Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc
Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc, also known as Indy Arts Council, is a public charity based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Formed in 1987, it champions arts and culture by advocating for community support, connecting artists with audiences, and supporting artists, arts organizations, and the community.
Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc at a glance
In short: Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc gave $2.2M across 108 grants in 2025 (avg $20K), mostly in Indiana. 16% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $2,195,946
- +21.5% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 108
- +13.7% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $20,333
- +6.9% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $14,450
- Total assets
- $9,220,017
- +3.1% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 16% first-time grantees (17 of 108, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Indiana (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc
- How to Apply
-
The Annual Grants Program is evaluated by an independent panel of national grant professionals in a public process. The council directs applicants to its grant application platform.
- Next open deadline
- February 16, 2027 (Annual Grants Program)
- Contact
Mailing address: 924 North Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 631-3301
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc
Annual Grants Program
Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Expected ~February
Based on past cycles
Art for Awareness Grants
Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc
Amount
$5,000 - $65,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Mental Health & Wellness Grants for Creatives
Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc
Amount
$250 - $750
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc funds
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%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The council describes its work as serving central Indiana. Its 2025 grant filing reports that 100% of grant dollars went to recipients in Indiana. The Annual Grants Program and the listed Project Grants focus on Marion County, Indiana.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 108 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc open to new grantees?
16%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 17 of 108 grantees (16%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $16K; 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.
Giving History
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.
Grants by year
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 |
Ready to take the next step with Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $9,220,017 | $5,736,679 | $5,431,753 | $2,195,946 | 108 | $218,121 |
| 2024 | $8,946,361 | $4,903,445 | $6,312,251 | $1,807,658 | 95 | $192,716 |
| 2023 | $10,308,474 | $7,056,949 | $4,627,662 | $1,405,000 | 74 | $92,226 |
| 2022 | $7,296,643 | $4,531,851 | $6,201,389 | $2,819,212 | 84 | $74,404 |
| 2021 | $8,597,633 | $5,263,250 | $10,521,817 | $6,725,097 | 75 | $115,694 |
| 2020 | $13,469,464 | $15,043,217 | $8,972,828 | $5,782,515 | 62 | $59,887 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s mission is “to champion arts and culture.” Its stated work includes advocating for the long-term viability of the arts, empowering artists, building arts organizations’ capacity, convening the arts and cultural community, and integrating arts into community projects and partnerships.
Its 2025 grants supported arts programming at organizations including museums, theaters, arts education groups, and cultural organizations. Among the grantees, Indiana Black Expo says its mission includes supporting youth programs and educating the public about African-American cultural development. Urban Music Theatre says it provides arts programs to African-Americans and produces professional theater promoting the African-American experience. The Ross Foundation describes its mission as addressing racial inequities through advocacy and by removing barriers to resources, services, and wellness programs.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the organization reported 108 grants totaling $2,195,946. Grants ranged from $5,500 to $86,400, with a median of $14,450. The largest awards included $86,400 to Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, $72,000 to Indiana Repertory Theatre, $71,000 to Indiana Black Expo, $70,800 to Big Car Media, and $61,000 to Eiteljorg Museum; each was listed for arts programming.
The City of Indianapolis Annual Grants Program, administered by Indy Arts Council, provides general operating support to Marion County-based nonprofit arts organizations. The program’s next multi-year cycle is scheduled to open in fall 2026. Its stated evaluation criteria include community impact, artistic merit, and organizational capacity, with attention to racial equity, diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or fiscally sponsored by one, be based in Marion County, have an operating budget of at least $20,000, offer year-round arts programs, and primarily serve Marion County residents. The program information provided lists a deadline of February 16, 2027.
The council also lists Project Grants for arts activities in public spaces in Marion County, with awards of $2,000 to $10,000 for eligible organizations and individual artists. Applications for the 2027–2028 round are due January 10, 2027. The listed project period is April 1, 2027, through March 31, 2028.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Brenda Horn as chair, Karen Kennelly as treasurer, Karen Alter as vice chair, Shawn Mulholland as secretary, and Tanya Stuart Overdorf as immediate past chair. It also lists Michael Hulka, David Nie, Jill Hauser Robisch, Monika Mala, and Patrick Talty as directors.
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.
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 $16K 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.” See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc?
The Annual Grants Program is evaluated by an independent panel of national grant professionals in a public process. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
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 October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
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
Live grants for the work Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc funds
Arts, Culture & Humanities Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Christel DeHaan Family Foundation Inc
Indianapolis, IN
Before dissolving in 2024, the Indianapolis-based foundation supported K–12 education in Indiana, arts and culture in Indianapolis, and other discretionary causes. Its giving varied widely: it awarded $212,505 in 2024, compared with $3.5 million in 2022 and $54 million in 2023. It listed a Letter of Inquiry as application material, but the foundation has dissolved and filed a final return.
Assets
—
Grants
1
Total Given
$213K
Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc
Indianapolis, IN
The Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation supports arts and humanities organizations, along with some organizations historically supported by Mr. Clowes, with priority for Central Indiana. Operations grants are typically $1,000–$75,000, while capital and special-project grants are typically $1,000–$1,000,000. It accepts applications through two annual cycles; new operations applicants and all capital applicants must first submit a Letter of Intent.
Assets
$172.6M
Grants
160
Total Given
$16.5M
Central Indiana Community Foundation Inc
Indianapolis, IN
Through its funds and collaborative entities, CICF supports a broad range of charitable work, including equity, food access, childcare, arts, nature, and youth programs, primarily in Central Indiana. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $25,000; some funds offer competitive applications, while others are invitation-only, and CICF itself does not directly award grants.
Assets
$583.5M
Grants
525
Total Given
$31.1M
Nicholas H Noyes Jr Memorial
Carmel, IN
The foundation funds charitable organizations and educational institutions in arts and culture, education, health and human services, civic and community service, religion, and environmental initiatives, primarily in greater Indianapolis and central Indiana, including Indiana colleges and universities. In 2025, grants ranged from $2,500 to $300,000, with a median of $10,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through a letter of intent during designated application windows; full proposals are by invitation only.
Assets
$157.9M
Grants
305
Total Given
$6.4M
Indiana Humanities Council Inc
Indianapolis, IN
Indiana Humanities funds public humanities programs in areas such as history, literature, and culture, including exhibitions, talks, workshops, and documentaries, for communities throughout Indiana. Listed options include Mini-Grants of up to $1,000 and a $5,000 Matters of Religion Grant; recent reported grants ranged from $7,480 to $13,845. It accepts applications through specific grant programs, including rolling Mini-Grant applications; other programs may be paused.
Assets
$14.5M
Grants
3
Total Given
$31K
Eugene & Marilyn Glick Foundation
Indianapolis, IN
The foundation supports affordable housing, democracy, Jewish cultural life, arts, education, basic needs, and economic mobility, primarily in central Indiana and communities where Glick-managed properties are located. Its 2025 grants ranged from $250 to $17.51 million, with a median of $2,500; current grants are by invitation only, so it does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$298.1M
Grants
210
Total Given
$21.3M
More similar funders
More Funders in Indiana
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/arts-council-of-indianapolis-inc-morg_70e579059f4a4fb691666fdfbac3a46c
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_311225893_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/arts-council-of-indianapolis-inc-morg_70e579059f4a4fb691666fdfbac3a46c},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-23. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Arts Council of Indianapolis Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?