Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc
Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc, also known as Indy Arts Council, is a public charity based in Indianapolis, Indiana. It advocates for arts and culture and supports artists, arts organizations, and the community through grants, services, partnerships, and arts spaces.
Key facts about Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc
In short: Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc gave $2.2M across 108 grants in 2025 (avg $20K), mostly in Indiana. 17% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 31-1225893
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $2,195,946
- Grants made (2025)
- 108
- Average grant
- $20,333
- Median grant
- $14,450
- New grantees (estimate)
- 17% first-time grantees (18 of 108, 2025)
- Total assets
- $9,220,017
- Primary geography
- Indiana (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Deadline
- February 16, 2027, for the Annual Grants Program.
- Next open deadline
- February 16, 2027 (Annual Grants Program)
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$9.2M
+3.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.2M
+21.5% YoY
Grant Count
108
+13.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$20K
+6.9% YoY
Is Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc open to new grantees?
17%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 18 of 108 grantees (17%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $17K; repeat grants $21K. How we count
Medians: $14K first-time, $15K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s mission is “to champion arts and culture.” Its stated work includes supporting the long-term viability of the arts, building artists’ and arts organizations’ capacity, convening the arts and cultural community, and integrating arts into community projects and partnerships.
Its grant programs support arts organizations and artists. The City of Indianapolis Annual Grants Program provides operating support to eligible nonprofit arts and culture organizations. Project Grants support arts activities in public spaces, while other programs include public-art opportunities and grants for artists and creative workers.
Examples of organizations receiving its 2023 grants include Indiana Repertory Theatre, which says it uses live theatre to build community; ArtMix, whose mission is to provide lifelong learning and creative expression through the arts for people with disabilities; and Big Car Media, which says it brings art to people and people to art while supporting communities and public places.
Grantmaking
The IRS filing reports 74 grants totaling $1,405,000 in 2023, an average of about $19,000 per grant. Recipients included Indiana Repertory Theatre ($75,000), ArtMix ($50,000), Big Car Media ($42,000), Indianapolis Jazz Foundation ($40,000), Kids Dance Outreach ($35,000), Phoenix Theatre ($32,000), Madam Walker Legacy Center ($32,000), and Asante Art Institute of Indianapolis ($30,500).
Review Cycle
February 16, 2027, for the Annual Grants Program.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc
Annual Grants Program
Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
February 16, 2027
Art for Awareness Grants
Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc
Amount
$5,000 - $65,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Mental Health & Wellness Grants for Creatives
Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc
Amount
$250 - $750
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Ready to take the next step with Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Annual Grants Program serves nonprofit arts and culture organizations headquartered in Marion County, Indiana, and requires applicants to primarily serve Marion County residents. Project Grants support activities in public spaces in Marion County. The organization describes its broader service and advocacy role as supporting central Indiana’s creative community.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 108 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.4M (2023) to $6.7M (2021). In 2025 it made 108 grants totaling $2.2M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Children's Museum of Indianapolis ($86K). Together the top 10 received $618K.
Grant Size Distribution
436 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 372 grants of 436 (85%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Children's Museum of Indianapolis Indianpolis, IN | Arts Programming | $86,400 |
| Indiana Repertory Theatre Indianpolis, IN | Arts Programming | $72,000 |
| Indiana Black Expo Inc Indianapolis, IN | Arts Programming | $71,000 |
| Big Car Media Inc Indianpolis, IN | Arts Programming | $70,800 |
| Eiteljorg Museum Indianpolis, IN | Arts Programming | $61,000 |
| Harrison Center for the Arts Indianpolis, IN | Arts Programming | $60,000 |
| Indiana State Museum Indianpolis, IN | Arts Programming | $54,000 |
| Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Indianpolis, IN | Arts Programming | $54,000 |
| The Ross Foundation Indianapolis, IN | Arts Programming | $45,000 |
| Arts for Learning Indianpolis, IN | Arts Programming | $43,600 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $8,946,361 | $4,903,445 | $6,312,251 | 0 |
| 2023 | $10,308,474 | $7,056,949 | $4,627,662 | $1,405,000 across 74 grants |
| 2022 | $7,296,643 | $4,531,851 | $6,201,389 | $2,819,212 across 84 grants |
The organization’s 2024 filing states that its wholly owned subsidiary, Indianapolis Artsgarden, LLC, owns and operates the Artsgarden building. It reports $554,307 in subsidiary income, comprising $427,767 in rental income and $126,540 in expense reimbursements.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $9,220,017 | $8,946,361 | $10,308,474 |
| Revenue | $5,736,679 | $4,903,445 | $7,056,949 |
| Expenses | $5,431,753 | $6,312,251 | $4,627,662 |
| Net Investment Income | $218,121 | $192,716 | $92,226 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS April 28, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 5, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS July 11, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS July 8, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS July 10, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS July 8, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Brenda Horn as chair, Karen Kennelly as treasurer, Karen Alter as vice chair, Gregg Jason Noyan as secretary, and Tanya Stuart Overdorf as immediate past chair. Directors listed are Brooke Barnett, Michael Hulka, Shawn Mulholland, David Nie, and Jill Hauser Robisch.
