Indianapolis nonprofits can request funding through our competitive grant process to drive meaningful change and help shape Indianapolis into a community where all can thrive. Organizations that share our mission for thriving communities can access funding, resources, and collaborative opportunities that advance innovative solutions in housing, economic, health, and environmental equity. Our grants support initiatives that mobilize communities, foster equity, and create lasting impact—because together, we can build a stronger Indianapolis for all.
Questions should be directed to TIFrequests@indianapolisfoundation.org.
Competitive Round Proposal Criteria of the Indianapolis Foundation
Applications for the IF Competitive Round are reviewed at least annually. The maximum allowable request for this round is $75,000. The budget amount requested should not exceed 30% of an organization’s board-approved budget for the current fiscal year. Due to the large number of applications received each round, IF may not be able to fully or partially fund all proposals. In addition:
- Proposals must be submitted through the Grants Portal powered by SmartSimple by the designated deadline. Late proposals will not be considered.
- Proposals should include a clear plan for how the organization will allocate sufficient financial and human resources to operate within the proposed budget.
- Applicants must select performance metrics that they will track and report to the Foundation if they are awarded funding during the grant period.
General Eligibility for Receiving Funds from the Indianapolis Foundation
IF maintains minimum organizational requirements for applicants seeking funding. Please review the thresholds as follows:
- IF provides grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Applicants must meet standard nonprofit governance requirements. Organizations that do not have 501(c)(3) status may submit an application via a fiscal sponsor partnership.
- Applicants must both serve communities in Indianapolis and have an established office in Indianapolis.
- In accordance with our non-discrimination statement, an eligible organization must not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected class characteristics.
- IF prioritizes funding for organizations whose board of directors is made up of at least 25% of individuals from priority populations, as outlined in our strategic plan. These populations include:
- Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals and other historically marginalized groups
- Immigrants and refugees
- Returning citizens and/or justice-involved residents
- Older youth and young adults ages 16-24
- Residents experiencing or surviving violence and trauma
- An organization may only receive funding from the IF Competitive Round once annually and only if in compliance with reporting standards from all other funding received from the foundation. An organization may apply to other funds at IF within the same calendar year.
- An organization’s profile must be current in IF’s Grants Portal (powered by Smart Simple) to include appropriate financial and governance documentation such as: Form 990, Audits (when relevant), Year-End Statement of Activities, Profit and Loss Statements, Statement of Assets, Board-Approved Budget for Current Fiscal Year/Calendar Year, and Board of Directors roster.
IF's Equity Framework
In addition to the criteria above, IF will give preference to organizations and proposals that align with the IF Equity Framework. Aligned efforts would include:
- A focus on root causes rather than symptoms of systemic inequities
- Efforts that seek to address or eliminate disparities in Indianapolis
- Proven evidence of consistent, meaningful community engagement that informs and improves the organization’s programs, services, and overall direction
- A history of providing services to Indianapolis residents using a community asset-based approach
The Equity Framework serves as the IF guide for overall funding alignment. Sample project proposals that meet these expectations and fit into our strategic plan priority areas are described on the housing, economic, health, and environmental equity pages of the IF website. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the framework with IF staff if there are any questions.
For additional information on alignment and applying for a competitive grant see IF's Grant Application Guide and List of Definitions.
2025 Competitive Round Application, Evaluation & Reporting
Download Equity Imperative 2030 Grant Application Guide
Grant Application Preview
To help you get ready to apply, download a preview of the grant application here. This document outlines the questions and information you’ll need, so you can gather everything in advance before entering the application portal.
Scoring Rubric
Please find the 2025 IF Competitive Round evaluation rubric here. This rubric is used by IF to assess applications. Applicants must submit all materials to be eligible to advance to an award of funding.
Definitions
IF has created a List of Definitions to clarify the key terms we use throughout our Equity Imperative 2030 strategic plan and other initiatives. These definitions reflect the language that guides our work and partnerships as we strive to make Indianapolis a place where everyone—no matter their race, place, or identity—has the opportunity to thrive. Please find the 2025 IF List of Definitons here.
Metrics and Reporting
IF has identified baseline metrics to assist in tracking grantee progress. Selected metrics align with the Equity Imperative 2030 areas of health, housing, economic, and environment. Applicants are required to select or identify unique metrics to demonstrate the impact of their organization’s work. Each applicant submits metrics in the application that, if awarded, are utilized in the reporting process. Metrics, reporting, and storytelling are valuable components to understanding progress and garnering lessons learned.
Submission of Reports
If awarded, reports are submitted in the Grants Portal at the six- and twelve-month marks of the grant performance period. Example metrics are listed in the application by priority area.
Grants Portal (Powered by Smart Simple)
Applicants must submit all application and reporting materials using the IF Grants Portal (powered by Smart Simple). First time applicants create a user profile for the organization. Organizations already registered in the IF Grants Portal must update the organizational profile prior to submitting a new proposal.
For guidance on setting up an account and navigating an applicant profile, please refer to the Grants Portal 101 resource for guidance or send a request for support to GrantSupport@cicf.org.
The Grants Portal allows for the submission of an organization’s supporting materials, applications, financials, organizational documents, and reporting. This centralized hub provides a single platform for both IF staff and applicants, helping to streamline the grantmaking process and minimize duplicate information. If your organization has not applied for funds before, sign up for Grants Portal here.
Organizations that need assistance in accessing and utilizing Smart Simple can contact grantsupport@cicf.org to receive technical support at no cost.
Questions about the details of your application can be directed to TIFrequests@indianapolisfoundation.org or the respective IF Community Leadership officer.
