Who We Are

ABOUT THE RICHARD M. FAIRBANKS FOUNDATION

The mission of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation is to advance the vitality of Indianapolis and the well-being of its people. We strive to achieve this mission by addressing some of the city’s most significant challenges and opportunities.

The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, Inc. was established in 1986 by Richard M. (“Dick”) Fairbanks, who was the founder and owner of Fairbanks Communications, Inc., a privately held company. Dick Fairbanks established the Foundation to strengthen the city of Indianapolis and perpetuate the Fairbanks legacy in the city where the family prospered for over a century. He was the President of the Foundation until his death in August 2000.

Governed by a nine-member Board of Directors, the Foundation is an independent, private foundation awarding grants to tax-exempt organizations serving greater Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Foundation strives to advance the vitality of Indianapolis and the well-being of its people by addressing the city’s most significant challenges and opportunities across three focus areas: Education, Health and the Vitality of Indianapolis. To advance its work, the Foundation implements a three-pronged approach: strategic grantmaking, evidence-based advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration and convening. In addition, the Foundation is guided by three core values:

  • Adhere to the core beliefs and intent of our founder, Richard M. Fairbanks, who established the Foundation for the benefit of the people of Indianapolis.
  • Conduct our work with a spirit of entrepreneurialism, a willingness to take risks, and a focus on results, while remaining nimble and opportunistic.
  • Respect the perspectives and experiences of all with whom we interact.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation: Fact Sheet