The organization’s website identifies Judith B. Thomas as president and CEO.
Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc is led by Molly Chavers, Interim President & CEO on every filing since 2024; 3 of 31 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Molly Chavers
Interim President & CEO
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$9K (2024) → $71K (2025)
Judith Thomas
President & CEO
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$128K (2025)
Brenda Horn
Chair
Secretary → Vice Chair, 2022
Vice Chair → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Adrienne Sims
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Aleesia Johnson
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Nie
Director
Director → Secretary, 2022
Secretary → Director, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Greg Wallis
Director
Chairman & Treasurer → Treasurer, 2022
Treasurer → Director, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jason Noyan
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jill Hauser Robisch
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Hulka
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Monika Mala
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Patrick Talty
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Keesha Dixon
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marci Reddick
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kavita Mahoney
Vice President
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$131K (2025)
Adam Chavers
Advisor
Treasurer → Advisor, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Barbara Branic
Advisor
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bryce Bennett
Advisor
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dan Appel
Advisor
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Erik Johnson
Advisor
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Frank Basile
Advisor
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Karen Alter
Vice Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Krista Skidmore
Advisor
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark Varnau
Advisor
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Huber
Advisor
Director → Advisor, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Shawn Mulholland
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Stan Hurt
Advisor
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Susan Williams
Advisor
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tanya Stuart Overdorf
Immediate Past Chair
Vice Chairman → Chairman, 2022
Chairman → Immediate Past Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ted A. Givens
Advisor
Director → Advisor, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Karen Kennelly
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2022
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (15)
- Former: Deseri Garcia (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Julie Goodman (2020–2024) — Past President & CEO
- Former: Sarah Hempstead (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Brooke Barnett (2024) — Director
- Former: Gregg Jason Noyan (2024) — Secretary
- Former: Inez Evans (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Orson Mason (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Ryan Vaughn (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Virgil Chan MD (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Lucia Mar (2022–2023) — Director
- Former: Gregory Wallis (2023) — Treasurer
- Former: Heather Harris (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Eddie Tyner (2020) — Director
- Former: Heather Willey (2020) — Director
- Former: Jarrod Krisiloff (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $131K, to Kavita Mahoney (Vice President). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 924 North Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 631-3301
Website: https://indyarts.org
Frequently asked questions about Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc
How much does Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc give each year?
Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc gave $2.2M across 108 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.8M across 95 grants.
What is Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc's typical grant size?
Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc's median grant in 2025 was $14,450, and its average grant was $20,333, across 108 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc that year got $17K on average.
Where does Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc give grants?
Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc gives mostly in Indiana: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Indianpolis, IN (64 grants), Indianapolis, IN (38 grants) and Carmel, IN (2 grants).
Does Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 108 grants with a stated purpose on Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Arts Programming" (108 grants).
Who are Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc's largest grantees?
Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Children's Museum of Indianapolis ($86,400), Indiana Repertory Theatre ($72,000) and Indiana Black Expo Inc ($71,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 10% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc?
Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc reported $9.2M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $5.7M.
What does Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc fund?
The organization’s mission is “to champion arts and culture.” Its stated work includes supporting the long-term viability of the arts, building artists’ and arts organizations’ capacity, convening the arts and cultural community, and integrating arts into community projects and partnerships. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc?
Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check indyarts.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc's EIN?
Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 31-1225893. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc by hand.
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