Claire Fiddian-Green: Even modest investments can spark meaningful change

In 1986, Richard M. “Dick” Fairbanks established the foundation that bears his name, which I am honored to lead. As founder and owner of Fairbanks Communications Inc., he owned and operated 20 radio stations around the country, including Indianapolis stations WNAP and WIBC.

The idea for the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation came after Dick read a Fortune magazine article titled, “Should You Leave It All to the Children?” The article explored what wealthy people did to keep their children and grandchildren from being destroyed by their wealth.

Inspired by Warren Buffett, who was already very wealthy by the 1980s and planned to give most of his money to his charitable foundation, Dick incorporated and capitalized the Fairbanks Foundation in October 1986 with a $5,000 contribution.

Dick did not provide many detailed instructions for the foundation. But when he served as its founding chairman in the latter years of his life, he particularly liked to award small grants to small nonprofits. It was his belief that, although small, these grants were meaningful to the recipients and helped them fulfill their missions.

Today, we honor that vision through our charitable grants program. Each year, our board selects a theme based on a pressing community need and awards one-time $25,000 grants to up to six small Indianapolis nonprofits aligned with that theme. No applications are allowed, so our staff works behind the scenes to identify recommended recipients and then—following the board’s approval—has the privilege of notifying these organizations of their unexpected grant.

This year’s theme, which our board selected several months ago based on the recommendation of our staff, is hunger and food insecurity. The need is significant: Hunger in Marion County is at its highest level in a decade, even surpassing levels during the pandemic. Nationally, 19% of children live in food-insecure households, which are defined as providing inadequate access to enough food for an active, healthy life. Nearly one in four children (23.5%) in Marion County face this challenge.

The impact of hunger goes beyond empty stomachs. Children who lack consistent access to food are at higher risk for chronic disease, poor mental health and lower academic achievement in reading and math. These outcomes affect not only individual families but also the health and prosperity of our entire community.

Earlier this month, our board approved six $25,000 charitable grants to local organizations addressing food insecurity: Crooked Creek Food Pantry, Flanner House, Kheprw Institute, Nine 13 Logistics, Old Bethel & Partners Food Pantry and St. Vincent de Paul—Indianapolis.

However, many other Indianapolis groups are working to address urgent food access needs. The Indy Hunger Network coordinates efforts among nonprofits, businesses and government agencies to reduce hunger across Indianapolis. One of its key partners, Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, is the state’s largest hunger-relief organization. Each year, Gleaners distributes tens of millions of pounds of food through a network of pantries, meal programs and mobile food distributions. United Way of Central Indiana also plays a critical role by connecting families to resources and mobilizing community support. Together, these organizations support thousands of Hoosiers in need.

Dick Fairbanks believed that even modest investments could spark meaningful change. Nearly four decades later, that principle continues to guide our charitable grants program. Hunger and food insecurity—like many of the challenges our community faces—are too big for any one person or organization to solve alone. But, together, we can make a difference.•

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Fiddian-Green is president and CEO of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, whose mission is to advance the vitality of Indianapolis and the well-being of its people. Send comments to [email protected].

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