Executive Snapshot

It has been a busy and productive summer for the Women’s Foundation of Indiana (WFI) team. Some highlights:

WFI Receives $275,000 Pass-Through Scholarship

We are once again the recipients of a renewable, pass-through scholarship from our anonymous national funder. We will receive $275,000, including $250,000 that will pass through to our new partners, Founder’s College at Butler University. Founder's College is Butler University's innovative two-year college designed to serve talented Central Indiana students for whom the cost of higher education may otherwise be a barrier. Many of their students are women balancing the demands of work, family responsibilities, and financial constraints while pursuing higher education. Our funds will support women students at Founders College with tuition, wrap-around services and barrier buster dollars.

This is a win for students at Butler University and WFI. You will recall that our first scholarship partner, Martin University, closed its doors shortly after receiving our funds. Continuing this scholarship opportunity for our community meant demonstrating to our funder that WFI could respond successfully to that challenge. We did that. WFI continues to serve Martin University students through our Resilience Fund, developed with the communities' support earlier this year.

 

WFI Teaches Women About Impactful Philanthropy

An important part of our mission is galvanizing philanthropic networks to ensure women and girls thrive. Our new status as an independent nonprofit gives us more ways to do that important work. This summer, with the help of the CICF new business team, Tamara and Caroline debuted a “road show” about the power of women’s philanthropy, successfully leading The Next Chapter cohort in considering what giving looks like in middle-age and beyond, and partnering with Karin Veatch (vice chair, OA1, NC1) and Holli Harrington (OA24, NC1) for a presentation about donor-advised funds at the Indianapolis Propylaeum. The events generated several prospects that will help us reach our 2026 goal of opening at least 10 new donor-advised funds.

 

Progress on 2026 Strategic Goals

Here is an update on some key strategic goals. Look for a complete accounting of progress in the KPI tracker that will be distributed as part of the September Board packet.

Goal 1: Secure at least one major gift of $500,000 or more from a donor who is not our anonymous national funder.

• Key accomplishments: After three years of relationship building, WFI was invited to submit an application to Lilly Endowment for a capacity-building grant of $1M over three years.
• Progress since last update: WFI submitted a grant application for consideration on July 24, 2026. .

Goal 2: Negotiate a new three-year affiliate operating agreement, in partnership with the CEO of the Central Indiana Community Foundation by April 2026.

• Key accomplishments: The current agreement was reviewed by the President and Vice Chair. WFI engaged Plews Shadley Racher Braun, working with past advisory board member and OPTIONS Alumna Ali Sylvia to draft a revised agreement that reflects WFI’s new status as an independent, statewide foundation.
• Progress since last update: President reviewed revised agreement with CICF CEO. Leaders are aligned. Agreement is being reviewed by CICF general counsel. Feedback expected by Aug. 30.
• Next steps: Barring significant changes from CICF general counsel, a final agreement will be shared with the Board at its September meeting.

Goal 3: Develop advocacy staff structure to best support the three-year plan, including the role of director of advocacy, examining how it will be affected should Allissa Impink win a state Senate seat.

• Key accomplishments: WFI has gathered information on best practices from fellow foundations, including policies, structure, approach and decision-making. We have spoken to stakeholders of varying political beliefs. We have interviewed legislators who hold/have held nonprofit positions. We have consulted with CICF general counsel. This work is supported by the Community Engagement & Advocacy Task Force, including Tavonna Harris Askew, Doneisha Posey, Wanda Thruston and Ceceily Cliff.
• Progress since last update: The Community Engagement & Advocacy Task Force presented to the Executive Committee a plan for our work, including revised job descriptions, staff policies, and a workplan framework for the Director of Statewide Community Engagement.
• Next steps: With Executive Committee approval, the community engagement and advocacy internal framework will be shared with the Board at its September meeting.

 

Program Spotlight

WFI Hosts Fourth Annual N100W