Canfield Memorial Trust Fund
Providing grants to Indianapolis nonprofit organizations since 1934
About the Canfield Trust
The Canfield Memorial Trust Fund was established in 1934 by William S. Canfield to provide financial assistance to "religious, educational and benevolent" organizations in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. The Trust is overseen and administered by the Trustees of Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Each year, the Trust distributes grants to support worthy programs and initiatives that align with Mr. Canfield's original vision: to support boys and girls in living a moral life and securing an education, to assist people in temporary distress and need, to strengthen Disciples of Christ congregations, and to encourage the establishment of new Disciples of Christ congregations.
Who Can Apply
The Canfield Trust provides grants to:
- Disciples of Christ congregations in the Indianapolis metropolitan area
- Religious organizations serving the Indianapolis community
- Educational programs and institutions
- Social service agencies and benevolent organizations
- Nonprofit groups whose mission aligns with the Trust's purposes
Organizations must be located in or primarily serve the Indianapolis metropolitan area.
Grant Information
Award Amounts: Grants typically range from $500 to $3,000
Number of Awards: Approximately 10-15 grants are awarded annually
Timeline:
- Application Deadline: January 16, 2026
- Review Period: January - February
- Award Decisions & Fund Distribution: Late February 2026
Total Funding Available: The amount available varies annually based on Trust earnings (recent years: $27,000-$36,000)
How to Apply
Download the complete application form, fill it out, and submit by email or mail.
Download Application Form:
Canfield Trust Application Form (Word)
Submit completed applications to:
Email: meghannt@gmail.com
Mail: Canfield Trustees, c/o Central Christian Church, 701 N. Delaware Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
All applications must be received by
January 16, 2026.
Application Questions
When you submit your application, you will be asked to provide:
- Organization name, address, and contact information
- Total project budget and intended use of Canfield grant funds
- Your organization's mission or vision statement
- Project description (300 words or less)
- Contact information for person submitting application
- Expected outcomes and impact of the project
- Other sources of funding for this project
- Project timeline and completion date
- Any additional information to help trustees understand your need
Questions?
For questions about the Canfield Trust or the application process, please contact:
Meghann Bradbury, Chair of the Trustees
Central Christian Church
701 N. Delaware Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Email: meghannt@gmail.com
Phone: 317-506-0478
The Canfield Memorial Trust Fund is administered by the Board of Trustees of Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Indianapolis,
Indiana.
