The Indianapolis Indians Charities Grant Request is a grant from Indianapolis Indians Charities that funds nonprofit organizations providing baseball, softball, and sport-based youth development programs for underserved youth in Central Indiana.

As the philanthropic arm of the Indianapolis Indians, IIC prioritizes programs that use sport as a vehicle for building leadership, academic readiness, and life skills—especially in historically marginalized communities. Awards typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, with multi-year funding possible for strong program partners.

Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least one year of operating history, serving youth primarily in Central Indiana. One-time events, elite travel teams, and pay-to-play programs are generally not funded. The 2026 application deadline is March 31, 2026, with submissions accepted through IIC's online grant portal.

Indianapolis Indians Charities Grant Request | Indians Print & Download Home Schedule Join Our SMS & Email List Indy’s Original Home Team Frequently Asked Questions Public Events at Victory Field Venue Rental & Event Space Indianapolis Indians Charities Fundraising Opportunities Ticket Terms & Conditions Watch on Bally Sports Live The Official Site of the Indianapolis Indians Print & Download Home Schedule Join Our SMS & Email List Indy’s Original Home Team Frequently Asked Questions Public Events at Victory Field Venue Rental & Event Space Indianapolis Indians Charities Fundraising Opportunities Frequently Asked Questions Ticket Terms & Conditions Watch on Bally Sports Live Indianapolis Indians Charities Grant Request Over the last four years Indianapolis Indians Charities has invested in and allocated resources to youth development by renovating baseball and softball diamonds at Forest Manor Park, JTV Hill, Manual High School and other inner-city parks.

IIC strives to create the next generation of baseball fans by providing a safe place for underprivileged youth to remain active, build trust through teamwork and play America's favorite pastime. Indianapolis Indians Charities focuses on education at all levels, from pre-K through the college ranks.

IIC has assisted students by purchasing e-learning tablets and Chromebooks and devotes resources to partners that uplift teenagers to graduate and/or seek secondary education opportunities. Indianapolis Indians Charities supports families with resources including after-school programming, mentor opportunities, and assistance with college and post-college career preparations.

Indianapolis Indians staff members partake in physical construction projects such as building new homes for deserving families and improving facilities for therapy programs in and around Marion County. IIC also runs an annual blood drive in partnership with American Red Cross Indiana. Indianapolis Indians Charities focuses on neighborhood development from combating food hunger to supporting first responders and essential workers.

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.

Grant Criteria, Funding Guidelines/Qualifications 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.

Organizational Eligibility 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 Program Alignment (Primary Consideration) 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.

Commitment to Impact & Measurement 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.

Partnership & Collaboration 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 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 Political or religious activities Individual travel teams or personal expenses Grant Size & Funding Approach 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 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 Click HERE to Submit a 2026 Grant Request 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. Frequently Asked Questions The 2020 Grant Application will be made available in October. Indianapolis Indians Charities Do Not Sell My Personal Data Advertise on Our Digital Platforms