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
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Richard M Fairbanks Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $18.4M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
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
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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
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Central Indiana Corporate Partnership Foundation Inc ($2,000,000), Eskenazi Health Foundation Inc ($1,000,000), Aspire Indiana Health Inc ($500,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Allies Indianapolis, IN | Matching Gift Donation | $1,030 |
| Alzheimer's Association Lisle, IL | Matching Gift Donation | $9,000 |
| American Cabaret Theatre Indianapolis, IN | Matching Gift Donation | $1,000 |
| American Traditions Vocal Collection Savannah, GA | Matching Gift Donation | $100 |
| Aspire Indiana Health Inc Noblesville, IN | Capital support | $500,000 |
| Beech Grove City Schools Beech Grove, IN | College Matters: Meeting the Moment. | $80,000 |
| Broadway CaresEquity Fights AIDS New York, NY | Matching Gift Donation | $516 |
| Brookside Community Development Corporation Indianapolis, IN | 2024 Charitable Grant | $25,000 |
| Butler University Indianapolis, IN | Gift Honoring Thomas Ristine's Service | $5,000 |
| Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana Fort Wayne, IN | Matching Gift Donation | $525 |
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\Frequently Asked Questions
What does Richard M Fairbanks Foundation Inc fund?
**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 communi…
How do I apply for a grant from Richard M Fairbanks Foundation Inc?
**Grant Activity:** • Total grants awarded from 1986-2024: Over $300 million • Historical grant data (2017-2024): 458 grants totaling $36.1 million • Median grant size: $5,000 • Average grant size: $79,000 • Individual grants have ranged from $100 to $2.5 million • Annual distribution: Between $11.5 million and $12.2 million (2020-2022) • The foundation has supported 221 unique organizations **Recent Grant Initiatives:** • College Matters: A two-stage, $14 million grantmaking initiative launche…
Where does Richard M Fairbanks Foundation Inc make 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.
What size grants does Richard M Fairbanks Foundation Inc award?
In 2024, Richard M Fairbanks Foundation Inc awarded 155 grants totaling $14.3M — an average of about $92K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Richard M Fairbanks Foundation Inc required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Richard M Fairbanks Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $18.4M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Richard M Fairbanks Foundation Inc's EIN?
Richard M Fairbanks Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 31-1189885. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Richard M Fairbanks Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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