Indianapolis is a city strengthened by the dedication and innovation of its nonprofit organizations. Each of these Indianapolis nonprofits are addressing critical issues, from hunger and homelessness to education and environmental sustainability. Their efforts are making Indianapolis a better place for all its residents, but they can’t do it alone.
How You Can Help:
- Donate: Financial contributions allow these nonprofits to continue their vital work. Many accept one-time or recurring donations directly through their websites.
- Volunteer: Whether it’s packing meals, planting trees, or offering professional expertise, your time and skills can make a huge difference.
- Advocate: Spread the word about these organizations and their missions. Sharing their work on social media or with friends helps build awareness and support.
- Participate: Attend events, fundraisers, or educational programs hosted by these organizations to learn more and show your support.
By getting involved, you can play a crucial role in strengthening these nonprofits and amplifying their impact across the city. Together, we can ensure that Indianapolis continues to thrive as a vibrant, equitable, and compassionate community.
Nonprofit Resources
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Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana
Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana serves as a cornerstone in the fight against hunger across Central and Southeastern Indiana. Since its founding in 1980, Gleaners has grown to become one of the most impactful food banks in the region.
The organization works tirelessly to address food insecurity by sourcing, storing, and distributing nutritious food to partner agencies and individuals in need. Its comprehensive approach includes mobile pantries, school-based programs, and a focus on health-related hunger solutions, making it a lifeline for countless Hoosiers.
History: Founded with support from the Community Action of Greater Indianapolis, Gleaners distributed over 83,000 pounds of food to 35 agencies in its first year. It became an affiliate of Feeding America in 1981.
Mission: To lead the fight against hunger by distributing food to those in need and seeking to end hunger in Indiana.
Impact: To date, Gleaners has provided over 700 million pounds of food to individuals and families, playing a crucial role in disaster response and serving as a FEMA storage site.
Damien Center
As Indiana’s largest provider of HIV/AIDS care, the Damien Center stands as a beacon of hope and inclusivity for individuals impacted by HIV. Since its inception in 1987, it has played a critical role in addressing the physical, emotional, and social challenges faced by those living with HIV.
By offering a wide array of services—from medical care and mental health counseling to housing assistance and prevention programs—the Damien Center ensures a holistic and compassionate approach to care.
History: Named after Father Damien, the center was established by community members, including the Indy Bag Ladies, to support individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.
Mission: To be a leading resource in Central Indiana for comprehensive HIV care and prevention, ensuring all individuals receive the support they need.
Impact: The center has expanded significantly, providing medical care, prevention services, and support programs to thousands, with plans for a $30 million expansion to further its reach.
Kheprw Institute
The Kheprw Institute (KI) is a dynamic nonprofit focused on fostering grassroots change and empowering communities through education, innovation, and leadership development. Since its establishment in 2003, KI has prioritized addressing systemic inequalities by equipping individuals, particularly youth and marginalized groups, with tools to succeed.
With initiatives spanning entrepreneurship, environmental justice, and food equity, KI has become a vital resource for transformative community engagement in Indianapolis.
History: Established as a nonprofit in 2004, KI began as a youth outreach program mentoring African American males in Indianapolis schools.
Mission: To empower communities at the margins through education, community wealth building, and environmental awareness.
Impact: KI has launched initiatives like the Community Controlled Food Initiative and Alkhemy, an entrepreneur hub, addressing food access and economic empowerment.
Indianapolis Community Food Access Coalition (CFAC)
The Indianapolis Community Food Access Coalition (CFAC) is a grassroots organization dedicated to eradicating food insecurity in the city. By fostering collaboration among farmers, food producers, and community leaders, CFAC ensures equitable access to nutritious food for Indianapolis residents.
With a focus on sustainable solutions and advocacy, CFAC addresses systemic barriers to food access, particularly in low-income neighborhoods and food deserts.
History: Established through Indianapolis Ordinance 337, CFAC operates independently to resolve city-wide food issues.
Mission: To ensure all Indianapolis residents have access to healthy, nutritious food that supports optimal health and well-being.
Impact: CFAC collaborates with various community members and organizations to develop programs and policies reducing food insecurity, focusing on low-income areas and food deserts.
Public Allies Indianapolis
Public Allies Indianapolis is a leadership development program that empowers young adults to make meaningful contributions to their communities. By connecting participants with local nonprofits, the program emphasizes service, collaboration, and social impact.
Public Allies provides hands-on experience and mentorship, helping individuals grow into impactful leaders while addressing critical community needs such as education, housing, and economic development.
History: As a program of the Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center, it has cultivated 150 young leaders contributing over 204,000 service hours.
Mission: To advance diverse leadership and strengthen communities through service and collaboration.
