At Champs with Champs, we talk a lot about champions. Sometimes that means celebrities, athletes, or leaders using their platforms for good. And sometimes, the champion is an entire community.
This month, Indianapolis proved exactly that.
In just ten days, the second annual Indianapolis Gives Challenge raised a record $635,745 for Central Indiana nonprofits, turning a citywide call to action into one of the most impactful philanthropic moments Indy has seen. More than 2,500 donors, 60 local charities, and countless supporters came together to show what happens when generosity becomes a shared mission.
That’s championship energy.
A Community-Driven Win
Presented by Lilly and led by Indianapolis Monthly, the 2025 Indianapolis Gives Challenge challenged participating nonprofits to rally their supporters, tell their stories, and inspire action over a ten-day fundraising sprint from December 1 through December 11.
The result was historic.
Donors contributed $535,745 directly, and with an additional $100,000 in prize money, the total impact reached $635,745. Combined with last year’s results, the challenge has now generated over $1.18 million for local causes since its launch in 2024.
This wasn’t just about dollars raised. It was about momentum, visibility, and community belief in the power of giving together.
Champions on the Ground
The challenge rewarded the organizations that not only raised funds, but activated their communities in meaningful ways. This year’s top fundraisers were:
- Mission to Ukraine, raising $91,303 and earning first place
- Rapha Road Inc., raising $75,788
- Oinking Acres Farm Rescue & Sanctuary, raising $33,318
- Morning Light, raising $31,926
- GenderNexus, raising $31,220
Each organization walked away with both the funds they raised and additional cash prizes, with grand prize awards and daily bonus challenges designed to keep engagement high and creativity flowing throughout the campaign.
Behind every total was a story. Families supported. Lives impacted. Communities strengthened.
Why This Moment Matters
What makes the Indianapolis Gives Challenge worth celebrating isn’t just the record-breaking number. It’s the model.
This challenge created a space where generosity could be joyful, competitive, collaborative, and deeply human. Nonprofits were given tools, visibility, and resources to amplify their missions beyond the ten-day window. Donors were invited to connect with causes that aligned with their values in a fresh, energizing way.
As Indianapolis Monthly publisher Ivy Bayer shared, the city rose to the occasion once again, proving that collective action can elevate causes across Central Indiana in a powerful and lasting way.
The Real Champion
At Champs with Champs, we believe champions don’t always wear jerseys or stand on stages. Sometimes, champions show up as neighbors, readers, donors, volunteers, and communities that decide to care loudly and act together.
The 2025 Indianapolis Gives Challenge is a reminder that when people rally around purpose, impact follows. And when generosity is celebrated, everyone wins.
This wasn’t just a fundraising campaign.
It was a city choosing to lead with heart.
And that’s worth a toast.
Toast to champions, cheer for causes.
