Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana Philanthropy Alliance (IPA), formerly Indiana Donor Alliance (IDA) and later Indiana Grantmakers Alliance (IGA), is a nonprofit membership association—also referred to as a philanthropy supporting organization, or PSO—of and for Indiana’s grantmaking community. IPA represents foundations (community, corporate, family, private, public), corporate giving programs, donor-advised funds, giving circles, regranting organizations, and other qualified individuals, and provides educational, networking, public policy, and technical support to its members.
IPA was organized in 1983 after a meeting at which representatives of foundations and other grantmaking organizations met to discuss the condition and potential of the state’s philanthropic community. Initially guided by a volunteer steering committee composed of executives from Indiana’s largest and most active philanthropic organizations, IPA hired its first staff member in 1989, instituted a board of directors in 1990, and acquired 501(c)(3) status under federal tax laws in 1992.
IPA’s goals were to foster interaction among members of the community of donors, to enhance the quality and quantity of grantmaking, to stimulate the development of new foundations and corporate giving programs, to inform and educate grant-seekers, and to raise public awareness. After continued growth, the organization changed its name in 2014 to Indiana Philanthropy Alliance to reflect the broader role of foundations and companies involved with philanthropy and social investing efforts for the common good.
The alliance continues to provide members with training and resources to guide them in effective grantmaking practices, as well as providing opportunities to build relationships with Indiana’s philanthropic professionals and other community leaders. The organization also offers guidance and support to engage in policy and advocacy with a strong, unified voice at the state and federal levels.
IPA administers the Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) program, which has helped to develop community foundations in all of Indiana’s 92 counties. The GIFT program offers hands-on technical support and professional development for Indiana’s community foundation staff and board members.
In 2020, collective membership of the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance held over $20.4 billion in assets and awarded more than $861 million in grants. The alliance itself is not a grantmaker. Through investing in the state’s charitable organizations, convening local leaders, collaborating on critical issues, seeking innovative solutions, sharing knowledge, and advocating; the IPA network seeks to leverage its collective voice to increase the impact of Indiana philanthropy.
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