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    1. Home
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    3. Richard M Fairbanks Foundation
    Richard M Fairbanks Foundation logo

    Richard M Fairbanks Foundation

    ActiveMutual & Membership BenefitFunds Individuals
    Indianapolis, INWebsite3178467111

    About Richard M Fairbanks Foundation

    The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation concentrates its giving in Indianapolis-area civic institutions, with a strong emphasis on education and economic opportunity, cultural assets, and community health. Major gifts fund higher-education capital and program expansion (STEM/engineering and sciences), K–12 innovation and workforce pathways (youth apprenticeships and school supports), signature cultural projects, and targeted health pilots. Grants are large, strategic, and often repeat investments in place-based partners to drive long-term impact across the region.

    Focus Areas

    Higher education STEM and campus capital projects in Indianapolis (Butler University sciences expansion; Marian University School of Engineering)K–12 innovation and school improvement / education entrepreneurship (The Mind Trust general operating support; local charter and school incubation)Youth workforce development and apprenticeship systems (Ascend Indiana youth apprenticeship pilot via Central Indiana Corporate Partnership)Major arts, culture, and public spaces investment (Newfields — Art & Nature Park capital support)Local public media and health journalism tied to education and community health (WFYI Side Effects reporting and education reporting)

    About Richard M Fairbanks Foundation

    A defining feature of Richard M Fairbanks Foundation Inc is its sustained backing of Indianapolis youth apprenticeship and school-to-work pathways. The foundation has repeatedly funded Ascend Indiana through Central Indiana Corporate Partnership Foundation Inc, including $2,000,000 in 2025 for the Youth Apprenticeship Marion County Pilot and Statewide Master Plan and $1,200,000 in 2023 for the same effort. That pattern sits alongside large education and workforce grants that connect classroom learning to careers, from a $1,350,000 general operating grant to The Mind Trust in 2025 to support for school improvement, principal development, and math instruction in Marion County. The foundation also makes large place-based investments in higher education and civic infrastructure. Its recent grants include $2,500,000 to Butler University for the Sciences Expansion Project, $1,000,000 each to Marian University for the School of Engineering in 2023 and 2025, and $1,000,000 to Newfields for the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park in 2025. Health is another visible thread, including support for WFYI’s Side Effects health reporting and expanded education reporting and a $1,000,000 grant to Eskenazi Health Foundation for the Health Engagement Zone pilot. Across these examples, the foundation favors multi-year commitments and institution-level support in Indianapolis.

    What Richard M Fairbanks Foundation Funds

    In youth apprenticeship and workforce development, Richard M Fairbanks Foundation Inc has invested in Central Indiana Corporate Partnership Foundation Inc to advance Ascend Indiana’s Youth Apprenticeship Marion County Pilot and Statewide Master Plan, with grants of $2,000,000 in 2025 and $1,200,000 in 2023. The same workforce agenda appears in its support for broader apprenticeship infrastructure through CEMETS iLab Indiana and the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway. Education improvement is another major line of giving. The foundation gave $435,000 to The Mind Trust for a pilot to improve math instruction in Marion County in partnership with Instruction Partners, and $330,000 to The Mind Trust for the Relay National Principals Academy Fellowship. It also supported college access work through a $187,500 grant to MSD of Warren Township for College Matters: Reversing the Trend Implementation Grant. Health-related grants include $1,060,000 to WFYI for Side Effects health reporting and expanded education reporting, and $1,000,000 to Eskenazi Health Foundation for the Health Engagement Zone pilot. These grants show an interest in public information, school-based supports, and local health engagement.

    Financial Snapshot

    Annual Giving

    $14.3M

    Total Assets

    $387.3M

    Total Revenue

    $30.7M

    Total Expenses

    $25.3M

    Typical Grant Size

    Most grants fall between $713 and $20K, with a median of $4K.

    25th Percentile

    $713

    Median

    $4K

    75th Percentile

    $20K

    Geographic Reach

    Local20 states funded
    Funding intensity
    Low
    High
    Headquarters

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    © 2026 Kindora. All rights reserved.

    Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceSystem Status
    EIN (Tax ID): 31-1189885Latest Form 990: 2025Total assets: $387.3M3 filings on recordFind their full 990 filing →
    See If You're a Fit — FreeFree account · instant fit score · similar funders

    Who They Fund

    K–12 students and teachers (Marion County focus)college-bound and postsecondary students (FAFSA/enrollment, 21st Century Scholars)youth and young adults entering workforce (apprenticeships, talent associations)educational leaders and school principalsbusiness owners/entrepreneurs focusing on business equityindividuals in recovery and communities affected by substance usegeneral community/visitors to arts & nature park

    Giving Approach

    Concentrated, place-based philanthropy: a small number of large grants (many multi-million-dollar awards), frequent repeat funding to the same Indianapolis institutions, a mix of capital projects and multi-year operating support aimed at system-level change.

    Funding Style

    general operating supportcapital/capital expansion fundingpilot and seed grantsmulti-year/extension grantscapacity-building/organizational support

    Notable grantees: Central Indiana Corporate Partnership Foundation Inc (Ascend youth apprenticeship), Butler University, The Mind Trust, Marian University, Newfields

    Topics

    youth apprenticeship and work-based learningcollege access & FAFSA/enrollment supportsK–12 instructional improvement (math) & principal leadership developmentworkforce development for advanced manufacturing & healthcare talentearly childhood/school readiness (Getting on Track Early)health reporting & community health engagement (Health Engagement Zone, Side Effects)arts, parks, and historic preservation

    How Richard M Fairbanks Foundation Gives

    Typical grant size is modest relative to the foundation’s larger program commitments: p25 is $712, median is $3,825, and p75 is $20,164. At the same time, the recent grants list shows a separate tier of seven-figure and high six-figure awards for institutional projects. The pattern is not one-off; several recipients appear across multiple years, including Central Indiana Corporate Partnership Foundation Inc, The Mind Trust, Marian University, Newfields, and WFYI. The foundation is a regular funder rather than a DAF, makes no program-related investments, and funds individuals. Its grantmaking includes both general operating support and project-specific, capital, pilot, and multi-year support. Unsolicited applications are not part of every program; the general inquiry process and some targeted programs use staff review and invitations.

    Where Richard M Fairbanks Foundation Makes Grants

    Grant activity is highly concentrated in Indiana, with 83% of grants going to recipients in the HQ state. Indianapolis is the clear center of gravity, including grants to Butler University, Marian University, Newfields, WFYI, The Mind Trust, and Eskenazi Health Foundation. The recent grants list also reaches nearby Noblesville through Aspire Indiana Health Inc, while Chicago appears once through NORC. The recipient-country distribution is entirely U.S.-based, with 309 grants recorded in the United States.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Richard M Fairbanks Foundation

    What kinds of organizations does Richard M Fairbanks Foundation Inc support most often?

    Its grants repeatedly support Indianapolis-based education, workforce, health, and civic organizations. Recent examples include Central Indiana Corporate Partnership Foundation Inc for youth apprenticeship, The Mind Trust for school improvement, WFYI for health and education reporting, and Newfields for an arts-and-nature park.

    Does the foundation make multi-year or recurring grants?

    Yes. Several organizations appear in multiple years, including Central Indiana Corporate Partnership Foundation Inc in 2023 and 2025, The Mind Trust in 2023 and 2025, Marian University in 2023 and 2025, and Newfields in 2023 and 2025.

    What is the typical grant size?

    The grant-size distribution is small at the center but with large strategic outliers: p25 is $712, median is $3,825, and p75 is $20,164. Recent awards also include seven-figure grants such as $2,500,000 to Butler University and $2,000,000 to Central Indiana Corporate Partnership Foundation Inc.

    How local is the foundation’s giving?

    Very local. The geographic scope is listed as local, and 83% of grants go to recipients in Indiana, with Indianapolis accounting for most recent recipients. The recipient-country distribution is entirely U.S.-based.

    Can organizations submit unsolicited applications?

