Category: News

  • Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Invests $100,000 in IMPD CARES Program

    INDIANAPOLIS, Ind (June 23, 2026) — The Indianapolis Rotary Foundation has awarded a $100,000 Legacy Impact Grant to the Central Indiana Police Foundation in support of IMPD CARES, a prevention-focused initiative that uses mentorship, education and community engagement to strengthen relationships between young people, families and law enforcement.

    The grant will support two key components of the program: $50,000 to expand youth initiatives, including the G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) Program and summer camp, and $50,000 to purchase and customize a new community-engagement gaming trailer to be deployed throughout Marion County.

    “The Indianapolis Rotary Foundation supports organizations addressing challenges at every stage, from food insecurity and foster care to workforce development and public safety,” said Erin Smith, president of the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation. “This investment reflects our belief that prevention, mentorship and community engagement are essential components of a stronger Indianapolis.”

    Each year, IMPD CARES programs reach approximately 1,200 young people across Marion County. Administered through IMPD’s Community Engagement Office, CARES includes the Police Athletic League, Books and Badges, Play It Smart, G.R.E.A.T., SLYDE (School-Led Youth Development & Engagement) and adult education programming.

    “We often talk about public safety after something bad happens,” said Lisa Rollings, executive director of the Central Indiana Police Foundation. “These programs are about creating positive connections long before that point. This grant allows us to expand opportunities for young people and officers to engage in meaningful ways throughout Indianapolis.”

    The new community engagement gaming trailer represents an innovative approach to outreach. By meeting young people in a setting that feels familiar and inviting, officers can create opportunities for conversation, mentorship and relationship-building with youth who may not otherwise participate in traditional programs. Each deployment will include educational programming alongside opportunities for positive engagement between officers and the community.

    “Enforcement is one part of public safety. Prevention, mentorship and trust-building are equally important,” said Lt. Allen Tuttle, manager of IMPD’s Community Engagement Division. “Programs like CARES and G.R.E.A.T. give officers opportunities to connect with young people outside emergency situations and help strengthen the communities we serve.”

    Awarded every two years, the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation’s Legacy Impact Grant supports transformational projects that address significant community needs and create lasting impact throughout Central Indiana.

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    About Rotary Club of Indianapolis
    Founded in 1913, the Rotary Club of Indianapolis brings together leaders from business, government, nonprofit organizations and the community to address challenges facing Central Indiana through service, philanthropy and civic engagement.

    Through the Rotary Club of Indianapolis Foundation, the organization provides more than $260,000 annually in grants, youth programs and charitable initiatives that strengthen communities across the region.

    Learn more at indyrotary.com.

    About the Central Indiana Police Foundation
    The foundation started in 2013, focused on the Indianapolis Police Department. We are now serving 70 police departments in central Indiana. The mission is to foster community-wide support for law enforcement, providing supplemental resources, and building positive officer-community partnerships.

  • August 11: Indiana Fever Game

    August 11: Indiana Fever Game

    Join fellow Rotarians for a fun night of basketball as the Indiana Fever take on the New York Liberty!

    Game Details:

    • Date: Tuesday, August 11
    • Time: 7:30 pm
    • Location: Section 208 (balcony, center)

    Ticket Information:

    • Price: $59.50 per ticket
    • Rotary seats will be grouped together for this event.

    If you would like to attend, please complete the ticket form. You will receive an invoice for your tickets in June, as payment to the Fever is due by June 26.

  • 2026 Community Grants: Apply Online

    2026 Community Grants: Apply Online

    The 2026 Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Community Grant guidelines have been posted. The Foundation intends to award four grants of $25,000 and three grants of $10,000.

    The online grant application can be found here. Applications are due by June 19, 2026. Applicants must be 501(c)3 nonprofits who serve the charitable and educational needs of Central Indiana.

    You can find out more about the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation here.

  • November 19: 4-Way Test Volunteers Needed

    November 19: 4-Way Test Volunteers Needed

    The 4-Way Test Program is a fantastic opportunity for Rotarians to engage with students, offering valuable tools, techniques, and strategies for making thoughtful, ethical decisions that will serve them throughout their lives. By participating, you’ll help instill essential skills in young people while providing them with insights that will shape their future.

    This initiative is not only impactful for the students, but also incredibly rewarding for the volunteers. It’s a chance to witness firsthand the growth and development of the next generation and be part of their educational journey. We promise the experience will be eye-opening, fun, and a fulfilling way to give back to the community!

    For our newer members, this is an excellent way to get involved with Rotary and experience our mission in action. We welcome everyone to be part of this meaningful program!

    Our next 4-Way Test will be on Wednesday, November 19 at 8 am at Christel House South Academy, located at 2405 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis. 

    Interested in volunteering? Please email Mike Crowley or call him directly at 317-627-9030.

    Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives and be part of Rotary’s impactful work!

  • November 8: Indiana Diaper Bank Volunteer Opportunity

    November 8: Indiana Diaper Bank Volunteer Opportunity

    Looking for a fun and meaningful way to give back? Join us on Saturday, November 8, from 10 am to noon at the Indiana Diaper Bank! We’ll be helping pack and organize supplies to support families in need across central Indiana.

