Application is open for organizations to receive help from fundraising drive

The application for organizations to receive help from IndyStar's annual Season for Sharing fundraising drive is open now through Jan. 12.

Each year, IndyStar asks readers to join us in serving our neighbors in need by supporting IndyStar's Our Children initiative through our Season for Sharing campaign. The mission is to harness the power of local journalism to make a difference in the lives of Central Indiana youth. Last year, IndyStar awarded $100,000 to nine Central Indiana organizations, supporting projects including a summer camp for children affected by the child welfare system, basic needs assistance for homeless youth and young adults, after-school music education and travel programs for lowincome youth. Of that, about $82,000 was generously donated by readers, matched in part by the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. The Our Children committee, which organizes Season for Sharing, also made a donation, rounding up the total.

The fundraising period runs from Thanksgiving through Dec. 31.

If you represent a grant-seeking group that helps children learn to read and write, here's the information you need to get started.

How to apply for IndyStar Season for Sharing grant funding

Applications may be submitted online via the Central Indiana Community Foundation at cicf.org/indystar-ourchildren-fund.

Who is eligible for IndyStar Season for Sharing grants?

This year, we're prioritizing youthserving groups in Central Indiana and their programs or initiatives focused on reading, writing and other literacy skills. Funding decisions are made by the Our Children committee and volunteers from the Star's news staff.

Proposals should address one of the following focus areas:

● Building capacity: Improving or developing programming, systems or operations to ensure long-term stability of the organization.

● Enhancing services: Enhancing the quality of services provided to youth and families by providing additional staff training and education or improving facilities.

● Supporting families: Providing wraparound support to families in underserved Indianapolis communities, such as basic needs assistance and/or connecting families to additional community resources.

When are IndyStar Season for Sharing grant applications due?

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, 2024.

How much will be awarded?

Individual grant requests should not exceed $15,000.

The number of grants and award amounts will be determined based on the results of the fundraising campaign.

Where does Season for Sharing grant funding come from?

Season for Sharing money is generously donated by IndyStar readers, Central Indiana residents and the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. These grants are not supported by the newspaper's budget.

When will Season for Sharing grant winners be notified?

Members of IndyStar's Our Children committee will evaluate applications and notify recipients no later than March 29, 2024.

Donate to support IndyStar's Season for Sharing initiative

We invite you to join us in supporting Central Indiana youth with a financial contribution to Season for Sharing. Go to indystar.com/ocdonate to give online. If you prefer to send a check, please mail to: Central Indiana Community Foundation, Attn: Our Children, 615 N. Alabama St., Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46204. You also can donate by texting “SHARING” to 80888.

Additional questions? Email newsroom development director Holly Hays at holly.hays@indystar.com.