    Some programs are invitation-only, including the Vitality of Indianapolis charitable grants and family legacy grants. The foundation also has a general grant inquiry process for organizations in its focus areas, where staff review inquiries and may invite proposals.

    Latest 990 Filing

    2025

    Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.

    Open Grant Opportunities

    Current and upcoming funding from Richard M Fairbanks Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.

    Open nowCloses Oct 2, 2026Award: Up to $150K

    INCAP Connectors: Building Connections for the Successful Implementation of INCAP

    EducationCareer apprenticeshipsWorkforce development+1 more

    Who can apply: Tax-exempt organizations interested in serving as the Region A INCAP Connector. The organization must be regionally based and support implementation of the INCAP Apprenticeship Program in the specified counties.

    Deadline: RFP launch: June 29, 2026; letter of intent deadline: August 21, 2026; invitations to submit proposals: September 7, 2026; proposal deadline: October 2, 2026; selection announcement: week of October 26, 2026.

    View & apply
    Open nowRolling / open intakeAward: Varies

    Education Focus Area (Education Grants / Inquiries)

    Education

    Who can apply: Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities under Sections 509(a)(1), (2), or (3), and public entities designated under Section 170(c), serving greater Indianapolis. The Foundation does not fund individuals, most for-profit organizations, certain Type III supporting organizations, or initiatives without a clear Indianapolis impact. Current inquiries are accepted only in the Education focus area.

    Deadline: Inquiries may be submitted at any time during the year and are reviewed continuously. Full proposals are by invitation only and receive an assigned due date.

    View & apply

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    Deadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.

    Recent Grants

    Most recent grants reported to the IRS.

