FundersIndiana

Samerian Foundation Inc

Indianapolis, IN · EIN 37-1439047. Reported 242 grants totalling $19.3M to 144 organizations across tax years 2021-2024. This foundation did not tell the IRS it funds only preselected organizations.

Yesaccepts unsolicited requests
$5,000median grant
$19.3Mgranted, 2021-2024
144organizations funded
55%of grantees funded again the next year
$92.3Massets, latest filing

Does this foundation accept applications?

Yes -- on its own tax return. Form 990-PF asks every private foundation whether it makes grants only to organizations it selects itself. Of the 91,758 foundations in our data that made a grant and answered, 78% said yes -- and applying to those is wasted effort. Samerian Foundation Inc did not check that box on its most recent filing, which puts it in the minority that is at least open to being approached.

This is the foundation's own statement to the IRS, not our judgement, and it says nothing about whether they have a form, a deadline, or an appetite for new grantees. Treat it as the reason this foundation is worth your research time, not as an invitation. Many small foundations of this kind have no website and no application process -- a letter of inquiry is the normal first step.

How big are its grants?

The median grant is $5,000. Half of everything it gave fell between $5,000 and $25,000; the smallest was $1,000 and the largest $2,000,000. If you are asking for materially more than the top of that range, you are asking the wrong foundation.

$1,000 - $5,000
46 grants
$5,000 - $10,000
89 grants
$10,000 - $25,000
41 grants
$25,000 - $50,000
26 grants
$50,000 - $100,000
8 grants
$100,000 and Up
32 grants

Every organization it funded

This is the complete list from its filings, largest first. Years funded is the number of separate tax years in which the organization received money -- more than one means a real relationship rather than a one-off.

