianapolis. CICF is proud to provide the philanthropic support that helps make the Herbert Simon Family Foundation’s vision a reality, and we look forward to seeing how this next chapter strengthens its ability to drive meaningful change in our community.”  

“The expansion of the Herbert Simon Family Foundation team marks an exciting new chapter—not just for our foundations, but for Indianapolis and the state of Indiana” said Clayton De Fur, Executive Director of HSFF and CICF Senior Director of Philanthropic Advising. “Our expanded team at Herbert Simon Family Foundation will be able to thoughtfully engage with our grantee partners and the community at large in a deep way that wasn’t previously possible, strengthening our impact and relationships in the community.” 

Since its establishment in 1999, the Herbert Simon Family Foundation has supported organizations committed to fostering equity and sustainability, with a focus on Indianapolis and the state of Indiana. The foundation’s primary areas of impact include: 

  • Arts & Culture 
  • Basic Needs 
  • Environment & Climate Change 
  • Jewish Causes 
  • Social Justice 

In 2011, the foundation expanded its board to include the second generation of the Simon family and deepened its partnership with CICF to include strategic philanthropic advising and grantmaking support. Over the years, HSFF has provided transformative grants to organizations that address critical community needs, furthering its commitment to lasting change. 

For more information about the Herbert Simon Family Foundation or CICF, visit www.cicf.org/hsff. 

Meet the Team

The Herbert Simon Family Foundation is supported by a team at CICF. Contact us at HerbertSimonFamilyFoundation@cicf.org or 317.634.2423.

Clayton De Fur
Leah NahmiasLeah Nahmias
Guadalupe Pimentel Solano
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