    RecipientLocationAmountYearPurpose
    Central Indiana Corporate Partnership Foundation IncIndianapolis, IN$2,000,0002025Continued funding for Ascend Indiana's Youth Apprenticeship Marion County Pilot and Statewide Master Plan
    The Mind TrustIndianapolis, IN$1,350,0002025General Operating Support 2023-2025
    WFYIIndianapolis, IN$1,060,0002025Continued Support for Side Effects Health Reporting and Expanded Education Reporting
    Marian UniversityIndianapolis, IN$1,000,0002025School of Engineering
    NewfieldsIndianapolis, IN$1,000,0002025Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park
    Eskenazi Health Foundation IncIndianapolis, IN$1,000,0002025Support for Health Engagement Zone pilot
    Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce FoundationIndianapolis, IN$952,9502025General operating support
    Dove Recovery House for Women IncIndianapolis, IN$500,0002025Capital Support for Facility Expansion
    Aspire Indiana Health IncNoblesville, IN$500,0002025Capital support
    Indiana Chamber of Commerce FoundationIndianapolis, IN$387,0002025General operating support
    Central Indiana Corporate Partnership Foundation IncIndianapolis, IN$333,3342025Business Equity for Indy Organizational Capacity
    EdChoiceIndianapolis, IN$250,0002025General Operating Support 2023-2025
    MSD of Warren TownshipIndianapolis, IN$187,5002025College Matters: Reversing the Trend Implementation Grant
    Victory College PrepIndianapolis, IN$173,9422025College Matters: Reversing the Trend Implementation Grant
    MSD of Wayne TownshipIndianapolis, IN$171,5662025College Matters: Reversing the Trend Implementation Grant
    Indiana Latino Institute IncIndianapolis, IN$150,0002025Support for expanded FAFSA/college enrollment supports as part of College Matters
    Franklin Township Community School CorporationIndianapolis, IN$149,6502025College Matters: Reversing the Trend Implementation Grant
    Indianapolis Public Schools Education FoundationIndianapolis, IN$129,2782025College Matters: Reversing the Trend Implementation Grant
    Central Indiana Corporate Partnership Foundation IncIndianapolis, IN$125,0002025Support to Conexus for Start-Up Advanced Manufacturing Talent Association
    MSD of Lawrence TownshipIndianapolis, IN$120,0002025College Matters: Meeting the Moment.
    MSD of Wayne TownshipIndianapolis, IN$120,0002025College Matters: Meeting the Moment.
    Perry Township SchoolsIndianapolis, IN$120,0002025College Matters: Meeting the Moment.
    MSD of Warren TownshipIndianapolis, IN$120,0002025College Matters: Meeting the Moment.
    Indianapolis Public SchoolsIndianapolis, IN$119,9902025College Matters: Meeting the Moment.
    Central Indiana Corporate Partnership Foundation IncIndianapolis, IN$100,0002025Support to BioCrossroads for Start-up of Healthcare Talent Association
    Center for Leadership DevelopmentIndianapolis, IN$100,0002025Support for expanded FAFSA/college enrollment supports as part of College Matters
    Goodwill Foundation of Central and Southern IndianaIndianapolis, IN$100,0002025College Matters: Meeting the Moment.
    Indianapolis Urban LeagueIndianapolis, IN$100,0002025Support for expanded FAFSA/college enrollment supports as part of College Matters
    MSD of Pike TownshipIndianapolis, IN$100,0002025College Matters: Meeting the Moment.
    MSD of Decatur TownshipIndianapolis, IN$100,0002025College Matters: Meeting the Moment.
    Indiana Black Expo IncIndianapolis, IN$100,0002025Support for expanded FAFSA/college enrollment supports as part of College Matters
    Herron Classical Schools - Herron and Riverside High SchoolsIndianapolis, IN$100,0002025College Matters: Meeting the Moment.
    Meals on Wheels IncIndianapolis, IN$91,5502025Funding for the NO Limits to Recovery pilot
    Purdue Polytechnic High SchoolIndianapolis, IN$80,0002025College Matters: Meeting the Moment.
    Beech Grove City SchoolsBeech Grove, IN$80,0002025College Matters: Meeting the Moment.
    Christel House AcademyIndianapolis, IN$80,0002025College Matters: Meeting the Moment.
    KIPP Indy Public SchoolsIndianapolis, IN$75,0002025College Matters: Meeting the Moment.
    Victory College PrepIndianapolis, IN$75,0002025College Matters: Meeting the Moment.
    Phalen Leadership AcademiesIndianapolis, IN$75,0002025College Matters: Meeting the Moment.
    Irvington Community SchoolsIndianapolis, IN$72,7502025College Matters: Meeting the Moment.
    MSD of Washington TownshipIndianapolis, IN$65,5382025College Matters: Meeting the Moment.
    Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana Inc dba Indiana LandmarksIndianapolis, IN$50,0002025Family Legacy Grant for General Operating Support 2024-2025
    St Andrew's School DE IncMiddletown, DE$30,0002025Matching Gift Donation
    Indianapolis Zoological Society IncIndianapolis, IN$30,0002025Matching Gift Donation
    Careerwise ColoradoDenver, CO$25,0002025Sponsorship to support US Advanced CEMETS Institute in 2025
    Crown Hill Heritage FoundationIndianapolis, IN$25,0002025Family Legacy Grant designated for Historic Preservation and Education Programs 2024-2025
    Constructing Our FutureIndianapolis, IN$25,00020252024 Charitable Grant
    Step Up IncIndianapolis, IN$25,00020252024 Charitable Grant
    Judah Ministries IncIndianapolis, IN$25,00020252024 Charitable Grant
    New Breed of Youth Mentoring ProgramIndianapolis, IN$25,00020252024 Charitable Grant

    Central Indiana Corporate Partnership Foundation Inc

    $2,000,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    Continued funding for Ascend Indiana's Youth Apprenticeship Marion County Pilot and Statewide Master Plan

    The Mind Trust

    $1,350,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    General Operating Support 2023-2025

    WFYI

    $1,060,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    Continued Support for Side Effects Health Reporting and Expanded Education Reporting

    Marian University

    $1,000,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    School of Engineering

    Newfields

    $1,000,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park

    Eskenazi Health Foundation Inc

    $1,000,000
    Indianapolis, IN
    2025

    Support for Health Engagement Zone pilot

    Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce Foundation

    $952,950
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    General operating support

    Dove Recovery House for Women Inc

    $500,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    Capital Support for Facility Expansion

