Hamilton County Community Foundation

HISTORY Hamilton County Community Foundation was established in 1991 to address the specific needs in Hamilton County. The foundation was formed from the assets of Carmel-Clay Community Foundation and Hamilton County Parks Foundation, which were receiving donations primarily in the form of bequests—gifts made at the time of one’s death. The establishment of Hamilton County Community Foundation, then called Legacy Fund, provided a broader opportunity for Hamilton County residents to create a living legacy and make an impact during their lifetimes, right in their neighborhood. Several community leaders—including Alan Burns, George Burrell, Bob Campbell, Teri Hansen, Doug McDonald, Jane Merrill and George Sweet—worked to form the foundation. In 1997, Hamilton County Community Foundation partnered with The Indianapolis Foundation to create the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF). This partnership has led to a regional approach to grant-making initiatives in Central Indiana and provides a more comprehensive suite of services to fund holders. While CICF is a strategic and synergistic partnership, Hamilton County Community Foundation and The Indianapolis Foundation continue to serve the unique needs of their individual communities. Hamilton County Community Foundation’s board of directors work with staff to create social impact by leading on critical community issues; grow, leverage and advise philanthropic assets; and making wise charitable grants to not-for-profit organizations. OUR VISION Hamilton County Community Foundation is proud to be an affiliate of Central Indiana Community Foundation and The Indianapolis Foundation since 1997. This extends our foundation’s reach beyond our Hamilton County to produce regional impact. Our shared mission for Central Indiana is: To mobilize people, ideas and investment to make this a community where every individual has equitable opportunity to reach their full potential—no matter their place, race or identity. But we know that our community also has very unique challenges and opportunities. Hamilton County Community Foundation exists to improve and enhance life for those that call our county home. Our specific vision for Hamilton County is: To build a community where opportunity meets growth for everyone, and philanthropic efforts support not-for-profit organizations doing vital work.