Substance use disorder (SUD) has worsened throughout the United States and within Indiana in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Substance use often begins at a young age, and those who use drugs or alcohol in their early teens are more likely to develop a substance use disorder.1 In fact, last year, 23% of high school seniors in Indiana reported using e-cigarettes, and 6.7% reported using cigarettes […]

In October 1986, Richard M. (“Dick”) Fairbanks created his namesake foundation to enhance the vitality of his hometown of Indianapolis. Thirty-five years later, the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation continues to focus our grantmaking, research and evaluation, and cross-sector collaborations and convenings in support of our mission to advance the vitality of Indianapolis and the well-being of its people. Since its establishment, the Foundation has awarded more than $285 million in grants, and currently awards […]

In 2020, the Indianapolis eLearning Fund and the 2022 Indianapolis College Football Playoff National Championship Host Committee contributed $1.6 million and $800,000, respectively, in start-up funding to launch the Indiana eLearning Lab. The Lab provided a virtual hub for educators to access lesson plans and grow professionally, while also offering parents resources to help their […]