Every year, grants from the Summer Youth Program Fund (SYPF) support hundreds of free or low-cost enrichment programs for Indianapolis youth ages 4 to 24 known collectively as Indy Summer Youth Programs.
- SYPF serves approximately 80,000 Indianapolis youth every year—about 24% of all the city's residents aged 4 to 24
- $60 million in funds granted since 1995
- 286 programs funded for 2026
Whether you’re currently a grant-seeker, a grantee, or a funder, SYPF makes things easier every step of the way thanks to a collaborative philanthropic process:
- Youth-serving groups apply just once a year to access 10 different potential funders, including some of Central Indiana’s largest philanthropies.
- Those funders collaborate to fulfill as many requests as possible. In fact, most qualified applicants receive some level of funding.
- Funders review these applications and choose which ones to support. And they can be assured their grant has made a positive impact thanks to a Final Report that each awardee prepares at the end of the season.
Applications for Summer 2027
Applications for the 2027 grant cycle are now open! We look forward to receiving your proposal. Click the button below to create an account and begin your application.
The CICF Collaborative Grants Portal (powered by SmartSimple) is used for the Summer Youth Program Fund application process. The Grants Portal 101 guide walks you through the process of setting up an account. For additional technical assistance, contact GrantSupport@cicf.org. To start an application, click here to login to the Grants Portal.
If you have questions about your application or SmartSimple, use the following resources. Please note: Some of the resource videos and materials may contain outdated information. However, the general overview of the Summer Youth Program Fund process and requirements remains relevant:
- List of application questions (PDF)
- Short video overviewing SYPF, how it works, and timeline
- Short video walking through Smart Simple steps
- Short video on preparing the budget section of the application
- SYPF Orientation Slides
If you need further information or wish to receive annual notifications for the opening of the grant cycle, please contact Indianapolis Foundation Community Leadership Officer Maria De Leon.
SYPF Timeline for 2027 Grantees
- Application Opens – August 17, 2026 at 8am
- Orientation - September 11, 2026 9am-1:30pm - RSVP Here
- Application Closes - October 16, 2026 at 4pm
- Applicants Notified – Week of February 1-5, 2027
- Summer Youth Program Takes Place – May – August 2027
- Final Reports Due – September, 30, 2027 at 5pm
Available Grants
Program Grants
Program Grants can support costs such as staffing, program materials, healthy meals/ snacks, scholarships to lower registration costs, and more. Eligible organizations will be tax-exempt or have a fiscal sponsor.
Capital Grants
The Lilly Endowment, Inc. makes special grants available for modest capital equipment purchases and projects.
Please note: Capital Grant recipients must have received Summer Youth Program Fund grants in two of the last three years (in 2024, 2025, and/or 2026) and must also be a 2027 grant recipient.
Final Reporting
- Final reports for 2026 programs are due on September 30, 2026.
- Final reports are assigned in and must be submitted via Smart Simple.
- Please see the resources below to help you complete and submit your report.
- Final Report Technical Support Guide
- Final Report Preview - Use to prep your entries or download your final submission.
- Final Report Form Signature Link - Complete or share this link with your organization’s authorized signatory for completion. All grantees are required to sign and upload this form certifying that all information in the final report, including financial information, is complete.
For technical assistance with accessing or using Smart Simple, email Grant Support. All other questions should be directed to Community Leadership Officer Maria De Leon.
Summer Youth Program Fund Partners
- Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation
- Anonymous local family foundation
- City of Indianapolis
- Cummins
- IndyStar Season for Sharing
- Lilly Endowment Inc.
- Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust
- The Clowes Fund Inc.
- The Indianapolis Foundation
- The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund
Questions?
If you have questions about Indy Summer Youth Program funding, please email IF Community Leadership Officer Maria De Leon. For technical assistance with the Smart Simple application, email our Grant Support team.