Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation

Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation

The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation was created in 1986 following the death of its namesake, who built Fairbanks Communications. Claire Fiddian-Green became president and CEO in 2015. The foundation directs resources toward measurable improvements in Indianapolis education and health metrics. Capital allocation includes private equity fund commitments such as FLAG North American Mid-Market Fund V and Catalyst Investors Fund VI. Additional holdings encompass Revelation Healthcare Fund III. Geographic focus remains concentrated in the United States, with primary activity in Indiana and secondary exposure across North America. Grantmaking has included major support for IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health and INCAP. The organization employs 15 professionals at its Indianapolis headquarters. It holds membership in the Council on Foundations and PEAK Grantmaking. In November 2024 the foundation participated as a speaker in the National Apprenticeship Week Peer Learning Call on apprenticeship grant strategies. Governance ties the foundation to the original Fairbanks family through director Jonathan B. Fairbanks. Investment advice is provided by TIFF Advisory Services, with audit and tax work handled by Alerding CPA Group and Katz, Sapper & Miller.