With the 2017-2023 Inclusive City strategic plan, we laid a strong foundation—investing in economic mobility, neighborhood empowerment, family stabilization, criminal justice reform, and dismantling systemic racism. These efforts made our work more anti-racist, community-centered, and impact-driven. Now, with Equity Imperative 2030, we’re doubling down on this commitment—scaling proven solutions, deepening community partnerships, and driving systemic change to ensure every resident of Indianapolis has the opportunity to thrive.
Champions for Community
The Indianapolis Foundation actively collaborates with a broad network of partners—including individuals, grassroots organizations, city officials, businesses, and peer foundations—to drive systemic change and build a more equitable Indianapolis.
By investing in community-led initiatives and amplifying the voices of residents most impacted by injustice, the foundation ensures that its strategies are rooted in lived experience. Grassroots organizations are empowered through grants and capacity-building support, enabling them to lead solutions within their own neighborhoods. This collaborative approach fosters trust and shared ownership, creating momentum toward lasting, community-centered progress.
In addition to grassroots partnerships, the Indianapolis Foundation works closely with civic leaders and local government to influence policy and align resources for maximum impact. The foundation also engages with businesses and philanthropic partners to leverage financial support and strategic expertise, facilitating large-scale investments in housing, education, health, and workforce development. By bridging sectors and uniting diverse stakeholders around a shared vision, the Indianapolis Foundation plays a vital role in coordinating efforts that contribute to a more inclusive, just, and thriving Marion County and Indianapolis for all residents.
The CICF Collaborative: Bold Ideas. United Action. Regional Impact.
The Indianapolis Foundation is part of the CICF Collaborative—a powerful alliance of five key organizations working together to shape a stronger, more equitable Central Indiana. Alongside Central Indiana Community Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation, Impact Central Indiana, and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, we’re tackling the region’s biggest challenges with creativity, collaboration, and shared purpose.
Each organization brings its own focus and expertise. The Indianapolis Foundation and Hamilton County Community Foundation address the unique needs of their communities. But when we join forces as the CICF Collaborative, we think bigger. We pool ideas, align strategies, and leverage resources to drive meaningful, scalable change across the entire region.
Whether it’s advancing equity, supporting innovation, or amplifying local voices, the CICF collaborative is committed to making a lasting impact. Through collective storytelling and bold advocacy, we’re building stronger connections and mobilizing support for a better future—for all who call Central Indiana home.
Inclusive City
In 2019, the Indianapolis Foundation introduced the Inclusive City strategic plan, aiming to foster a more equitable and inclusive Indianapolis. The five-year initiative focused on empowering neighborhoods, reforming systems that perpetuate inequality, and dismantling systemic racism. Key objectives include developing affordable housing near transit hubs, addressing health disparities in minority communities, enhancing infrastructure like bike lanes in underserved areas, and reducing racial disparities in school disciplinary actions.
In 2024, the Indianapolis Foundation unveiled Equity Imperative 2030, a five-year strategic plan to double down on its commitments made under the Inclusive City strategic plan. Equity Imperative 2030 plan targets improvements in housing access, economic opportunities, health outcomes, and environmental justice, particularly for marginalized communities in Marion County.
