The Hamilton County Community Foundation closed out 2025 with a new strategic direction, new leadership and a string of investments aimed at one goal: making sure every resident has a chance to thrive, according to the foundation’s newly released annual report.

It was a year of change at the top. The foundation welcomed Danielle Stiles-Polk as president, while Eddie Rivers served as board chair. “Hamilton County is a community on the move,” the two wrote in a joint message. “That growth is most meaningful when our entire community has the chance to be a part of it.”

Much of the year’s work flowed from a strategic plan launched in January. Built on a needs assessment that gathered more than 2,000 data points and extensive community conversations, the plan concentrates the foundation’s investments in five areas: affordable housing, education and training, social services, childcare solutions and transportation.

Those priorities showed up in the dollars. In 2025, HCCF invested $558,000 directly in the community, including $405,000 awarded through its competitive grant cycle. The flexible grants let nonprofit partners direct money where local needs are greatest. “Every grant we award reflects our commitment to strengthening the wellbeing of our neighbors,” Stiles-Polk said. “Nonprofits are leading community change, and HCCF is proud to support their work.”

Several gifts stood out for their size and timing. When a disruption in SNAP benefits left many local families facing gaps at the kitchen table, HCCF joined the Crosser Family Foundation and the Shelly & Cherryl Friedman Family Fund to provide a $100,000 emergency grant to the Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank. “This support comes at a pivotal time for many residents,” said Suzanna Hobson, the food bank’s executive director. “It’s a powerful reminder of the compassion and collaboration that make Hamilton County such a caring place to call home.”

In May, the foundation announced a $120,000, three-year partnership with Prevail, Inc., a nonprofit serving survivors of crime and abuse. The grant will help expand access to secure housing. “It is a powerful investment in the safety, stability, and future of survivors of crime and abuse in our community,” said Prevail Executive Director Tami Wanninger. “Prevail will expand access to secure housing options — removing one of the biggest barriers our clients face as they begin their healing journey.”

Housing affordability drew a longer-term commitment as well. Working with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis, HAND, Inc. and other partners, HCCF helped launch the Hamilton County Community Land Trust. By separating the cost of land from the cost of a home, the trust aims to make homeownership more attainable now and keep it affordable for future generations.

The foundation also invested in the county’s youngest residents. Through a coordinated effort led by local libraries and HCCF, with funding from the Hamilton County Council, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is now mailing monthly books to more than 5,000 children under age five — an early-literacy push the foundation says creates lasting opportunities for kids.

Education got another boost through the Lilly Endowment Community Scholars program, which named five local students — from Culver Academies, Hamilton Southeastern, Noblesville, Fishers and Westfield high schools — as 2025 scholars. “Our 2025 Lilly Scholars are the kind of young people who see a need and step up,” Stiles-Polk said.

Behind the grants sits a growing pool of charitable capital. Individual fundholders granted $5.4 million to 981 organizations during the year and contributed $4.0 million to their funds, while the foundation managed $13.6 million across 41 charitable organization funds.

The year’s largest vote of confidence came from outside the county. HCCF was awarded a $6 million Community Support Grant from Lilly Endowment through its GIFT IX initiative — flexible resources meant to help the foundation respond to emerging needs and strengthen partnerships over the next three years.

The foundation closed its report with a note of gratitude to the donors, fundholders and nonprofit partners who made the year possible. “The work we do can’t happen in isolation,” it reads. “We’re grateful for that shared commitment and look forward to seeing our community continue to grow.”