Impact: The program directly impacts issues like youth development and economic growth, enhancing the capacity of local nonprofits.
The Mind Trust
The Mind Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming education in Indianapolis. With a focus on innovation and equity, it fosters the development of high-performing schools, supports talented educators, and advocates for systemic change.
Since its founding in 2006, The Mind Trust has been a catalyst for improving educational outcomes, particularly for students in underserved communities.
History: The organization has built an ecosystem of 15 education nonprofits supporting schools and families.
Mission: To provide every student in Indianapolis with access to a high-quality education.
Impact: The Mind Trust has supported the creation and expansion of innovative schools and education initiatives, benefiting thousands of students.
Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis
Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis is a women-led philanthropic organization that empowers nonprofits through high-impact grants. By pooling resources and expertise, its members support transformative projects across five focus areas: arts and culture, education, environment, family, and health and wellness.
This giving circle amplifies the collective power of women, creating lasting change in the Indianapolis community through strategic investments.
History: Founded in 2006, Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis was created to unite women in collective giving, empowering them to pool resources and award transformative grants. Since its inception, the organization has grown steadily, providing millions in funding to innovative community projects.
Mission: To unite women philanthropists in improving Indianapolis through high-impact grants across five key focus areas: arts and culture, education, environment, family, and health and wellness.
Impact: Impact 100 has awarded over $2.5 million to local nonprofits, funding programs that provide housing, education, and environmental improvements, creating lasting change and inspiring greater community engagement.
Second Helpings
Second Helpings is a unique organization that tackles hunger and unemployment simultaneously. By rescuing surplus food from grocery stores, restaurants, and wholesalers, they create nutritious meals for those in need while offering culinary job training programs to unemployed adults.
This innovative dual mission transforms lives and reduces food waste across the Indianapolis area.
History: Founded in 1998, Second Helpings tackles hunger and unemployment by rescuing food and providing culinary job training.
Mission: To eliminate hunger, empower individuals with skills, and reduce food waste.
Impact: Second Helpings rescues over 3.5 million pounds of food annually, prepares thousands of meals, and helps participants secure sustainable employment.
Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center (INRC)
INRC is a nonprofit committed to empowering neighborhoods by providing training, tools, and resources for community leaders. Their work strengthens the fabric of Indianapolis communities by fostering collaboration and inspiring grassroots initiatives that address local challenges.
INRC is a vital partner for residents seeking to make a lasting impact in their neighborhoods.
History: Established in 1994, INRC was created to strengthen neighborhoods by offering leadership training and resources to community leaders.
Mission: To empower residents and community organizations to create strong, healthy, and sustainable neighborhoods.
Impact: INRC has supported hundreds of grassroots initiatives, helping residents address local challenges and build collaborative solutions.
Coburn Place Safe Haven
Coburn Place Safe Haven provides transitional housing and support services to survivors of domestic violence. As a leading organization in Indiana, Coburn Place offers a safe space for individuals and families to rebuild their lives, providing not just housing but also counseling, education, and career assistance to help survivors achieve independence.
History: Founded in 1996, Coburn Place became Indiana’s first transitional housing program for domestic violence survivors.
Mission: To provide safe housing and supportive services for survivors of domestic violence, empowering them to build self-sufficient lives.
Impact: Coburn Place serves over 1,200 individuals annually, offering housing, counseling, and resources that help survivors achieve independence.
Exodus Refugee Immigration
Exodus Refugee Immigration supports refugees and asylum seekers as they rebuild their lives in Indianapolis. The organization offers a wide range of services, including resettlement assistance, language classes, employment support, and cultural orientation, to help individuals thrive in their new communities.
Their compassionate approach ensures refugees feel welcomed and empowered.
History: Established in 1981, Exodus Refugee Immigration began as a small organization supporting refugees fleeing conflict, growing into a key resettlement agency in Indianapolis.
Mission: To provide comprehensive services to refugees and asylum seekers, helping them rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.
Impact: Exodus has assisted thousands of refugees with housing, education, and employment, fostering self-sufficiency and cultural integration.
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB)
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) is dedicated to enhancing the environment of Indianapolis through tree planting, litter cleanup, and community-driven beautification projects. By mobilizing volunteers and collaborating with local organizations, KIB fosters pride and sustainability in neighborhoods, making Indianapolis a greener and more vibrant place to live.
History: Founded in 1976, KIB started as a local effort to beautify neighborhoods and has since evolved into a leading environmental nonprofit.
Mission: To engage the community in creating vibrant public spaces through tree planting, cleanup efforts, and environmental stewardship.
Impact: KIB plants thousands of trees annually, leads litter removal projects, and inspires community pride and sustainability citywide.
