The Foundation Board
While the Neighborhood Association focuses on the daily pulse of the community, the Old Northside Foundation is the neighborhood’s long-term steward. Established in 1990 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Foundation acts as the "charitable heart" of the district, dedicated to the permanent preservation and physical enhancement of the Old Northside’s historic landscape.
The Foundation ensures that the grandeur of our Victorian-era neighborhood is not just maintained, but enriched through strategic investment and philanthropic support.
What the Foundation Does
The Foundation’s primary mission is to fund and execute large-scale capital projects that fall outside the scope of city services or standard neighborhood dues. Their work is centered on three major areas:
-
Park Stewardship & Development: The Foundation is the primary benefactor for the neighborhood’s private and public greenspaces. This includes the development and ongoing maintenance of Great Oak Commons, Shawn Grove Park, and the Old Northside Soccer Field. From playground equipment to landscaping, the Foundation ensures these spaces remain urban oases.
-
Historic Infrastructure Improvements: To maintain the authentic "gaslight-era" feel of the neighborhood, the Foundation funds the installation and upkeep of our signature Victorian-style street lamps. These iconic fixtures are a direct result of the Foundation’s commitment to preserving the district's aesthetic integrity.
-
Monuments & Public Art: The Foundation manages the restoration of historic markers, monuments, and public art installations that tell the story of the Old Northside’s rich heritage, ensuring the neighborhood’s history remains visible to every passerby.
-
Grantmaking & Conservation: By securing donations and grants, the Foundation provides the financial backbone for conservation efforts that protect the district’s unique architectural character for future generations.
Who the Foundation Is
The Foundation Board is composed of dedicated trustees who share a passion for historic preservation and community philanthropy.
-
Strategic Visionaries: Unlike the Association, which often reacts to immediate civic needs, the Foundation Board takes a long-term view, managing an endowment and capital funds to ensure the neighborhood's beauty survives for decades to come.
-
Fiduciary Responsibility: As a non-profit entity, the Foundation is governed by a board that oversees financial transparency, donor relations, and the ethical allocation of charitable gifts.
-
Collaborative Partners: The Foundation works hand-in-hand with the Neighborhood Association and the City of Indianapolis, often providing the "matching funds" required for city-led grants or large-scale improvement projects.
Why It Matters
The Old Northside is more than just a collection of homes; it is a living museum and a shared community asset. Because the Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, it provides a vehicle for residents and supporters to make tax-deductible contributions directly back into the ground they walk on.
Without the Foundation’s work, the "extras" that define the Old Northside—the historic lighting, the lush parks, and the preserved monuments—would be subject to the whims of city budgets. The Foundation ensures our neighborhood remains a masterpiece by design, not by accident.
Support the Legacy: As a donor-supported organization, the Foundation relies on your generosity. Contributions directly fund the parks and beautification projects that make the Old Northside one of the most beautiful places in Indiana.
