NEWS
A 2025 RETROSPECTIVE – THE ALLEN WHITEHILL CLOWES CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
The board and staff of the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation continue to serve and represent the legacy and intent of Allen W. Clowes in our mission and stewardship. 2025 was the 25th anniversary of the death of Mr. Clowes. It also marked the beginning of the foundation’s work in its continuing form as funded by his estate. We remember him with great thanksgiving for his life and profession of philanthropy and the impact made through his generosity. Throughout 2025, the foundation worked to develop a video archival resource with interviews with long-time friends and associates of Mr. Clowes. Results have been viewed in initial form and will be made more generally available in 2026.
We are thankful for Mr. Clowes’ initiation of the foundation and his long-term leadership of our sister foundation, the Clowes Fund. The foundation manifests Mr. Clowes’ values emphasizing the importance of beauty and creativity through the arts and their impact for good on individuals and communities. He was a generous person and leader in so many ways and left a call to generosity of spirit and action as a powerful legacy. (A reflection on the meaning of Mr. Clowes generosity written for Sophisticated Giving is attached to this retrospective.)
The impact of Mr. Clowes in his life and through his legacy foundation is impressive having provided $171,543,144 in grants for 305 organizations during the last 25 years.
Philanthropy in a Changing Context
The work of the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation continues in a context of change, innovation, creativity, and courage. Indianapolis and its surrounding region are replete with individuals and organizations which operate in the arts and culture sector of our common life and society, an incalculable contribution to the good of our communities and the enrichment of the lives of human beings. 2025 saw the initiation of new organizations and the intentional development of continuing ones. The number of organizations served through the grantmaking of the AWCCF grew significantly in 2025 thereby making the impact and mission of funded organizations stronger.
Since the funding of the foundation 25 years ago, society, organizations, and community needs have changed in many ways. The AWCCF has served arts and culture organizations that have long histories of mission. It has also demonstrated generosity to numerous newly created organizations as they have engaged new opportunities and expressed needs in creative and committed ways. The organizations funded represent a wide variety of historic and contemporary arts and humanities expressions. There has been particular growth in efforts that root the arts in community and neighborhood settings to expand the diversity and community-focused power of the arts while continuing the stewardship of classical artistic traditions of importance to Mr. Clowes and his family’s philanthropy.
There have been challenges to be sure. Even though the arts and culture sector and its organizations have brought considerable economic and entrepreneurial power to our city and region, there remains a lag in commensurate public funding for the arts. There also was the pandemic set of realities and challenges out of which arts and culture organizations have emerged through their resilience and tenacity. Recent challenges in public context and funding are being met with that same resilience and agility as arts and culture organizations face different patterns of funding and deleterious inflationary effects. The AWCCF keeps in close contact with organizations so that we may remain alert to present challenges and responses. The foundation continues its learning as it funds organizations and programs that track the impact of the arts sector on the local economy, which includes a new and effective major effort in local journalism and arts reporting.
Significant 2025 Partnerships and Initiatives in Grantmaking
2025 grantmaking supported several partnerships and initiatives including:
Addition of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Opera Auditions and International Violin Competition of Indianapolis to the group of organizations with particular awards focus, including American Piano Awards and the Hoosier Salon, all of which honor Mr. Clowes specifically through their awards.
Support of Clowes Hall in its restoration, enhancement, and expansion projects through the completion of Phase I.
An expanded grant for the collaboration of the Indianapolis Ballet, Clowes Hall, and the Indianapolis Symphony in offering ballet performances with full orchestra in the unique venue of Clowes Hall by providing funding for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.
Continuing support for the Clowes Collection and Pavilion at Newfields, the initiative of the Ian Fraser Student Guide Program, and institutional strategic planning.
Inauguration of a one-time AWCCF initiative identifying Indianapolis arts organizations with strong neighborhood focus by providing grants for definition of neighborhood mission opportunity, conversation with residents, and program preparation.
Support of Indiana Philanthropy Alliance through performance of one of the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation’s premier groups at its annual dinner.