OrganizationLocationTotal receivedGrantsYears fundedLast
Indiana University FoundationIndianapolis, IN$8,240,000642024
United States Holocaust Memorial MuseumWashington, DC$4,150,000542024
Riley Children's FoundationIndianapolis, IN$1,425,056542024
Humane Society of Hamilton CountyNoblesville, IN$1,250,000442024
Central Indiana Community FoundationIndianapolis, IN$1,085,000842024
Human Rights FirstNew York, NY$400,000332024
500 Festival FoundationIndianapolis, IN$300,000332024
Indiana Sports CorpIndianapolis, IN$166,000742024
Indiana University Hillel CenterBloomington, IN$160,000442024
Child AdvocatesIndianapolis, IN$125,000442024
Jewish FederationIndianapolis, IN$110,000442024
Elevate ChicagoChicago, IL$102,500112021
City Colleges of Chicago FoundationChicago, IL$100,000112021
EmployindyIndianapolis, IN$100,000112021
Gleaner's Food BankIndianapolis, IN$91,000642024
Indiana Democracy CollectiveIndianapolis, IN$83,333112024
Indy Championship LegacyIndianapolis, IN$83,333112022
Coburn Place - Safe HavenIndianapolis, IN$75,000332024
Pacers FoundationIndianapolis, IN$60,000212024
Simon Youth FoundationIndianapolis, IN$55,000222024
Free Press IndianaIndianapolis, IN$50,000112024
Indiana School Counselor AssociationIndianapolis, IN$50,000112023
Cristel HouseIndianapolis, IN$49,440432024
American Red CrossIndianapolis, IN$40,000442024
Peace Learning CenterIndianapolis, IN$38,334222023
Ben's RanchCarmel, IN$36,000222024
Cancer Support CommunityIndianapolis, IN$30,000212022
Antidefamation LeagueChicago, IL$25,000112024
Brightlane LearningIndianapolis, IN$25,000112024
Iu Foundation-Queer Philanthropy CircleBloomington, IN$25,000542024
WOMEN4CHANGEIndianapolis, IN$25,000112022
Assistance League of IndianapolisIndianapolis, IN$20,000332024
Catch the Stars FoundationIndianapolis, IN$20,000222024
Center for It Talent AccelerationLibertyville, IL$20,000112021
Indianapolis Zoological Society IncIndianapolis, IN$20,000222024
Meals on WheelsIndianapolis, IN$20,000442024
The Patachou FoundationIndianapolis, IN$17,500222022
Little Wish FoundationIndianapolis, IN$16,000112024
American Cancer SocietyIndianapolis, IN$15,000112022
Arts With a PurposeIndianapolis, IN$15,000222024
Big Brothers Big SistersIndianapolis, IN$15,000332024
Firefly Children & Family AllianceIndianapolis, IN$15,000222024
Indiana Coalition to End Sexual AssaultIndianapolis, IN$15,000222024
Lifesmart YouthIndianapolis, IN$15,000332024
Teachers TreasuresIndianapolis, IN$15,000222024
Morning Light IncIndianapolis, IN$12,500222024
Why Aren't You SmilingIndianapolis, IN$12,080222024
Ascent 121Indianapolis, IN$10,000222024
Boys & Girls Club of IndianapolisIndianapolis, IN$10,000112023
Covenant House CaliforniaHollywood, CA$10,000112021
Eskenazi Health FoundationIndianapolis, IN$10,000112024
Immigrant Welcome CenterIndianapolis, IN$10,000112021
Indiana Historical SocietyIndianapolis, IN$10,000112022
Indiana Women in NeedIndianapolis, IN$10,000222024
Indiana Youth GroupIndianapolis, IN$10,000112023
National Junior Tennis LeagueIndianapolis, IN$10,000222024
Pancreatic Cancer Action NetworkManhattan Beach, CA$10,000222024
Shepherd Community CenterIndianapolis, IN$10,000112021
St Joseph Institute for the DeafIndianapolis, IN$10,000222024
Sycamore Services IncDanville, IN$10,000112021
Teen WorksIndianapolis, IN$10,000112023
TeenworksIndianapolis, IN$10,000112021
The La TrustLos Angeles, CA$10,000112021
Westfield Youth SportsWestfield, IN$10,000112024
Usna Parents Club of IndianaGreenfield, IN$9,999112024
College Mentors for Kids IncIndianapolis, IN$8,500222024
Damien CenterIndianapolis, IN$8,000222023
Boner Neighborhood CtrsIndianapolis, IN$7,500222024
Family Promise of Hendricks CoPlainfield, IN$7,500112021
Girls IncIndianapolis, IN$7,500222024
Hoosier Burn CampBattle Ground, IN$7,500222023
Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing ProjectIndianapolis, IN$7,500222024
Joy's HouseIndianapolis, IN$7,500112021
Second HelpingsIndianapolis, IN$7,500112021
Seeds of CaringColumbus, OH$7,500222024
Brooke's Place for Grieving Young PeopleIndianapolis, IN$6,000222024
Dress for Success IndianapolisIndianapolis, IN$5,100112021
16 Tech Community CorpIndianapolis, IN$5,000112024
A Kid AgainIndianapolis, IN$5,000112024
Agape Therapeutic RidingCicero, IN$5,000112024
All-OptionsBloomington, IN$5,000112024
Boys & Girls Club of Boone CountyZionsville, IN$5,000112024
Chaucie's PlaceCarmel, IN$5,000112023
Children's BureauIndianapolis, IN$5,000112021
Community Harvest Food BankFt Wayne, IN$5,000112024
Conner Prairie MuseumFishers, IN$5,000112024
Domestic Violence NetworkIndianapolis, IN$5,000222022
Elevate IndyIndianapolis, IN$5,000112021
End OverdosePasadena, CA$5,000112023
Foundation to Combat Anti-SemitismFoxborough, MA$5,000112023
Hoosier Hysterics IncValley Village, CA$5,000112022
Hope Family Care CenterCicero, IN$5,000112024
Horizon HouseIndianapolis, IN$5,000112021
Indiana Center for Suicide PreventionCarmel, IN$5,000112024
Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault & Human TraffickingIndianapolis, IN$5,000112022
Indiana Diaper BankIndianapolis, IN$5,000112021
Indianapolis Art CenterIndianapolis, IN$5,000112024
Indianapolis Colts FoundationIndianapolis, IN$5,000112022
Jameson CampIndianapolis, IN$5,000112024
Joseph Maley FoundationIndianapolis, IN$5,000112023
Kids' Voice of IndianaIndianapolis, IN$5,000112024
La Plaza IncIndianapolis, IN$5,000112021
Little Red DoorIndianapolis, IN$5,000112024
Mlk CenterIndianapolis, IN$5,000112021
National Alliance on Mental HealthIndianapolis, IN$5,000112021
PrevailNoblesville, IN$5,000112024
Purposeful DesignIndianapolis, IN$5,000112024
Reach for YouthIndianapolis, IN$5,000112021
Sandy Hook PromiseNewtown, CT$5,000112022
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central inMuncie, IN$5,000112021
The Black Hats Society of Historic IrvingtonIndianapolis, IN$5,000112024
The STEM ConnectionIndianapolis, IN$5,000112024
Youth ConnectionsFranklin, IN$5,000112021
Youth EmpoweredIndianapolis, IN$5,000112024
Muscular Dystrophy Family FoundationCarmel, IN$4,500222024
Birthright Israel FoundationNew York, NY$3,500222023
Best Buddies IndianaIndianapolis, IN$3,000112024
Adelante SchoolIndianapolis, IN$2,500112024
Allied Solutions for Performing ArtsCarmel, IN$2,500112024
Aspire Indiana HealthAnderson, IN$2,500112024
Children's Theraplay FoundationCarmel, IN$2,500112023
Cultivate Food RescueSouth Bend, IN$2,500112024
Dayspring CenterIndianapolis, IN$2,500112021
Heartland Film FestivalIndianapolis, IN$2,500112024
Hope AcademyIndianapolis, IN$2,500112023
Independent Living for Adults With DisabilitiesZionsville, IN$2,500112024
Janus DevelopmentNoblesville, IN$2,500112024
Love LucasIndianapolis, IN$2,500112024
Monroe County United MinistriesBloomington, IN$2,500112024
Pattern IncIndianapolis, IN$2,500112024
Ronald Mcdonald House Charities of Central IndianaIndianapolis, IN$2,500112023
St Vincent Depaul Food PantryNoblesville, IN$2,500112021
Techpoint Foundation for YouthIndianapolis, IN$2,500112024
The Center for Performing ArtsCarmel, IN$2,500112023
The Mind TrustIndianapolis, IN$2,500112024
Ukrainian Society of IndplsFishers, IN$2,500112022
Urban Musical TheaterIndianapolis, IN$2,500112024
Aspire HouseIndianapolis, IN$2,000112024
In Canine Assistance NetworkZionsville, IN$2,000112021
Indianapolis Metro ChurchIndianapolis, IN$2,000112023
Primrose Children's FoundationAtlanta, GA$2,000112023
Big Car CollaborativeIndianapolis, IN$1,500112024
Claude Mcneal's Musical TheatreIndianapolis, IN$1,500112024
The Chris CenterCarmel, IN$1,000112023

