Grant program helps preserve and support historic African American sites

Applications are open for two funds created to honor the legacy of an Eli Lilly chemist by providing grants to organizations working to preserve significant African American landmarks in Indiana.

Standiford “Stan” Cox, who passed away in February 2019, joined Eli Lilly and Co. in 1957 as its first Black chemist and was a generous advocate for the preservation of African American heritage sites. During his lifetime, he established two funds with Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF), one in his name and one to honor his parents.

The Standiford H. Cox Fund supports the restoration, preservation, operation, and ongoing maintenance of African American historic sites in Indiana. The Dovie Stewart Cox & Chester A. Cox Sr. Memorial Fund provides support for Lost Creek Settlement near Terre Haute, one of the state’s earliest settlements of free people of color.

Indiana Landmarks will continue in its role as a key preservation advisor to the funds, identifying significant places and evaluating projects that the program could assist. Indiana Landmarks staff and Black Heritage Preservation Program committee review initial recommendations and submit them to CICF in June.

“Stan Cox understood that when a historic place is lost, something is taken from all of us,” said Jennifer Bartenbach, CEO of CICF. “His philanthropy was a way to keep Black history visible in the everyday landscape of Indiana, so future generations can learn from it, take pride in it, and stay connected to it. This grant program carries that bigger purpose forward by strengthening the communities around these sites in addition to the buildings themselves. CICF is honored to manage the funds he created, and we invite organizations across the state to apply and help protect the stories that shape who we are.”

In 2025, the Cox Funds awarded $200,000 to 15 projects, including $20,000 to restore the c.1850 limestone Hoyt House in Jefferson County, recognized as part of the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom. In Gary, $7,500 will be used to create a signage program calling attention to the Means Park Manor Historic District developed in the 1950s and ’60s by brothers Andrew and Geter Means as quality affordable housing for the city’s Black citizens. In Bloomington, $20,000 will aid roof and stained-glass window repairs at Second Baptist Church, designed by trailblazing Black architect Samuel Plato in 1913.

Since its inception in 2020, the Standiford H. Cox Funds have awarded nearly $1.2 million in grants around the state, spurring additional private investment and preserving key landmarks for future generations.

In addition to grants for capital improvements, CICF also distributes planning grants on an ongoing basis for architectural or engineering services and supports other projects to document Black heritage in Indiana. In 2025, a planning grants to the Wayman Chapel congregation in Lyles Station supported geotechnical analysis related to needed foundation repairs to the 1880s church, and a grant to Jeffersonville Main Street helped fund a relocation study for the historic Taylor High School.

“Stan Cox has left an incredible legacy to the people of Indiana,” said Mark Dollase, vice president of preservation services at Indiana Landmarks. “We are honored to work with the Central Indiana Community Foundation in a partnership that will continue to support the restoration of important African American landmarks for years to come.”

Born in Brazil, Ind., Cox was an Indiana University graduate who worked for 32 years for Eli Lilly and Co., beginning as a chemist and holding a variety of positions during his career. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious academic society, he also earned a master’s degree from Butler University. An advocate for academic biochemical research, he endowed the Standiford H. Cox Professorship in Biochemistry at Indiana University in Bloomington.

Applications for Cox Funds grants are due by April 1, 2026. Groups interested in applying for a grant from the Cox Funds should contact Indiana Landmarks at coxfunds@indianalandmarks.org.

Sites will be assessed based on criteria including architectural and/or historical significance, opportunities for redevelopment, threat of demolition, and significance to Indiana’s African American heritage. Non-profit organizations with active 501(c)3 status and religious organizations are welcome to apply.

For more information, contact Mark Dollase, vice president of preservation services at Indiana Landmarks, 317-639-4534, 800-450-4534, mdollase@indianalandmarks.org, or Leah Nahmias, program director at CICF, 317-634-2423, leahn@cicf.org.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Mark Dollase, Vice President of Preservation Services, Indiana Landmarks, 317-639-4534, mdollase@indianalandmarks.org

Mindi Woolman, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Indiana Landmarks, 317-639-4534, mwoolman@indianalandmarks.org

Kelsey Todd, Director of Marketing, Communications & Brand Strategy, CICF, 317-634-2423 x122, kelseyt@cicf.org

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Indiana Landmarks revitalizes communities, strengthens connections to our diverse heritage, and saves meaningful places. With nine offices located throughout the state, Indiana Landmarks helps people rescue endangered landmarks and restore historic neighborhoods and downtowns. People who join Indiana Landmarks receive its bimonthly magazine, Indiana Preservation. For more information on the not-for-profit organization, call 317-639-4534, 800-450-4534, or visit www.indianalandmarks.org.

Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) is dedicated to advancing philanthropy and strengthening communities across the region. CICF’s vision is to make Central Indiana the most connected, philanthropic, and impactful region in the nation. It helps individuals, families, and businesses turn charitable goals into lasting impact through philanthropic advising, grantmaking, and stewardship of charitable funds. CICF also partners with nonprofits and community leaders to respond to urgent needs and invest in long-term solutions that improve quality of life across Central Indiana. For more information about CICF, visit cicf.org, or call 317-634-2423.