Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation supports education, health and the vitality of Indianapolis in Indiana.
IP TAKE: In addition to the regular focus areas, the foundation’s Prevention Matters initiative offers grants to evidence-based prevention programs in local K-12 schools.
PROFILE: Established in 1986, the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation is a private foundation based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Richard Fairbanks founded and owned Fairbanks Communications and was an innovator and leader in the radio broadcasting industry. He owned numerous radio and television stations, a charter airplane company and real estate interests. The foundation aims to "advance the vitality of Indianapolis and the wellbeing of its people.” It funds local efforts for education, health and the vitality of Indianapolis.
The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation works within its three core areas of focus to maximize its local impact. Education grants help close the skills gap by supporting post-secondary education and job training. They also improve academic outcomes for pre-K through grade 12 students in Indianapolis and focus on professional development for teachers and leaders. Health grants target tobacco and opioid addiction through awareness campaigns, access to prevention programs, treatment and advocacy efforts. Local vitality grants address STEM and life sciences education as an economic driver and often include cross-sector collaborations. Fairbanks provides general operating, capital project, capacity building, start-up, matching, single-year and multi-year grants.
Grants range between about $5,000 and $1 million. Grantmaking focuses on the Indianapolis metropolitan area of Indiana. Past local grantees include Cardinal Ritter High School, Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County and the Indianapolis Zoological Society. Learn more about this funder’s local giving on the grants awarded page of the funder’s website.
This foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits and only reviews proposals on an invitation-only basis. However, the Fairbanks Foundation does accept unsolicited letters of inquiry all throughout the year. These inquires can be submitted by letter, email or telephone. The Fairbanks board typically meets and awards grants four times per year. Direct general questions to the staff at 317-846-7111 or to individual staff members by email.
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