Indianapolis Indians Charities Grant Request

Indianapolis Indians Charities (IIC) is the official philanthropic arm of the Indianapolis Indians, created to build on the organization’s century-long commitment to community involvement across Central Indiana. Since launching in 2019, IIC has worked to transform the power of baseball and softball into meaningful, measurable opportunities for youth and families.

Indianapolis Indians Charities invests in nonprofit organizations that expand access to baseball, softball and sport-based youth development opportunities for young people in under-resourced communities across Central Indiana. Our grantmaking prioritizes meaningful impact, alignment with mission, and sustainable programming over one-time or transactional support — with a focus on programs that foster belonging, leadership and long-term growth on and off the field.

Indianapolis Indians Charities (IIC) invests in nonprofit organizations that expand access to baseball, softball and sport-based youth development opportunities for young people in under-resourced communities across Central Indiana.

Our grantmaking prioritizes meaningful impact, alignment with mission and sustainable programming over one-time or transactional support.

To be considered for funding, applicant organizations must:

• Be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in good standing
• Serve youth primarily within Central Indiana
• Demonstrate a mission aligned with youth development, equity, access, and opportunity
• Have at least one year of programmatic operating history
• Maintain appropriate financial controls and governance practices

IIC prioritizes programs that:

• Use baseball, softball or sport-based programming as a tool for youth development
• Serve youth from under-resourced or historically marginalized communities
• Provide consistent engagement (seasonal, extended-season or year-round programming)
• Support outcomes beyond participation, including:
  • Skill development and confidence
  • Academic or workforce readiness
  • Leadership, mentorship or life skills
  • Family or community engagement

Programs that are primarily one-time events, elite or travel-based or structured as pay-to-play will generally not be prioritized.

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to:

• Clearly define who they serve and what outcomes they seek
• Track and report basic performance data (e.g., youth served, participation, retention)
• Participate in shared reporting and evaluation as requested by IIC
• Engage in ongoing learning and improvement conversations

Organizations seeking to strengthen their evaluation practices are encouraged to apply.

Indianapolis Indians Charities views grant recipients as community partners, not just grantees.

Preference may be given to organizations that:

• Are open to collaboration with other youth-serving nonprofits
• Align with IIC's flagship initiatives, including Indy RBI, when appropriate
• Participate in community recognition events or shared storytelling
• Demonstrate potential for longer-term alignment and impact

Grant funds may be used for:

• Program delivery and direct services
• Equipment, uniforms and supplies
• Coach or staff training
• Program expansion or increased access
• Limited operational support directly tied to program outcomes

Grant funds may not be used for:

• Capital campaigns or major facility projects
• Debt retirement
• Political or religious activities
• Individual travel teams or personal expenses

• Grant awards typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, depending on program scope and alignment
• Funding is competitive and limited
• Multi-year funding may be considered for programs demonstrating strong alignment, outcomes and partnership potential

Grant applications are reviewed competitively based on alignment with IIC's mission, demonstrated community need, program quality and opportunity for sustained impact.

• We are currently accepting grant applications for 2026. The deadline to submit is March 31, 2026.
• All applications must be submitted through our grant portal below. No email applications will be accepted.
• Our 2027 grant portal will open in the fall of October 2026.

IIC does not support the following:

• Organizations that discriminate with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, age, ancestry, marital status, disability or protected veteran status
• Religious organizations
• Individuals or private foundations

• Upload – Formal Proposal Document
• Upload – 501(c)3 Tax Exemption Letter
• Upload – Most Recent Annual Report/Chapter at a Glance Document (Optional)
• Upload – Any Additional/Related Materials (Optional)

Proposals should be submitted in PDF, no more than five pages long. As each community partner is different, please be as creative as your mission allows. Unique, visual proposals are encouraged. Proposal for IIC funding should include all of the following:

• Description of organization’s mission and goals including local impact
• Multiple funding levels and opportunities with accompanying programs/initiatives
• List of benefits Indianapolis Indians Charities will receive if selected
• Target demographic for overall organization and proposed programs/initiatives

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email the Director of Indianapolis Indians Charities, Beth Belange-Hood, at [email protected]. We appreciate your interest and look forward to working with you.