Partnership with the Central Indiana Community Foundation to forward a unique African American historical and community development project.
Continuing partnership with the Clowes Fund in grantmaking support for Newfields and other organizations supported by both foundations.
Participation in the Indianapolis Arts Funders group as well as annually hosting one of the gatherings.
Partnership with the Indianapolis Arts Council in projects, assessment, and learning as well as welcoming its new President and CEO, Ms. Judith Thomas.
ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVING GRANTS IN 2025
The Operations Grants Cycle – These grants assist organizations in their ongoing mission and program and embody the most recent philanthropic learning that operations support is vital to organizations. A record number, 110, of these grants were given in 2025, all being buttressed by dialogue, careful review and the foundation’s core purpose of supporting organizational mission and leadership. The 2025 Operations cycle provided grants to organizations of differing arts and humanities foci and size including:
Actors Theatre of Indiana, Inc.
Alchymy Viols
American Cabaret Theatre, Inc.
American Lives Theatre, Inc.
American Piano Awards, Inc.
Arte Mexicano En Indiana
Arthentic Arts Incorporated
ArtMix, Inc.
Artrageous Inc.
Arts Council of Indianapolis, Inc.
Athenaeum Foundation, Inc.
Aurora PhotoCenter
Bach Chorale Singers, Inc. - d/b/a - Lafayette Master Chorale
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, Inc.
Big Car Media, Inc.
Bloomington Chamber Singers, Inc.
Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, Inc.
Brick Street Poetry Inc.
Carmel Clay Historical Society, Inc.
Carmel International Arts Festival, Inc.
Carmel Symphony Orchestra, Inc.
Claude McNeal's Musical Theatre Training Program, Inc.
Columbus Pro Musica, Inc. d/b/a Columbus Indiana Philharmonic
Dance Kaleidoscope, Inc.
Deeply Ingrained, Inc.
Discovering Broadway Inc.
Doctors Without Borders
Drum Corps International
Early Music Associates, Inc.
Echoing Air, Inc.
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Inc.
Ensemble Music Society of Indianapolis, Inc.
Epilogue Players, Inc.
Exodus Refugee Immigration, Inc.
Festival Music Society of Indiana, Inc.
Fine Arts Society of Indianapolis, Inc. d/b/a Classical Music Indy
Fonseca Theatre Company, Inc.
Freetown Village, Inc.
GANGGANG, Inc.
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, Inc.
Hamilton County Artists' Association
Hancock County Children's Choir, Ltd.
Harrison Center for the Arts, Inc.
Heartland Film, Inc.
Hendricks Live Inc.
Hoosier Salon Patrons Association, Inc.
Indiana Black Expo, Inc.
Indiana Music Education Association Foundation, Inc.
Indiana Repertory Theatre, Inc.
Indiana Wind Symphony, Inc.
Indianapolis Art Center, Inc.
Indianapolis Ballet Inc.
Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Inc.
Indianapolis Children's Choir, Inc.
Indianapolis Film Project, Inc.
Indianapolis Jazz Foundation, Inc.
Indianapolis Men's Chorus, Inc.
Indianapolis Music Cooperative d/b/a INSPIRE Music Collective
Indianapolis Opera Company
Indianapolis Parks Foundation, Inc. d/b/a The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis
Indianapolis Shakespeare Company, Inc.
Indianapolis Suzuki Academy, Inc.
Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, Inc.
Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival, Inc.
Indianapolis Women's Chorus, Inc.
Indianapolis Youth Orchestra, Inc.
Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc.
Indy Convergence, Inc.
Indy Dance Council
IndyBaroque Music, Inc.
International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, Inc.
James Whitcomb Riley Memorial Association, Inc. d/b/a Riley Children's Foundation
Kids Dance Outreach, Inc.
Kokomo Civic Theatre, Inc.
Kokomo Symphonic Society, Inc.
Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library Inc.
Lafayette Square Area Coalition, Inc.
Lafayette Symphony, Inc.
Lantern Islamic Theater Company
Lutheran Child and Family Services of IN
Music for All, Inc.
Naptown African American Theatre Collective Inc.
