Herbert Simon Family Foundation
The Herbert Simon Family Foundation is a private, non‑operating family foundation based in Indianapolis that supports arts & culture, basic needs, environment & climate, equity & justice, and Jewish causes. The foundation is administered through the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) and runs programs such as Artists at Work Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Creative Risk Fund. Granting is by invitation only and CICF provides contact and reporting portals for grantees.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Organizations focused on Indianapolis-area community initiatives, regional intermediaries, or programs aligned with the foundation's stated priorities (arts & culture, basic needs, environment, equity, and Jewish causes), or individuals eligible for the foundation's literary awards.
Good Fit
- • Local Indianapolis-based organizations or intermediaries that can receive or partner with the Central Indiana Community Foundation.
- • Programs that align with arts & culture, community development, environment/climate, equity, or Jewish causes.
- • Established organizations with existing relationships or visibility in central Indiana.
Geography
Observed giving is heavily concentrated in Indiana by dollars (about 99% of grant dollars), though small awards to individuals in New York appear; the latest year shows grants in two states but an overwhelmingly Indiana-centered dollar footprint.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows four distinct recipients including a large institutional pass-through and several small individual awards; there is modest variety in recipient type but dollars are highly concentrated in the single institutional recipient.
New Applicants
Direct application is described as invite-only and granting is administered through CICF, which limits unsolicited access; although new small recipients appear, the foundation explicitly states it does not accept unsolicited applications and most large dollars flow through a selected intermediary, so an unfamiliar applicant is unlikely to gain entry without an invitation or intermediary relationship.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
