Funding Amount

Not stated

Deadline

Deadline not published

Grant Type

Foundation

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Required status

  • 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status

Other requirements

  • Only one grant per year to any agency is usually considered.
  • Grant requests will be considered for both operating fund purposes as well as capital campaigns.

Not eligible / not funded

  • Not eligible: Individuals
  • Not eligible: Focuses on sustaining local cultural
  • Not eligible: Health institutions to enrich community life

Overview

The Ackerman Foundation, established in 1992, aims to enhance the vitality of central Indiana by supporting organizations that promote self-sufficiency for the underprivileged and initiatives that improve educational outcomes. They provide grants exclusively to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, typically limiting support to one grant per year per agency. The foundation does not fund individuals and focuses on sustaining local cultural and health institutions to enrich community life.

NOTE: The Trustees of the foundation will meet annually, with an expected decision date of early December.
Background
The foundation was established as a charitable trust in 1992 by Jim and Lois Ackerman, a local entrepreneur and philanthropist. Reflecting the desire to build upon Jim and Lois' legacy, the next generation has doubled the size of the foundation with the intent of continuing to make an impact on issues important to the Ackerman family.
The Ackerman Foundation strives to improve the vitality of central Indiana.
supporting organizations that focus on bettering the lives of the underprivileged through the fostering of self-sufficiency;supporting initiatives that lead to great educational outcomes for all Hoosiers and supporting initiatives to build and sustain local cultural and health institutions that make our community a vibrant place to live.

Eligibility

Grant applications will be accepted only from organizations which are tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. Only one grant per year to any agency is usually considered. Grant requests will be considered for both operating fund purposes as well as capital campaigns.

Ineligibility

The foundation does not make grants to individuals.

What The Ackerman Foundation actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990-PF, 2024

Grants in 2024
36
Total given
$810K
Median grant
$10K
Range
$5,000–$100K
  • By dollars: Indiana 96%, Ohio 4%. Top recipient cities: Indianapolis, IN; Carmel, IN; West Lafayette, IN.
  • 100% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
  • 17% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.

Example grants

  • Purdue Foundation · West Lafayette, IN

    General operations

    $100K

  • Oaks Academy · Indianapolis, IN

    General operations

    $75K

  • Conner Prairie Museum · Fishers, IN

    General operations

    $50K

  • Gleaners Food Bank · Indianapolis, IN

    General operations

    $50K

  • Indianapolis Zoo · Indianapolis, IN

    General operations

    $50K

IRS Form 990-PF, 2024. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

Focus Areas & Funding Uses

Fields of Work

  • Nonprofits
  • Education
  • Poverty alleviation
  • Arts
  • Healthcare

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