    Aspire Indiana Health Inc

    $500,000
    Noblesville, IN2025

    Capital support

    Indiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation

    $387,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    General operating support

    Central Indiana Corporate Partnership Foundation Inc

    $333,334
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    Business Equity for Indy Organizational Capacity

    EdChoice

    $250,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    General Operating Support 2023-2025

    MSD of Warren Township

    $187,500
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    College Matters: Reversing the Trend Implementation Grant

    Victory College Prep

    $173,942
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    College Matters: Reversing the Trend Implementation Grant

    MSD of Wayne Township

    $171,566
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    College Matters: Reversing the Trend Implementation Grant

    Indiana Latino Institute Inc

    $150,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    Support for expanded FAFSA/college enrollment supports as part of College Matters

    Franklin Township Community School Corporation

    $149,650
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    College Matters: Reversing the Trend Implementation Grant

    Indianapolis Public Schools Education Foundation

    $129,278
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    College Matters: Reversing the Trend Implementation Grant

    Central Indiana Corporate Partnership Foundation Inc

    $125,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    Support to Conexus for Start-Up Advanced Manufacturing Talent Association

    MSD of Lawrence Township

    $120,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    College Matters: Meeting the Moment.

    MSD of Wayne Township

    $120,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    College Matters: Meeting the Moment.

    Perry Township Schools

    $120,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    College Matters: Meeting the Moment.

    MSD of Warren Township

    $120,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    College Matters: Meeting the Moment.

    Indianapolis Public Schools

    $119,990
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    College Matters: Meeting the Moment.

    Central Indiana Corporate Partnership Foundation Inc

    $100,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    Support to BioCrossroads for Start-up of Healthcare Talent Association

    Center for Leadership Development

    $100,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    Support for expanded FAFSA/college enrollment supports as part of College Matters

    Goodwill Foundation of Central and Southern Indiana

    $100,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    College Matters: Meeting the Moment.

    Indianapolis Urban League

    $100,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    Support for expanded FAFSA/college enrollment supports as part of College Matters

    MSD of Pike Township

    $100,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    College Matters: Meeting the Moment.

    MSD of Decatur Township

    $100,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    College Matters: Meeting the Moment.

    Indiana Black Expo Inc

    $100,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    Support for expanded FAFSA/college enrollment supports as part of College Matters

    Herron Classical Schools - Herron and Riverside High Schools

    $100,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    College Matters: Meeting the Moment.

    Meals on Wheels Inc

    $91,550
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    Funding for the NO Limits to Recovery pilot

    Purdue Polytechnic High School

    $80,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    College Matters: Meeting the Moment.

    Beech Grove City Schools

    $80,000
    Beech Grove, IN2025

    College Matters: Meeting the Moment.

    Christel House Academy

    $80,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    College Matters: Meeting the Moment.

    KIPP Indy Public Schools

    $75,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    College Matters: Meeting the Moment.

    Victory College Prep

    $75,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    College Matters: Meeting the Moment.

    Phalen Leadership Academies

    $75,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    College Matters: Meeting the Moment.

    Irvington Community Schools

    $72,750
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    College Matters: Meeting the Moment.

    MSD of Washington Township

    $65,538
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    College Matters: Meeting the Moment.

    Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana Inc dba Indiana Landmarks

    $50,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    Family Legacy Grant for General Operating Support 2024-2025

    St Andrew's School DE Inc

    $30,000
    Middletown, DE2025

    Matching Gift Donation

    Indianapolis Zoological Society Inc

    $30,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    Matching Gift Donation

    Careerwise Colorado

    $25,000
    Denver, CO2025

    Sponsorship to support US Advanced CEMETS Institute in 2025

    Crown Hill Heritage Foundation

    $25,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    Family Legacy Grant designated for Historic Preservation and Education Programs 2024-2025

    Constructing Our Future

    $25,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    2024 Charitable Grant

    Step Up Inc

    $25,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    2024 Charitable Grant

    Judah Ministries Inc

    $25,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    2024 Charitable Grant

    New Breed of Youth Mentoring Program

    $25,000
    Indianapolis, IN2025

    2024 Charitable Grant