Program 1 · 42.6% of program spending · $23.9M in grants $25.6M
We help people invest in the causes that matter most to them.
The 990 read · EIN 45-4618430 · IN · Fiscal year 2024
The Indianapolis Foundation
The Indianapolis Foundation Inc: CEO salary, finances and where donations go
In its own words
“To mobilize people, ideas, and investments to make this a community where all individuals have equitable opportunity to reach their full potential - no matter place, race or identity.”
Data only Figures straight from the filing, screened by our rules. Not yet reviewed in depth by a CPA.
Methodology by Amir Arani, CPA, CA · Updated
- Top pay
- $427K Lorenzo Esters, 0.7% of spending
- Revenue
- $130.0M 77% from donations and grants
- Spent
- $64.9M 92.7% on programs, as reported
- Net assets
- $460.8M end of 2024
- Savings
- 85.2 months of spending, net assets ÷ spending
- People
- 32 employees, 6 volunteers
01 · Red flags
No red flags in its latest filing.
We screen every filing against twelve rules. A flag is a prompt for a closer look, not a finding of wrongdoing.
No reported asset diversions, no insider transactions, no fundraisers keeping most of the money, and the governance policies we check for are in place.
02 · Where $1 goes · 2024
Of each dollar it spent, 92.7¢ went to programs, as reported.
The split the charity filed.
Cost to raise $1
1¢
as reported
For each dollar donated, The Indianapolis Foundation spent 1¢ on fundraising.
Fundraising ÷ $100.0M contributions · Form 990 Parts VIII, IX03 · What it does
What it told the IRS it spent on.
The charity's own description of its largest programs, with what each cost.
Program 2 · 9.7% of program spending · $4.2M in grants $5.9M
We award grants to effective not-for-profit organizations.
04 · The savings
Net assets: $249.4M to $460.8M in 11 years.
Net assets at each fiscal year end, 2013 to 2024.
249
246
235
246
287
275
304
347
121
61
379
461
05 · Who gets paid
The 6 highest-paid people.
Reportable pay in 2024, from the charity and related organizations.
Lorenzo Esters
President
$426,860
Pamela Ross
VP Comm. Lead. & Equit. Inits
$240,868
Erin Tanner
CFO
$203,920
Robert a Macpherson
VP Philanthrophy & Development
$201,326
Jennifer Schrier
Senior Director of Finance
$135,531
Grace Findley
Chief Development and Partnerships Officer
$110,716
06 · Questions
The questions people ask about the The Indianapolis Foundation.
Short, sourced answers. Each one stands on its own.
How much does the The Indianapolis Foundation CEO make?
Lorenzo Esters, President, received $426,860 in reportable compensation in 2024, 0.7% of The Indianapolis Foundation's $64.9M in spending.
Form 990 (2024), Part VIIWhat percentage of The Indianapolis Foundation donations go to programs?
The Indianapolis Foundation reported 92.7% of 2024 spending as programs, 2% as fundraising and 5.3% as management.
Form 990 (2024), Part IXHow much money does The Indianapolis Foundation have?
Net assets were $460.8M at the end of 2024, about 85.2 months of spending.
Form 990 (2024), Part XDoes The Indianapolis Foundation have any red flags in its filing?
Its latest Form 990 triggered none of our twelve screening rules, which cover reported asset diversions, insider transactions, fundraiser costs, governance policies and spending patterns.
Form 990 (2024)07 · Sources and citing
Every number, traced.
- The Indianapolis Foundation Form 990, 2024 (IRS e-file)
- The Indianapolis Foundation Form 990 history (ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer)
Cite this page
Amir Arani, “The Indianapolis Foundation: CEO salary, finances and where your dollar goes,” Charity Math, updated 2026-11-07. https://charitymath.com/charities/the-indianapolis-foundation/