Vitality of Indianapolis

A More Vibrant Indianapolis

As one of the largest cities in the country, Indianapolis is home to a vibrant community and a wide array of industries, from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and hospitality. Attracting and retaining talent, fostering innovation, and offering a high quality of life for the people of our city is essential to ensuring the vitality of Indianapolis.

Our Goal

Create a more vibrant Indianapolis.

Our Strategy

Identify potentially high-impact grant opportunities consistent with the Foundation’s core values.

This focus area also includes two categories of grants, which align with Dick Fairbanks’ wishes when he presided over the Foundation:

Family Legacy grants, which are awarded to select organizations designated by Dick Fairbanks during his lifetime or that support the Fairbanks family’s legacy in Indianapolis.
The Charitable Grants program, one-time $25,000 grants to tax-exempt Indianapolis organizations based on an annual funding theme that reflects pressing needs in our city. Organizations cannot apply for this funding.

Vitality Data Driving Us

15.5%

In 2024, 15.5% of households in Marion County fell below the federal poverty level.

211

In 2023, there were 211 deaths by homicide in Marion County.

Recent Vitality Data

We collect and publish data to share economic and community vitality factors that affect Indianapolis and the state of Indiana. Use our Community Data Snapshot to access valuable information that supports informed decision-making and strategic planning.

Grantee Work in Action

Expanding STEM Access

Marian University’s E. S. Witchger School of Engineering is creating more opportunities for Hoosier students to access high-quality STEM education. With its first students having completed the program, the Witchger School of Engineering is playing a pivotal role in preparing Hoosier students for success in high-demand STEM careers while also strengthening Indiana’s talent pipeline.

Enhancing Accessibility and Biodiversity

A new parking lot at The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park tripled the number of available parking spots, significantly improving park accessibility. A bioretention basin with nearly 80 native plant species sits at the center of the lot, boosting the park’s biodiversity and improving the water quality of the White River.