Early Learning Indiana

About Early Learning Indiana

Early Learning Indiana Inc centers its grantmaking on children ages 0-5, with a clear emphasis on the transition into kindergarten and the early learning systems that support it. The organization’s recent awards show a strong pattern of backing child care providers, early education nonprofits, community organizations, and education institutions that can expand access or improve quality for young children across Indiana. A large share of its funding is tied to statewide early childhood initiatives, including Build, Learn, Grow and the Early Years Initiative. The largest recent awards include $1,309,070 to Central Avenue Kindercare in Columbus for a Build, Learn, Grow grant and $822,500 to Lena Foundation in Louisville, Colorado for ELI Lilly Literacy. The foundation also made multiple $500,000 Early Years Initiative grants to organizations such as The Portland Foundation, University of Notre Dame, and United Way of Allen County, showing a willingness to fund both local intermediaries and direct service providers. Across its programs, the foundation supports early language and literacy, infant and toddler access, provider capacity-building, and kindergarten transition support. Its philanthropic approach is closely tied to practical early learning infrastructure and program expansion rather than individuals or investments.

What Early Learning Indiana Funds

A major theme in the portfolio is child care infrastructure and provider support. Early Learning Indiana Inc awarded $1,309,070 to Central Avenue Kindercare in Columbus through Build, Learn, Grow, and another Build, Learn, Grow grant of $522,729 went to Future Scholars Daycare in West Lafayette. Early language and literacy is another visible focus. The foundation gave $822,500 to Lena Foundation in Louisville, Colorado for ELI Lilly Literacy, indicating support for literacy work tied to early learning outcomes. The Early Years Initiative points to broader early childhood system-building. Grants of $500,000 went to organizations such as The Portland Foundation in Portland and the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame under that initiative, alongside awards to community groups, health-oriented organizations, and education providers. The portfolio also includes a Strengthening the Early Childhood Workforce program and an Infant & Toddler Access Challenge, which align with workforce and access goals.

How Early Learning Indiana Gives