Powered by generosity, passion, and innovative collaboration, Hamilton County Community Foundation brings together the strengths of our community to solve our most pressing challenges.
Hamilton County is an extraordinary place filled with dedicated people, exceptional resources, and vibrant, diverse, and growing communities. But even with all of our strengths, many of our neighbors still struggle. Over 21,000 people in Hamilton County don’t have enough reliable access to food. Around 10,000 households spend half or more of their income just on housing. And only 29% of local children have access to quality childcare. These are just a few of the challenges we face, but they are challenges we can tackle together. By working in partnership, we can improve the lives of all who call this community home.
Powered by generosity, passion, and innovative collaboration, Hamilton County Community Foundation brings together the strengths of our community to solve our most pressing challenges. Through philanthropic efforts, we connect donors to critical causes, amplifying the impact of generosity. Through grantmaking and organizational support, we empower non-profit organizations to serve our diverse communities, providing vital resources and assistance. And through strategic leadership, we champion innovative collaboration to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to flourish.
By listening to the community and using data-driven research to guide us, Hamilton County Community Foundation has identified five key areas to focus on in our work: 1. Affordable Housing 2. Education and Training 3. Social Services 4. Childcare Solutions, and 5. Transportation. Addressing these big, systemic challenges takes partnership from donors, local organizations, and community leaders.
As your community foundation, we bring these groups together to create lasting change for everyone in our county.
Mission
To mobilize people, ideas and investment to make this a community where every
individual has an equitable opportunity to reach their full potential—no matter their
place, race or identity.
Holistic well-being
We believe true community strength starts with the well-being of every individual. HCCF supports initiatives that promote mental health, physical wellness, and overall quality of life for all Hamilton County residents.
Safety and accessibility
Belonging requires safe housing and access to transportation. We are committed to ensuring that everyone in our community can live in secure, accessible, and supportive spaces.
Inclusivity
In an inclusive community, everyone feels welcomed, respected, and connected. We are committed to fostering environments where belonging thrives for all.
HCCF will position itself as a leading convener, bringing together diverse voices to
develop collaborative solutions. By broadening engagement, leading discussions on
critical issues, and clearly communicating nonprofit needs and impact, we aim to
strengthen connections across the community.
HCCF’s grantmaking strategy will focus on priority areas to drive meaningful impact. By
aligning donors and partners, streamlining processes, and making targeted
investments, HCCF aims to create lasting change that addresses the identified needs of
Hamilton County residents.
To ensure a sustainable and effective nonprofit ecosystem, HCCF will support capacity-
building efforts, foster collaboration, and create a centralized data resource hub. This
approach will enhance transparency, drive informed decision-making, and amplify the
collective impact of the nonprofit sector.
HCCF is committed to increasing donor impact through deeper engagement and
exceptional donor experiences. By expanding co-investment opportunities, raising
awareness of HCCF’s role in local philanthropy, and implementing a donor-centric
approach, we aim to strengthen connections between donors and the causes that
matter most in Hamilton County.
Our History
Hamilton County Community Foundation was established in 1991 to address the specific needs in Hamilton County. The foundation was formed from the assets of Carmel-Clay Community Foundation and Hamilton County Parks Foundation, which were receiving donations primarily in the form of bequests—gifts made at the time of one’s death.
The establishment of Hamilton County Community Foundation, then called Legacy Fund, provided a broader opportunity for Hamilton County residents to create a living legacy and make an impact during their lifetimes, right in their neighborhood.
Several community leaders, including Alan Burns, George Burrell, Bob Campbell, Teri Hansen, Doug McDonald, Jane Merrill and George Sweet, worked to form the foundation. In 1997, Hamilton County Community Foundation partnered with The Indianapolis Foundation to create Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF).
This partnership has led to a regional approach to grant-making initiatives in Central Indiana and provides a more comprehensive suite of services to fund holders. While CICF is a strategic and synergistic partnership, Hamilton County Community Foundation and The Indianapolis Foundation continue to serve the unique needs of their individual communities.
Hamilton County Community Foundation’s board of directors work with staff to create social impact by leading on critical community issues; grow, leverage and advise philanthropic assets; and making wise charitable grants to nonprofit organizations.
The CICF Collaborative
HCCF is a member of the CICF Collaborative. Complex issues require innovative and coordinated solutions. Bringing together five key organizations–Central Indiana Community Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation, Impact Central Indiana, the Indianapolis Foundation, and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana–the CICF Collaborative thinks big and works together on what matters most to our entire region.
Each organization leads its unique strategic priorities, leveraging its expertise to support its own communities and initiatives. When these organizations come together as the CICF Collaborative, they make a broader impact by sharing ideas and resources and aligning efforts that can create scalable solutions to address region-wide challenges. By telling the stories of their work and advocating for important regional issues, they’re building stronger connections and gathering more support across all of Central Indiana.
