Last year, 27 donors gave big gifts worth nearly $246 million
Most of the gifts—20 of the 27—went to higher education institutions. Only five were from named Indianapolis philanthropists. Two were anonymous.
Donors
Ten local service organizations land $48M from Lilly Endowment
The grants, which range from $1 million to $10 million, are expected to help the not-for-profits strengthen their long-term financial sustainability plans, the endowment said.
IBJ Podcast: Indiana Pacers Bikeshare is undergoing its first expansion—and it’s a big one
Kären Haley, executive director of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, talks with guest host Anthony Schoettle about the timeline for the bikeshare expansion and why it was important to locate stations outside of downtown.
Giving Tuesday has another record year despite tax law change
The worldwide online philanthropy movement, which falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving every year, generated more than $380 million in donations this year, which is more than double the $180 million raised just two years ago.
Bloomberg donates record $1.8 billion to alma mater
The contribution—the largest ever to any education institution in the United States—will allow Johns Hopkins to eliminate student loans in financial aid packages starting next fall.
KAR Auction CEO is taking on Indy’s mobility problem
Although Jim Hallett runs a business that sold 5.5 million used vehicles in 120 countries last year, he also knows firsthand what life is like without a car.
Prominent hotel developer, family foundation donate $30M to Purdue for Union Club upgrade
Purdue announced the gift Saturday during an event to celebrate homecoming and the kickoff of the school’s year-long 150th anniversary celebration, which is themed “Take Giant Leaps.”
Franklin College lands $2M gift from former Eli Lilly executive
The money will be used to create a super endowment that will help fund future projects in perpetuity, Franklin College President Thomas Minar said.
IU Health names new Carmel cancer center after $10M donor
The cancer center, which is being built on the campus of IU Health North Hospital, will be named after Joseph Schwarz, who died in March of throat cancer, and his wife, Shelly.
UPDATE: Ball State to maintain ties to Papa John’s founder; Purdue won’t
Ball State University does not plan to change the name of the John H. Schnatter Institute for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise. Purdue, however, is following the lead of several other colleges that have distanced themselves from the controversial Papa John’s Pizza chain founder.
Charitable giving in United States tops $400 billion for first time
A surging stock market and huge gifts from billionaires fueled a big increase in giving in 2017, according to the annual Giving USA report by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IUPUI.
DePauw lands $20M gift from former Wells Fargo chairman, wife
DePauw University has received a $20 million donation from 1968 graduates Steve and Karen Sanger to create a leadership program, the school announced Thursday.
Indy Habitat for Humanity study shows clients earn more, spend less
The effects of Habitat home ownership include increased higher education attainment, better financial security and reduced stress.
Local firm rolls out software designed to help charities win donations
Super Service Challenge, a national not-for-profit aimed at helping charities raise money and in-kind contributions, is launching a new e-platform designed by Indianapolis-based Sells Group meant to connect companies, volunteers and not-for-profits in a whole new way.
Simon sisters among top political donors nationwide
Carmel philanthropists and sisters Deborah Simon and Cindy Simon Skjodt have become big-time campaign donors this election cycle.
Former Lilly exec makes seven-figure gift to local youth development group
The Indianapolis not-for-profit helps prepare African-American youth in the fourth grade and higher for academic and career success.
Not-for-profits brace for impact of tax bill
Charities are waiting to see whether new tax changes, which will reduce the number of Americans who qualify to lower their federal tax bills by using a deduction for giving, will also reduce donations.
Fairbanks Foundation awards $12M to local schools for drug prevention
The initiative will provide grants to public and private K-12 schools in Marion County to support substance-abuse programs.
Notre Dame nabs 6 of state’s 10 largest not-for-profit gifts in 2017
The university’s $205 million in big gifts was about two-thirds of the $302.9 million in gifts of $1 million or more given by individuals to Indiana not-for-profits in 2017.
State employees spread donations around
The Indiana State Employees’ Community Campaign said more than 6,100 employees contributed more than $1.47 million to 1,600 charities.