Support for Nonprofits Strengthening Central Indiana
Strengthening the nonprofit ecosystem is a key part of CICF’s Pathways to a Stronger Central Indiana. This page brings together grant opportunities offered through the entities and funds within the CICF Collaborative as well as resources developed by CICF and its partners.
Nonprofit Programs
April 17, 2026
While philanthropy has never been driven solely by tax benefits, there’s no question that tax incentives can be part of a larger charitable giving strategy among higher-income donors. New tax law is an opportunity to refocus on what matters most: building relationships with supporters and reinforcing the value of giving at every level.
April 17, 2026
Research shows that younger volunteers are especially motivated by impact, connection, and purpose. That mindset translates naturally into charitable giving when nurtured the right way.
April 6, 2026
How can a nonprofit tell its story in ways that raise awareness, strengthen fundraising, and help the community clearly understand its mission?
We put these and other messaging questions to five Central Indiana nonprofits, as well as CICF’s own in-house writer. They weighed in on everything from what makes for effective storytelling, how to simplify complex operations for a general audience, making time for meaningful communication without a dedicated comms staff, writing tips, and more.
March 27, 2026
Most charitable gifts are simple: you write a check, click “donate,” or send a stock transfer. But every so often, generosity shows up in a form that’s a little more complex. Recently, one of our nonprofit partners, FACE Low-Cost Animal Clinic, found themselves in that exact moment.
March 23, 2026
Tax law changes are shaping donor conversations in new ways. This article previews how CICF helps nonprofits understand the basics, respond strategically, and strengthen fundraising communications around charitable giving.
March 23, 2026
Clear language can make donor communication stronger and more effective. This article shows how CICF helps nonprofits simplify planned giving terms so staff, boards, and donors can move forward with greater confidence.
March 23, 2026
Planned giving can feel complex, but nonprofits do not have to figure it out alone. This article outlines five ways CICF supports nonprofit partners, from donor conversations and board education to complex gifts and long-term fund structures.
March 3, 2026
If we want a civic life that is effective and more equitable than earlier generations achieved, the nonprofit sector has a central role to play.
February 20, 2026
In a time when donors are increasingly cautious and discerning, the existence of a nonprofit's endowment can influence whether a donor feels confident making a larger gift or including an organization in a legacy plan.
February 20, 2026
For nonprofits, the “advised donor” reality has practical implications. It means that fundraising and stewardship efforts must resonate not only with the donor, but also with the professionals who influence their choices.
February 20, 2026
Reports about major donors help set the tone. When they publicly commit significant resources, they send a clear signal: this work matters, and change is possible.
February 2, 2026
The Form 990 functions not only as a tax document but also as a fundraising case statement that tells a story about an organization. What story does your form tell?
Connect with our Nonprofit Support Team
We want to help nonprofits stay strong, informed, and connected. Our team brings deep experience in nonprofit sustainability and works alongside organizations across Central Indiana every day. Reach out to share trends you’re seeing, ask for help making connections, or find out if we have a resource that could support your work.
Please note that this form is for non-financial requests. Find current and upcoming grant opportunities from CICF and its foundation partners here.
Grants From Across the CICF Collaborative
Opens May 1, 2026
As Women’s Foundation of Indiana implements its statewide expansion, it will spend most of its time and resources in 2026 envisioning how it “answers the call of the community” through its grantmaking in 2027 and beyond. The grantmaking process will be invitation only.
Opens Jun 15, 2026
The annual HCCF competitive grant round provides unrestricted organizational support to nonprofits serving Hamilton County, grounded in a trust-based approach.
Open | Closes Apr 30, 2026
Central Indiana Senior Fund is a donor-advised fund of the Central Indiana Community Foundation. It financially supports programs and services that promote quality living for older adults ages 55+ in central Indiana (Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion, Morgan, and Shelby Counties).
2026 Application Open Dates: Mar 30-April 30, 2026