    📍 Location: 5248 W. 79th Street, Indianapolis (volunteer entrance at Door 5246)
    🚗 Parking: Plenty of parking is available right in front of the building.
    👕 What to Wear: Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. We’ll be moving around the warehouse. It can get warm in the summer and chilly in the winter, so dress for the weather!

    👉 Sign up here: Indiana Diaper Bank Volunteer Registration

    Come ready to roll up your sleeves and make a difference. We’d love to see you there!

  • Rotary Career Chat Draws Dozens!

    Rotary Career Chat Draws Dozens!

    On October 20, Rotarians Tom Fodor, Ken Barlow, Zeelyn Stutz, Autumn Bryant, and Dr. Dre Knox visited Perry Meridian High School for our first-ever Rotary Career Chat. The goal was simple: to give students a glimpse into their future careers and to remind them that every professional journey starts where they are now.

    The Rotarians shared stories of challenges overcome and the importance of hard work and perseverance. More than 60 students attended the session, where careers in law, education, nonprofit management, architecture, and professional sports were highlighted.

    Special thanks to Perry Meridian Interact Club President Bryan Nguyen and Co-Advisor Joseph Bird for their warm welcome and for truly living the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.”

  • September 10: 5:31 Social Event

    September 10: 5:31 Social Event

    Join the Rotary Club of Indianapolis 5:31 Club at the home of Marie and Gary Koenig on Wednesday, September 10. 

    Who: Rotarians, friends, guests, and anyone wanting to learn more about Rotary.

    What: No agenda, just the regular monthly social get-together.

    When: September 10, from 5:31 pm till 7:00 pm, or whenever you can be there.

    Where: 1335 E. 77th Street, Indianapolis

    Beer, wine, smoked salmon, a charcuterie board, and chips with dip will be provided. Guests are welcome to bring their favorite libation. Please park on the street.

  • 2025 Community Grants: Apply Online

    2025 Community Grants: Apply Online

    The 2025 Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Community Grant guidelines have been posted. The Foundation intends to award three grants of $25,000 and two grants of $10,000.

    The online grant application can be found here. Applications are due by June 18, 2025. Applicants must be 501(c)3 nonprofits who serve the charitable and educational needs of Central Indiana.

    You can find out more about the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation here.

  • Congrats To Our New Officers

    Congrats To Our New Officers

    The Rotary Board of Directors recently elected new officers Kelle Neibert and Dan Hamilton. Beginning on July 1, Kelle will be serving as Sergeant at Arms and Dan will be serving as Vice President (rising to President in 2027). We look forward to their leadership!

  • 2024-2025 Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Community Grants

    2024-2025 Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Community Grants

    Indianapolis Rotary Foundation Announces Community Grant Recipients
    $130,000 in funding distributed to seven Indianapolis nonprofits

    The Indianapolis Rotary Foundation awards annual Community Grants through a competitive application and review process. The Indianapolis Rotary Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024-25 Community Grants.

    • Child Advocates will receive $25,000 to provide legal representation for youth within the child welfare system facing immigration issues.
    • Medical Mutts Service Dogs will receive $25,000 to rescue dogs lingering in shelters, train them to detect glucose drops, impending seizures, anxiety/panic attacks and social emotional discomfort. The dogs will then be paired with their human companion and be of service to them for 8-10 years.
    • Pretty Passionate Hands will receive $25,000 to provide teen parents with parenting classes, education workshops to promote financial literacy and stability, mentorship programs, as well as access to food, household supplies, clothing, childcare, baby toys and equipment.
    • Westminster Neighborhood Services Inc will receive $25,000 to purchase a box truck. The truck will allow them to pick up food donations for their food pantry, soup kitchen, and youth programs, ensuring no neighbor goes hungry.
    • The Children’s TherAplay Foundation, Inc. will receive $10,000 for translation services that will assist their families during scheduling, evaluations and therapy sessions.
    • Domestic Violence Network of Greater Indianapolis Inc. will receive $10,000 to provide the residents of the Martindale Brightwood Neighborhood in need with a Day of Rest, a restorative healing circle, restorative activities and program materials that teach coping skills to address trauma, domestic violence, and self-care strategies.
    • Freewheelin’ Community Bikes, Inc. will receive $10,000 to support their Mobile Education Bike Lab program. The program is in Indianapolis area schools, youth development centers, libraries, parks and recreation services, and other community organizations strategically identified in “bike deserts” with less access to bicycle education programs.

    The Indianapolis Rotary Foundation is a private, stand-alone corporation that serves as the community charitable arm of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis. Each year, the Foundation generously donates over $250,000 annually to projects and organizations in the Central Indiana Area that promote the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.”

    Want to contribute to the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation? Donate here.

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis is one of the largest and most active Rotary Clubs in the world. Founded in 1913, the club has compiled an extensive record as one the leading supporters and contributors to the quality of life in Indianapolis. For further information about the Rotary Club of Indianapolis, visit indyrotary.org