The Indianapolis Foundation is pleased to announce The Capacity Lab, a funding opportunity designed to strengthen and support organizations advancing entrepreneurship and community impact, particularly those that are grassroots and BIPOC-serving in the Indianapolis entrepreneurial support ecosystem.
Grants will support up to eight (8) entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) that demonstrate strong community connections, a clear vision for impact, and readiness to engage in a shared learning and capacity-building process. Each grantee will engage in one-on-one coaching, technical assistance, and collective learning experiences designed to build capacity in ways that honor their wisdom and the needs of the communities they serve.
Guiding Values
- Equity & Shared Power: Elevate BIPOC voices and promote transparency.
- Mutuality & Cultural Humility: Value lived experience and build trust.
- Community-Centered Design: Align solutions with community realities.
- Access & Opportunity: Expand reach to capital, networks, and tools.
- Ecosystem Stewardship: Foster collaboration over competition.
- Adaptive Learning: Embrace feedback and innovation.
Program Goals
The Capacity Lab aims to:
- Strengthen Organizational Capacity through strategic planning, coaching, technical assistance, and investment.
- Build a Trust-Based Learning Community through shared reflection and peer learning
- Deliver Culturally Relevant Technical Assistance that reflects each ESO’s identity and needs.
- Accelerate Business Growth by strengthening the ESO ecosystem’s reach and effectiveness.
- Build Capacity for Evaluating Impact so organizations can tell their stories and attract support.
- Shape Smarter Investments & Funder Accountability by centering ESO voices in decision-making.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must:
- Be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or have a fiscal sponsor.
- Have an active presence and serve entrepreneurs within Indianapolis
- Provide one or more programmatic offerings that support entrepreneurs (e.g., training, technical assistance, access to capital, mentorship).
- Be willing to engage in initiative activities, including coaching, learning sessions, and reporting requirements.
- Priority will be given to organizations that:
- Are grassroots and BIPOC-serving
- Operate with a budget under $750,000 annually.
- Demonstrate strong community connections and cultural relevance.
Funding Amount & Term
Selected organizations will receive unrestricted grant funding in the amount of $75,000 per year for two years (2026 and 2027). Additionally, selected organizations will receive coaching, technical assistance, and peer learning to grow capacity, impact, and sustainability.
Application Process
The application, which opens on Dec. 10, 2025, is available by clicking on the link below. The page includes:
- A description of the initiative’s goals and priorities.
- The application link.
- Registration links for optional information sessions.
Information Sessions
Interested organizations are invited to attend an optional information session. These sessions will include an overview of the initiative, application, and time for Q&A.
- Session 1: 9 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026
- Session 2: 5 p.m., Monday, Jan. 12, 2026
Application Submission
Applications must be submitted online through the IF application portal by 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Application Questions
Applicants will be asked to provide:
- Organizational Background: Nonprofit status, mission, vision, values, leadership, board, staff, and annual budget.
- Basic Metrics: Number of entrepreneurs served, demographics of entrepreneurs served, and information about performance and impact data collection practices.
- Programmatic Offerings: Description of current programs and services for entrepreneurs.
- Vision for the Future: Aspirations for impact, growth, and organizational development.
- Leadership Engagement: Names and roles of staff or leaders who would actively participate in the initiative.
- Potential Challenges: Anticipated barriers to participation or implementation.
Review & Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed using a rubric aligned with the initiative’s goals and priorities. A review team of representatives from the Indianapolis Foundation, including community reviewers, will evaluate applications. Selected grantees will be notified by Feb. 16, 2026.
Contact
For questions or technical assistance with the application, please contact
Fabio Yataco, IF Senior Community Leadership Officer
Application
To submit your application, click on the link below.