Operations Grants (Operations Cycle)

Operations Grants (Operations Cycle) is sponsored by Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc.. Supports ongoing organizational operations, primarily for small and medium-sized organizations dedicated to the Arts and Humanities.

The Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting the arts in the Greater Indianapolis Area. We provide funding to organizations across a wide range of artistic disciplines and cultural practices. Our grantee partners play a vital role in creating support systems that empower artists and creative leaders to practice, produce, and lead within the arts sector in and around Indianapolis.

The foundation will support charitable organizations that promote or preserve the Arts and Humanities, with priority given to those organizations located in Central Indiana. The Board has discretion to make decisions regarding any proposal on a case-by-case basis. Presently, AWCCF has two main grant cycles per year.

Our Operations Grants support eligible arts and humanities organizations in fulfilling their core mission on an ongoing basis. These grants are generally designed for smaller organizations and smaller dollar amounts, with awards typically ranging from $1,000 to $75,000. Organizations may apply annually for general operating support.

First-time applicants must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by November 30 before receiving approval to proceed with a full proposal. A LOI is mandatory for all organizations that have not received previous operating grants. Operating LOIs are available through the online grant portal two months prior (by October 1) to the LOI due date.

Successful proposals demonstrate sustained impact through effective mission execution, strong leadership, collaborative partnerships, resource development, and measurable outcomes. An AWCCF grant is intended to complement other sources of funding and should represent only a portion of an organization’s overall financial support, alongside earned and donated income.

Please note: Schools and universities are eligible for consideration only under the Capital Cycle, not the Operations Cycle. Capital & Special Projects Grant Cycle Capital Grants support eligible arts and humanities organizations in accomplishing specific, impactful projects, programs, and initiatives on a one-time basis.

Unlike Operations Grants, Capital Grants are not intended for ongoing programs, staff expansion, or operational overhead, and they are typically not awarded in consecutive years. Grants awarded in the Capital Cycle generally range from $1,000 to $1,000,000. All Capital and Special Project Grant applicants must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by April 30 through the online grant portal .

Approved LOIs will be invited to submit a full proposal. LOIs are available two months prior to the LOI due date (March 1). We offer two types of Capital Grants: Project Grants – These grants support initiatives that significantly enhance an organization’s mission and outreach.

Projects may include facility renovations, new construction, special exhibits, major performances, or innovative programs aimed at improving mission effectiveness. Both types of grants are designed to support transformative, one-time undertakings that foster innovation and progress, helping organizations achieve greater mission impact and sustainability.

Summer Youth Program Grants (SYPF) The Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation partners with other local foundations and community businesses through the Summer Youth Program Fund (SYPF) to support summer programs that positively impact children and youth in Marion County. AWCCF specifically focuses on nonprofit arts and humanities organizations, prioritizing programs that align with its mission.

The Foundation is committed to helping nonprofits plan and implement enriching summer programs for young people. Please note the SYPF grants are awarded through the SYPF proposal process, which is a program of Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF). Learn more about SYPF by clicking here.

Foundation-initiated Grants* *Foundation-initiated Grants are grants initiated by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and are by invitation only. Legacy Grants are awarded at the discretion of the Foundation’s Board of Directors and are not determined through a proposal process.

These grants reflect the enduring vision of Mr. Clowes, supporting organizations that embody strong partnerships and a commitment to impactful, future-focused outcomes. Through Legacy Grants, the Foundation seeks to honor Mr. Clowes' legacy by investing in imaginative, transformative initiatives that align with his philanthropic values.

Emergency Relief Grants are awarded at the discretion of the Foundation’s Board of Directors in response to urgent disaster situations, both locally, nationally, and internationally. These grants are initiated by the Board to provide timely support where it's needed most, addressing critical needs in times of crisis.

While emergency grants are typically awarded to organizations that align with the Foundation’s mission, the Board may also choose to support organizations or causes that fall outside this scope when necessary to respond effectively to the situation at hand.