New Harmony Project, Inc.
Noblesville Creates, Inc.
PATTERN, Inc.
Percussive Arts Society, Inc. and Rhythm! Discovery Center
Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis, Inc.
Phoenix Theatre, Inc.
Putnam County Coalition for Education and the Creative Arts, Inc. ("The Castle")
Southbank Theatre Company
Storytelling Arts of Indiana, Inc.
SullivanMunce Cultural Center, Inc.
Summer Stock Stage, Inc.
Summit Performance Indianapolis, Inc.
Terre Haute Symphony Association, Inc.
The Center for the Performing Arts, Inc.
The District Theatre, Inc.
The Great American Songbook Foundation, Inc.
The John H Boner Community Center
The Kokomo Park Band, Inc.
The Sapphire Theatre Company, Inc.
United Way of Central Indiana, Inc.
University of the Cumberlands, Inc.
Urban Musical Theatre Inc.
USA International Harp Competition, Inc.
White River Sound, Inc.
Windfall Dancers Inc.
Writers' Center of Indiana, Inc. - dba Indiana Writers Center
Young Actors Theatre, Inc. d/b/a React
Young Audiences of Indiana, Inc. d/b/a Arts for Learning
The Capital Grants Cycle – The foundation funded impressive, imaginative and transformative capital projects in 2025. These projects represent vision and careful planning by organizations. The categories of these projects are provided at the end of this retrospective. These grants empowered great organizational service and progress for 42 organizations.
The list includes both the names of organizations and the title of each project.
American Cabaret Theatre, Inc. - Capital/Capacity Project
American Lives Theatre, Inc. - New Plays & Mentorships
ArtMix, Inc.- Open Studio Fridays
Big Car Media, Inc. - Contemporary Art & Community Facility Expansion: Technology Expenses
Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, Inc. - Main Stage Curtain Replacement
Burmese American Community Institute, Inc. - Museum & Cultural Artifacts Collection at BACI Campus
Central Indiana Dance Ensemble, Inc. - Backdrop Purchase
Damien Center Inc. - Art Therapy Pilot Project
Discovering Broadway Inc. - First Stage & New Musical Commission Program
Dove Recovery House for Women, Inc. - Facility Expansion Arts and Gardens Project
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Inc. - Roof Replacement and Tuckpointing
Exodus Refugee Immigration, Inc. - Expansion of Expressive Therapy Program
Free Press Indiana Inc. - Two Years of Support for Arts and Culture Reporting
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, Inc. - Mélange Series
Holliday Park Foundation, Inc. – Playground and Gardens Renovation
Hoodox, Inc. - Capacity Building for Indiana Documentary Expansion
Indiana Entertainment Foundation, Inc. - Amazing Indiana Music Stories Oral Histories and Artifacts
Indiana Historical Society, Inc. - Enhancing Visitor Engagement through AI-Powered Historical Figures and Digital Service
Indiana Repertory Theatre, Inc. - New Musical Theatre Series
Indiana Symphony Society, Inc. – Allen Whitehill Clowes Collaboration of ISO, Indianapolis Ballet, and Clowes Hall for 3 Collaborative Performances in 2026 and 2027
Indiana University - Herron School of Art & Design - Creation of Six Sculptures in Partnership with Aspire House
Indiana University - IUPUI Arts & Humanities Institute – Civic Tool Kits for Educational and Community Use
Indiana University - Radio and Television Services - Gene Stratton-Porter: Music of the Wild Documentary
Indianapolis Film Project, Inc. - Garden Terrace Project for Community
Indianapolis Suzuki Academy, Inc. - Capacity Building and Development
Indy Convergence, Inc.- Artist Residency Expansion
IndyBaroque Music, Inc. - Musical Storytelling Event: Growing Up Baroque "Run, Little Chaski!"
International School of Indiana, Inc. - Replica Eiffel Tower Relocation to School International Plaza
IYG, Inc. - Expressive Therapy Project and Designated Building Space
James Whitcomb Riley Memorial Assoc., Inc. d/b/a Riley Children's Foundation - Expressive Art and Recreational Therapy Expansion
Newfields, Inc. - Building Master Planning Project
The Oaks Academy, Inc. - Auditorium Internal Renovations
Southside Art League, Inc. - Patio Work Area for Artists
Southside US Colored Troops Coalition - Creative Storytelling Project, Archive, and Community Development
St. George Orthodox Christian Church - Iconography Book Project
Sustainable Connexions International, Inc. - Expansion of Middle School Programming: Virtual Exchange Program with Ghana
Taylor University, Inc. – Acoustic and Sound System for New Chapel and Auditorium
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Inc. - Beautification Project, Entry Renovation and Feasibility Study
The Orchard School - Orchard School Foundation, Inc. - Campus Enhancements: Creation of Functional Outdoor Learning Spaces
University High School of Indiana, Inc. - Community Learning Amphitheater and Habitat
Urban Musical Theatre Inc. - Capacity Building Phase II
Young Audiences of Indiana, Inc. d/b/a Arts for Learning - Capacity & Programming Growth
The Summer Youth Program Fund
Partnering with other Indianapolis foundations and gifting organizations, the SYPF provides significant and broad assistance to community organizations that develop and implement programs for children and youth during the summer months. The AWCCF provided 30 grants through the SYPF.
The organizations offering arts and culture opportunities for children and youth that were funded by the AWCCF include:
Big Car Media, Inc.
Claude McNeal's Musical Theatre Training Program, Inc.
Dance Kaleidoscope, Inc.
Deeply Ingrained, Inc.
Discovering Broadway Inc.
El Sistema Indianapolis, Inc.
Fonseca Theatre Company, Inc.
Footlite Musicals, Inc.
Freetown Village, Inc.
Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis
Happy Hollow Children's Camp, Inc.
Harrison Center for the Arts, Inc.
Indiana State Museum Foundation Inc.
Indiana University Foundation – Herron School of Art & Design
Indianapolis Art Center, Inc.
Indianapolis Ballet Inc.
Indianapolis Children's Choir, Inc.
Indianapolis-Marion Co. Public Library Foundation, Inc.
Indy Convergence, Inc.
Jameson, Inc. d/b/a Jameson Camp
Julian Center, Inc.
Kids Dance Outreach, Inc.
Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis, Inc.
St. Richard's Episcopal School, Inc.
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Inc.
Urban Musical Theatre Inc.
Westminster Neighborhood Services, Inc.
World Changers School of the Arts, Inc.
Young Actors Theatre, Inc. d/b/a React
Young Audiences of Indiana, Inc. d/b/a Arts for Learning
Emergency Relief Grants – The AWCCF provides grants each year for emergency relief in crisis situations around the world, in the nation, and locally. The need for these grants in 2025 was particularly acute. The list of organizations receiving funds includes:
All Hands and Hearts Smart Response, Inc.
American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
American National Red Cross
Exodus Refugee Immigration, Inc.
Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Inc.
UNICEF USA
United States Association for UNHCR
World Central Kitchen, Inc.
Categories of Projects Supported by 2025 Capital Grants
Musical Arts – historical Indiana musical artists learning experiences, children’s musical offering composition and production, major orchestral performance opportunities, award focused support for nationally and internationally recognized organizations
Dance and Movement – a new performance backdrop, new production development, major classical ballet performance opportunities
Theatre Arts – New play writing and production, cabaret arts planning and program implementation, new curtains for stage use, new musical theatre productions, development of Indiana generated Broadway theatre production
Facility Construction and Restoration – construction of arts therapy areas in new construction, reconstruction of international plaza sculpture, development of technological resource for museum learning, museum roof restoration and tuckpointing, restored facility technology systems, new facility development for major performing arts center expansion, acoustic and public address systems for campus auditorium
Community and Neighborhood Development through the Arts – expanded hours and offerings for differently gifted artists, property renovations for artist housing, new public art development in an underserved neighborhood, resident artist program in urban setting, cultural exchange focused learning pairing local and international students
Visual Arts – Indiana film and documentary development, documentary film on major Indiana historical figure, book development regarding local ecclesiastical arts, comprehensive facility and grounds strategic planning, expansion of visual arts education in public school environments
Strengthening Multicultural Arts Efforts – resource development for civic education, new multicultural/international exchange learning, major African American historical, archival, and community development initiative
Gardens, Projects, and Environments Promoting Wholeness and Healing – new arts therapy pilot project, arts therapy project with recovery focus, expressive therapy project for refugees and immigrants, public park gardens and play facility development, garden and public area in urban neighborhood setting, garden and patio development for community arts, arts therapy development in children’s hospital setting, garden and environmental environment enhancement for school educational mission, development of garden amphitheater in school setting
Leadership and AWCCF Mission Growth
Leadership in multiple ways has been critical to the effectiveness of the AWCCF over the past 25 years. The foundation itself is built on the patterns and demonstration of leadership shown by Mr. Clowes throughout his life. There is also the recognition that solid and creative leadership is at the heart of the success and effectiveness of the arts and humanities organizations funded by the foundation, the foundation itself being blessed with able and committed governance and staff leadership. Special thanks go to the Board of Directors, foundation staff as stewards of the growth of the AWCCF mission, and numerous partners who are allies in our efforts.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. James B. Lemler, President
The Joy and Responsibility of Giving
Dr. James B. Lemler President, The Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation
One of the greatest joys and privileges of my life is serving as the president of the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, a role that allows me to participate in and witness firsthand the transformative power of generosity. Philanthropy involves giving resources, financial and otherwise, but, at its very heart it is about weaving the bonds of joy, compassion, and responsibility that strengthen the fabric of community and the wholeness of the human spirit. The word itself means “love of humanity,” and so it is. Giving gifts is the action of generosity and trust in people, community, and the future itself, a recognition that what we nurture today will enrich lives in the present and for generations yet to come.
Allen Whitehill Clowes, the philanthropist who established the foundation that bears his name, understood this deeply. He came from a family that exercised generosity, had special love for the arts, and cared deeply for their community. He believed that giving was a matter of supporting worthy causes and went even further. His generosity was focused on the flourishing of people and the places they call home. His legacy endures in the organizations, institutions, communities, and creative endeavors that continue to thrive because of that generosity. I knew Allen for the last 20 years of his life and have had the honor of working with a deeply committed board and staff, as well as with our sister foundation the Clowes Fund, to continue his legacy of generous giving. It has been and is humbling and inspiring.
Philanthropy has many areas of focus. For the Allen Whitehill Clowes Foundation, the primary focus is arts and culture. Allen loved the arts in so many different forms, and he knew the joy and wholeness that art and creativity bring to human life and community. He cared about the arts through the ages and different cultures and the way they are expressed today. He gave to organizations large and small, those of national significance and those that build local community. He loved performing, visual, dramatic, storytelling arts as well as architecture and gardens. We continue this legacy and make it accessible and real for so many people in all the beauty of this diverse city and beyond.
Allen Whitehill Clowes was part of a community of philanthropy and philanthropists in Indianapolis. One of the most powerful dynamics of this city and metropolitan area is the strong tradition of generosity and giving that is at its heart and center. So many people give. So many people make a difference. This generosity has contributed greatly to the empowerment and experience of people here as they have engaged in the “love of humanity” through philanthropy. Such giving ignites kindness, vitality, and possibility. It transforms the lives of those who give as it also sustains and strengthens a wide population of citizens. Giving begets giving. It is contagious.
Philanthropy offers a great invitation to all of us. It asks us to examine our hearts and who and what we love in our experience and environments of living. It invites us to a joyful generosity that lifts our hearts as it helps us to recognize needs and opportunities around us, to truly see the people who are our fellow sojourners in the pathway of life. It gives us the joy of making an impact and fulfilling the responsibility of care and compassion for those around us. That’s been my Indianapolis experience for the half century of my service here… generous people who give in the present and leave a legacy of generosity for the future, caring people who discover that giving immerses all of us in the deepest riches of our shared humanity. It is a joy and responsibility for us all.