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The Indianapolis Foundation was created in 1916 by the resolution of three financial institutions, the Fletcher Trust Company, Indiana Trust Company, and Union Trust Company. It was officially introduced as one of the first community foundations in the United States in the January 5, 1916, edition of the Indianapolis Star. According to the resolution, income from the Indianapolis Foundation would "be dispersed by said companies on the written order of a board of trustees for such charitable uses as well in its judgment promote the welfare of persons now or hereafter residing in Indianapolis, Indiana." The foundation began making grants in 1924 and today continues to give to Indianapolis organizations to help improve the quality of life in the city.

Kenneth L. Gladish, born in 1952, was an executive director of Indiana Humanities Council from 1984 to 1991 and the president of the Central Indiana Community Foundation (including the Indianapolis Foundation) from 1993 to 2000. He contributed to several Indiana-based foundations and organizations such as Hanover College, the Rotary Foundation and IUPUI Board of Advisors and the Indiana Jewish Community Relations Council. This collection includes records of his work until he became a chief executive officer of the YMCA of the USA in 2000.