Richard M Fairbanks Foundation Inc
The Richard M Fairbanks Foundation Inc is a private charitable foundation established in 1986 and based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The foundation was created by Richard M. Fairbanks, founder and owner of Fairbanks Communications, Inc., a prominent media company that owned and operated radio and television stations, cable television systems, and other business interests. The foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization with a nine-member board of directors.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$387.3M
+3.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$14.3M
-5.2% YoY
Grant Count
155
-6.6% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$92K
+1.5% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: Advancing the vitality of Indianapolis and the well-being of its people.
The foundation addresses significant challenges and opportunities facing Indianapolis through three primary focus areas:
- Education: Strengthening education and workforce outcomes
- Health: Improving health outcomes
- Vitality of Indianapolis: Creating a more vibrant Indianapolis
The foundation conducts strategic reviews every five years to guide its work and ensure alignment with evolving community needs.
Grantmaking
The foundation operates with a spirit of entrepreneurialism, willingness to take risks, and focus on results while remaining nimble and opportunistic.
Grant Range
$5,000
Average Grant
$79,000
Ready to take the next step with Richard M Fairbanks Foundation Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation's primary focus is Indianapolis and greater Indianapolis. Grantmaking is concentrated in Indiana, with the foundation supporting organizations across 21 states. Indiana, Illinois, and New York account for 87% of all grants.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets & Income (2023-2024):
- Total assets: $387.3 million (2024)
- Total assets: $376 million (2023)
- Annual revenue: $31.3 million (2023)
- Annual income: $19.9 million (2024)
- Total expenses: $25.3 million (2023)
- Total liabilities: $1,440 (2023)
Asset Growth: Total assets have grown from $253.6 million in 2011 to $387.3 million in 2024.
Estate Impact: After Richard M. Fairbanks' death in 2000, an additional $132 million moved into the foundation as his estate closed.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $387,266,061 | $375,537,175 | $373,299,346 |
| Revenue | $30,746,301 | $31,315,153 | $16,032,948 |
| Expenses | $25,304,799 | $25,261,761 | $21,822,898 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $18,588,989 | $18,778,208 | $15,872,871 |
| Net Investment Income | $24,162,647 | $25,092,098 | $10,547,635 |
| Distributable Amount | $18,379,415 | $17,948,614 | $18,621,722 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Richard M Fairbanks Foundation Inc
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- President & CEO: Claire J. Fiddian-Green
- Principal Officer: Kevin S Kessinger
- Board: Nine-member board of directors
The founder, Richard M. Fairbanks Jr., served as president of the foundation until his death in August 2000. He was the son of a prominent lawyer and grandson of Charles Warren Fairbanks, Vice President under Theodore Roosevelt.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
No officer/director data available.
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
**October 2024:** The Fairbanks Foundation co-hosted the inaugural U.S Advanced CEMETS Institute in partnership with CareerWise USA and CEMETS, focused on career and technical education pathways.
Fairbanks Foundation Awards Grants to Support Food Insecurity Efforts \u2013\**December 2024:** Awarded grants to Indianapolis nonprofits addressing recidivism.
Charitable Grants Program Awards Funds to Indianapolis Nonprofits Addressing\**November 2024:** Distributed over $1 million in grants to start building new apprenticeship pathways.
Over $1 million in grants to start building new apprenticeship pathway -**2024:** Awarded $7.5 million to Marion County school corporations.
Indy foundation grants $7.5 million to Marion Co. schools | wthr.com**December 2023:** Awarded grants to six Indianapolis nonprofits addressing homelessness.
Charitable Grants Program Awards Funds to Indianapolis Nonprofits Addressing\**2023:** Launched College Matters, a $14 million initiative to increase college enrollment rates for Marion County high school seniors.
Indy foundation grants $7.5 million to Marion Co. schools | wthr.comThe foundation maintains an active convening and collaboration program, hosting events and reports to support meaningful progress on its priority issues.
Fairbanks Foundation Awards Grants to Support Food Insecurity Efforts \u2013\Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
Lupke Foundation Inc Agency
FORT WAYNE, IN
Assets
$1.4M
Grants
22
Total Given
$76K
Harold Ellison Tuw for Jones Cemetery 002189
MUNCIE, IN
Assets
$442K
Grants
1
Total Given
$9K
John Carroll Club of South Bend Inc
SOUTH BEND, IN
Assets
—
Grants
1
Total Given
$220K
Buchanan-clements Foundation Inc
COLUMBUS, IN
Assets
$261K
Grants
3
Total Given
$16K
Harold Ellison Scholarship Fund 002188
MUNCIE, IN
Assets
$1.1M
Grants
1
Total Given
$62K
Alatash Foundation Inc
DYER, IN
Assets
$15K
Grants
0
Total Given
—
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Richard M Fairbanks Foundation Inc on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities