Some events focus on raising funds. Others focus on building relationships. Affinity Giving Grants Day brings both together while also creating space for something deeper: meaningful conversations about impact, opportunity, and the future of Indiana University communities.
This year’s Affinity Giving Grants Day was held at the historic Madam Walker Legacy Center in Indianapolis. Alumni, donors, students, faculty, staff, and community leaders from across the Indiana University system gathered to learn about projects making a difference on campuses throughout the state. The initiatives represented a wide range of focus areas, including scholarships, belonging, public health, academic enrichment, and community impact.
Through poster sessions, presentations, and conversations throughout the day, attendees connected directly with finalists and learned more about the work behind each proposal. Those interactions provided valuable insight into both the challenges being addressed and the opportunities these projects hope to create.
In total, more than $600K in grant funding was awarded through this year’s program.
This year introduced a refreshed format designed to create more opportunities for engagement and conversation throughout the day.
The event began with a poster session where attendees could meet grant finalists, learn more about their initiatives, and ask questions in a more personal setting before formal presentations began inside the Madam Walker Theatre. Ahead of the event, finalists also submitted short pre-recorded videos introducing their projects. That addition helped attendees arrive with a stronger understanding of each initiative and create more thoughtful interactions throughout the afternoon.
The updated structure made the day feel collaborative rather than transactional. Instead of simply listening to presentations, attendees were encouraged to engage directly with the people behind the work and better understand the challenges, ideas, and goals shaping each project.
One of the most compelling aspects of Grants Day is the range of initiatives represented across Indiana University campuses.
The projects highlighted throughout the day reflected different experiences, perspectives, and areas of need, but they shared a common goal: creating opportunities that help students, faculty, and communities thrive. From programs focused on health and wellness to initiatives supporting research and academic success, each proposal addressed a unique challenge while offering a practical path forward.
The event served as a reminder that philanthropy is often about more than funding. It’s about helping promising ideas move from concept to reality.
One project that stood out was the Perinatal Mental Health Initiative at Indiana University Bloomington. Receiving its second year of funding, the initiative supports research and community-based services for pregnant and postpartum individuals at risk for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. The grant will help expand therapist-led and peer support groups and support evaluation efforts to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
For Arianna, the experience carried additional meaning because of her involvement with the Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Council.
“In my first year on the Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Council, I had the opportunity to serve on the Fund Development Committee,” Arianna shared. “It was rewarding to gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to build and sustain a giving fund while also supporting the giving circle model. Seeing the grant allocation increase from $200,000 to $275,000 in just one year made it especially exciting to see the impact that growth can have on projects and communities across Indiana University.”
Her perspective offered a unique reminder that the impact of Grants Day extends beyond the projects receiving funding. It also reflects the collective effort of donors, volunteers, committee members, and supporters who help make those investments possible.
While the grant presentations were a central part of the day, some of the most valuable moments happened between sessions.
The updated format gave attendees the opportunity to speak directly with finalists, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of the work behind each proposal. Those conversations added context that cannot always be captured in an application or presentation alone.
By the end of the day, attendees had a stronger understanding of both the projects being considered and the people working to bring them to life.
As Affinity Giving continues to grow, including the addition of the Latino Philanthropy Circle this year, Grants Day continues to evolve alongside it.
The event highlighted the collective investment being made across Indiana University communities. It also demonstrated how donor support can help accelerate projects that address real needs, create new opportunities, and strengthen campuses throughout the state.
We appreciated the opportunity to participate in a day focused on supporting innovative ideas and the people working to make them happen.
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