The Parks Alliance Strengthens Future Impact through New Alignment with Central Indiana Community Foundation

Today, The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis announced an exciting new chapter in its decades-long partnership with Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF), transitioning from a supporting organization to a special interest fund of CICF. 

This evolution builds upon more than 30 years of collaboration between the two organizations and positions The Parks Alliance for a stronger, more sustainable future -elevating the role of parks, programs, and public spaces across Indianapolis. 

“Transitioning to a CICF fund, The Parks Alliance gains access to expanded nonprofit sustainability resources, operational expertise, and philanthropic support,” said Blake Johnson, Interim CEO of The Parks Alliance. “This transition allows us to focus our full energy on what matters most, strengthening Indy Parks, improving neighborhood vitality, and advancing creative ideas that bring people together in our city’s public spaces.” 

The move follows a year-long organizational review that identified opportunities for growth, efficiency, and expanded capacity. As a fund of CICF, The Parks Alliance will now share services with a network of community-focused organizations that work together to maximize philanthropic impact and reduce duplication of efforts known as the ICCF Collaborative. 

“The Parks Alliance is a critical organization that enhances quality of life for Central Indiana residents by expanding access to parks and trails, strengthening neighborhood vitality, and stewarding our natural assets,” said Jennifer Bartenbach, CEO of CICF. “CICF has partnered with The Parks Alliance for more than thirty years, and we’re honored to help empower their team to make an even bigger impact.” 

Jenn Schimmelpfennig, Board Chair of The Parks Alliance and President of Pivot Brands, added, “Joining forces with CICF’s team of nonprofit experts allows us to build stability, grow capacity, and direct more resources where they belong – into the parks, programs, and people that make Indianapolis thrive.” 

The Parks Alliance will continue operating from its headquarters along the White River in Riverside, maintaining its signature events and programs, including the beloved Indy’s Lunch for Parks presented by AES Indiana (April 24, 2026) – which annually celebrates and raises support for the city’s parks and public spaces. 

The organization is currently conducting a search for a permanent executive director to lead this next era of growth and innovation. 

Contact For More Information

• The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis: David O’Rourke, Vice President, Collaboration and Marketing, DORourke@parks-alliance.org
• Central Indiana Community Foundation: Kelsey Singh, Director of Marketing and Communications, KelseyS@cicf.org