48 of 144 (33%) received money in more than one year over the 4 years we hold.

Measured the way we measure every foundation -- what share of one year's grantees are funded again the next -- this one retains 55%, across 3 year-to-year transitions. The median foundation retains about 67%, so this one is less consistent than most. A high number means its list is close to settled and a newcomer has to displace someone; a low one means it is still moving money around, which is where an opening is.

What the money was for

Taken verbatim from the purpose field of its filings. This is the closest thing to a statement of what this foundation cares about, in its own words.

What kind of organizations it funds

By the recipient's own IRS classification, for the 147 grants where we could identify the organization. These are assigned categories, not our guesses.

Human Services
28 grants
Education
17 grants
Arts & Culture
15 grants
Health Care
12 grants
Philanthropy & Grantmaking
10 grants
Youth Development
9 grants
Recreation & Sports
8 grants
Crime & Legal
7 grants

Giving by year

Tax yearGrantsTotalMedian grant
202152$4,694,278$7,500
202237$4,938,097$15,000
202360$4,851,704$5,000
202493$4,859,596$5,000

Tax years, not calendar years, and the most recent year is usually incomplete -- filings arrive about a year late, so a low final year means late paperwork rather than a foundation winding down.

Already committed for future years

Form 990-PF has a separate schedule for grants approved but not yet paid. Samerian Foundation Inc has 2 of them, worth $210,000. This is the one part of the filing that looks forward rather than back -- and it also tells you how much of the next year's budget is already spoken for.

OrganizationLocationApproved
500 Festival FoundationIndianapolis, IN$200,000
Iu Foundation-Queer Philanthropy CircleBloomington, IN$10,000

Where its money goes

Foundations concentrate geographically far more than their mission statements suggest. 75% of this one's giving went to organizations in Indiana. If you are outside its footprint, that matters more than how well your programme fits.

Indiana
$14.5M
District of Columbia
$4.2M
New York
$404K
Illinois
$248K
California
$40K
Ohio
$8K
Massachusetts
$5K
Connecticut
$5K

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Funders that support the same organizations

These funders gave to organizations this one also funded -- some private foundations, some community foundations and other grantmaking charities. Shared grantees are the strongest available signal that two funders have overlapping priorities, and a funder already backing your peers is a far warmer prospect than one that merely lists your cause.

Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund58 shared recipientsCentral Indiana Community Foundation Inc55 shared recipientsDonor Advised Charitable Giving Inc53 shared recipientsAmerican Online Giving Foundation Inc51 shared recipientsLilly Endowment Inc51 shared recipientsThe Indianapolis Foundation Inc50 shared recipients

How to approach this foundation

  1. Check you are its size. The median grant is $5,000. Asking for ten times that is the most common way small organizations waste a submission.
  2. Check you are in its geography. Its giving is concentrated in Indiana.
  3. Read the recipient list above for organizations like yours. If nothing on it resembles your work, that is a real answer, and a cheap one to get.
  4. Look up the current filing before writing. The 990-PF names the foundation's officers and, where one exists, its application procedure. We link it below.

Related guides

Foundations funding education in District of ColumbiaEvery funder in this group, rankedFoundations funding arts & culture in District of ColumbiaEvery funder in this group, ranked

Where these numbers come from

Everything above is taken from Samerian Foundation Inc's own Form 990-PF filings, which the IRS publishes in bulk. We used 4 returns (tax years 2021-2024). Nothing here is scraped, inferred, or estimated.

Address of record on the latest return: 600 E 96TH St 510, Indianapolis, IN, 46240. This is the address the foundation gave the IRS; many small foundations file through an accountant or a bank trust department, so it may not be where post to a programme officer should go.

EIN 37-1439047 · See the original filings on ProPublica · How we build this

This is history, not an open call. Foundation returns are published about a year after the tax year ends. Nothing on this page is a deadline. It is a record of who this foundation has actually funded, which is the best available predictor of who it will fund next -- and a much better basis for deciding whether to write to them than a mission statement.

Is something here wrong about your foundation? Email hello@funderscope.com and we will correct it.