As we look to the future, the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation remains dedicated to our three focus areas: تعلیم, صحت, ، اور انڈیاناپولس کی زندگی. The Fairbanks Foundation’s board of directors approved the following goals and strategies to guide our work through 2029.
A good education creates new possibilities. Yet in Indianapolis and across the state, many K-12 students do not pass subjects like math and English. As a result, some Hoosiers graduate from high school unprepared for college or in-demand careers. Meanwhile, employers struggle to find skilled talent to fill available jobs.
Our Goal
Improve student academic outcomes and address the workforce skills gap.
Our Strategies
For both children and adults, good health is essential for success in life. Obesity is a chronic disease that can affect many aspects of a person’s health and well-being. Despite a high prevalence of obesity in Marion County, access to and utilization of evidence-based treatment for the disease remains low. Obesity increases the risk of serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, while also reducing quality of life and contributing to higher healthcare costs.
Our Goal
Prevent and address obesity as a chronic disease.
Our Strategies
As one of the largest cities in the country, Indianapolis is home to a vibrant community and a wide array of industries, from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and hospitality. Attracting and retaining talent, fostering innovation, and offering a high quality of life for the people of our city is essential to ensuring the vitality of Indianapolis.
Our Goal
Create a more vibrant Indianapolis.
Our Strategy
This focus area also includes two categories of grants, which align with Dick Fairbanks’ wishes when he presided over the Foundation: