As of January 2025, IF advanced its push for racial equity in Indianapolis and Marion County by launching the Equity Imperative 2030 five-year plan, building on the successes of its 2018-2023 Inclusive City plan. The new plan focuses on scaling equitable systems to create thriving communities.
Strategic Planning Process
The formal strategic planning process for the Indianapolis Foundation’s Equity Imperative 2030 began in January 2024 with the involvement of the IF Board of Directors, a guiding team of civic leaders, IF Community Ambassadors, IF Leadership team, and the working group of IF Community Leadership Officers (CLOs).
During a 15-week sprint, the CLOs met weekly to take stock of the outcomes and lessons learned from the Inclusive City strategic plan. They engaged in research for best practices and used data about the well-being of individuals and the vitality of our communities to focus on four areas where IF could make a meaningful difference.
The guiding team met four times during this span, providing initial direction, recommending key partners and resources, and critiquing and recommending improvements to the development of specific strategies. The Community Ambassadors hosted several community conversations which informed the plan and have provided an invaluable perspective from community residents based on their lived experience. The Ambassadors helped narrow strategies and prioritize tactics based on community needs and opportunities.
The Board of Directors met twice, providing initial guidance and then affirming the structure of the new plan, providing approval for the next steps of specific action planning to determine strategies and grant priorities.
Glossary
What does IF mean by...
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Equity
- IF believes an equitable community is one in which opportunity is equally available to all — no matter race, place, socioeconomic status, or identity. It is a community where all groups can participate and reach their full potential.
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System
- A system is a complex network of institutions, structural and cultural norms, and rules that shape and, often, govern society. Systems encompass various aspects of life and include government, housing, healthcare, education, environment, and economics.
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Thriving Community
- In a thriving community, residents experience a sense of well-being, belonging, and a high quality of life. It is a community that provides opportunities for social connection, economic mobility, safety, civic engagement, and a healthy built environment. Our collective efforts to advance equity, particularly racial equity, in our city are centered on creating thriving communities.
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Racial Equity
- At the Indianapolis Foundation, advancing racial equity is central to our mission to build a more inclusive and thriving community. We recognize that historical and systemic racism has created barriers that continue to limit opportunity for many individuals and communities. By removing these barriers and intentionally investing in equity, we can create lasting change that benefits all in Indianapolis.
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Equitable Systems
- Equitable systems are fair, just, and provide meaningful and diverse opportunities and outcomes for all individuals, regardless of race, place, or identity. Equitable systems root out discrimination and biases to ensure that everyone in our community can thrive.
Ensuring all residents have access to safe, affordable, and stable housing.
Expanding opportunities for financial stability, wealth-building, and inclusive economic growth.
Advancing access to quality healthcare, wellness resources, and healthy living conditions.
Creating sustainable, resilient communities where everyone benefits from a clean and safe environment.
Giving
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