The Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation, established in 2010 and based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is committed to advancing Jewish ideals through targeted support for programs in science, education, and the arts. The foundation’s mission is rooted in the belief that philanthropic investments in these areas can lead to meaningful, long-lasting improvements in individual lives and broader communities. Through its grantmaking, the foundation strives to create a more informed, compassionate, and culturally enriched society.
Since its inception, the Bader Foundation has supported a wide range of initiatives across the United States, from New York to California and from Michigan to Florida. Its grant recipients have included projects that promote educational advancement, foster scientific innovation, support artistic expression, feed the hungry, assist the unemployed, and improve public health. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations engaged in these efforts, with an emphasis on work that reflects and advances Jewish values.
Grants are awarded exclusively to organizations that are certified as 501(c)(3) nonprofits under U.S. law. The foundation funds only specific programs or projects, not general operating expenses. Ineligible costs include routine organizational overhead such as payroll, travel, employee benefits, rent, depreciation, and general administration unrelated to a proposed project. The foundation’s support is intended to amplify impact through well-defined initiatives that directly align with its mission.
There are no set minimum or maximum award amounts. Grant sizes are determined based on the scope and merit of the proposed project, the organization’s financial profile, and the foundation’s available resources during the funding cycle. All proposals are evaluated on multiple factors, including the applicant’s income sources, expenditure allocations, the funding request amount, and the project’s relevance to the foundation’s goals.
While the foundation does not operate on a formal application deadline or open call, it welcomes inquiries from eligible organizations conducting mission-aligned work. Prospective applicants are encouraged to clearly articulate how their projects further Jewish ideals in one or more of the three focus areas. The Bader Foundation’s logo—the Tree of Life within a circle—symbolizes its commitment to growth, regeneration, and continuity within communities and across generations.
