The Mind Trust launches Inspiring Education Innovation campaign to raise $40 million during 20th anniversary year

(February 3, 2026) – INDIANAPOLIS – The Mind Trust, an Indianapolis-based education nonprofit, has launched the Inspiring Education Innovation fundraising campaign in celebration of its 20th anniversary, with a goal of raising $40 million to ensure the organization can continue to meet the evolving and urgent needs of students, families, educators, and communities in each region it serves. To date, the campaign has raised $28.1 million through individual, corporate, and local and national philanthropy. 

“As The Mind Trust celebrates twenty years, we are excited to launch the Inspiring Education Innovation campaign to build on our momentum and impact of the last two decades. In that time, we have worked alongside incredible educators, families, donors, and partners who have helped us make meaningful progress for K-12 students in Indianapolis. As The Mind Trust works to support more regions in Indiana and across the country, this campaign will ensure thousands more students will have access to innovative, effective educational opportunities,” said Brandon Brown, CEO of The Mind Trust. 

Founded in 2006, The Mind Trust’s mission is to ensure every student, without exception, has access to a high-quality education. The organization focuses on four main areas of work: growing great schools, supporting existing schools, managing effective education programs, and engaging the community. The organization has impacted thousands of students and made Indianapolis one of the best-positioned cities in the country to achieve lasting, systemic change that creates better opportunities for all K-12 students. Recently, the nonprofit’s work has expanded to other regions in Indiana and Connecticut through Summer Learning Labs, the Indiana Charter School Fellowship, and North Star Fellowship. 

Over the last two decades, The Mind Trust has raised and invested nearly $300 million in public education to grow access to high-quality education and raise student achievement. To date, the organization has supported the launch of more than 50 public charter and innovation schools that achieve strong academic results, especially for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds. The Mind Trust has trained more than 65 school leaders through multi-year fellowships, awarded more than $2.2 million to community organizations through its School-Community Partnership Investments, and supported the launch of 15 local and national education nonprofits. 

Thousands of students lack access to high-quality schools and are falling behind in reading and math. The Inspiring Education Innovation campaign aims to change that. Funds raised will fuel the organization’s core work and ensure forward-thinking education initiatives can continue to impact students in Indianapolis, across Indiana and Connecticut, and beyond.  

“The Mind Trust has been a key driver of public education progress in Indianapolis for the last two decades,” said Jim Schumacher, The Mind Trust’s Board Chair. “I’m proud to support their team as board chair and long-time donor. This campaign is about giving even more students in Indiana, Connecticut, and communities beyond the chance to thrive and reach their full potential.”

To donate to the Inspiring Education Innovation Campaign, visit themindtrust.org/givetmt20 or contact Genevieve Gaines, Senior Director of Individual and Corporate Giving at ggaines@themindtrust.org to learn more about ways to get involved.