What We Do A vast network of support
The Mind Trust helps connect its Charter School Incubator award winners to a rich network of people within the Indianapolis community to help support the start of their schools and initiatives. Those taking on these efforts in Indianapolis will find people and organizations who share the desire to change the city's schools, a number of groups eager to embrace new ideas for education and a great city to call home.
About Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the nation's 13th largest city and is home to a diverse array of cultural attractions, entertainment options, high-quality housing, and welcoming, friendly people - all in an affordable and livable environment. Learn more about the city.
Charter School Authorizers
Charter schools in Indianapolis have multiple options for authorizers. Since 2001, the City of Indianapolis, through an award-winning program, has had the ability to charter schools. Just this year the state of Indiana established the Indiana Charter School Board to authorize new charter schools. In addition, universities across the state have the authority to charter schools, an authority Ball State University currently exercises.
Financial Resources
Local Initiatives Support Corporation
LISC is a national organization whose offices are committed to helping neighbors build strong urban neighborhoods in each city where they are located. LISC works with the local nonprofit community development organizations to help transform distressed areas of the city into healthy communities that are great places to live, work, do business and raise families.
IFF
IFF is the one-stop shop in the Midwest offering affordable financing and real estate consulting services for every stage of charter school development. In Indianapolis, IFF helps plan and finance new charter schools.
Charter Schools Development Corporation
CSDC is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and property developer that finances and builds facilities for charter schools that are committed to expanding school choice and reforming and improving K-12 education. CSDC has invested almost $8 million in 16 charter schools statewide through its innovative programs and services, including its Indianapolis Building Block Fund specifically for those schools sponsored by the Mayor of Indianapolis. CSDC's financing solutions help charter schools secure facilities upon advantageous lease and loan terms, enabling them to maximize their educational funding for classroom teaching and learning.
Organizational Support
Indiana Public Charter Schools Association
The mission of the Indiana Public Charter Schools Association is to increase overall student achievement in Indiana by advocating for the charter school movement, and supporting charter school development and excellence.
