Fever Fund grants for women & girls

At the Pacers Foundation, we believe confident girls become strong women, and strong women build stronger communities. The Fever Fund, an initiative of the Pacers Foundation, champions programs that help women and girls rise on the court, in the classroom, and in their communities.

Through the Fever Fund, we invest in Indiana-based 501(c)(3) organizations creating opportunities for women and girls to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and feel safe, supported, and included in all areas of life. We welcome organizations to apply for up to $25,000 in funding, although a majority of our grantees receive $10,000 or less.

To learn more about what the Fever Fund supports, please review the FAQs below.

Beginning January 2026, fans can represent the Fever on the road and support the Fever Fund by purchasing an Indiana Fever license plate at the BMV. Every plate helps fuel programs for women and girls across Indiana.

Application Process & Deadlines

Our application process is designed to ensure that funding requests align closely with our mission and priorities. We use a two-step process:

Submit an Interest Form

The Interest Form requesting funding must be submitted via the link below by the following deadlines:

Quarter 1 – September 15
Quarter 2 – December 15
Quarter 3 – March 17
Quarter 4 – June 16

We will review all Interest Forms following each deadline and communicate with applicants in the days that follow. Submission of an Interest Form does not guarantee funding. We encourage you to submit your form as early as possible.

Submit Application (if invited)

Deadlines: September 29, December 31, March 31, June 30

The Pacers Foundation Board of Directors reviews all invited applications and determines grant amounts.

Are You Eligible?

Before starting your application, review our eligibility criteria to ensure your organization is a good fit for Fever Fund support.

You may be eligible if:

You are an Indiana-based 501(c)(3) organization
Your work primarily serves women and girls
Your program aligns with one or more of the Fever Fund’s focus areas: leadership and career readiness, confidence through sports and wellness, or safety and belonging
You demonstrate a strong track record of community collaboration and measurable impact

Preference is given to organizations with a proven record of collaborating with other nonprofits, government agencies, and community stakeholders to sustain their mission.

We do not fund:

General operating expenses or administrative support
Capital campaigns, endowments, or annual giving campaigns
Infrastructure improvements
Event sponsorships or advertising
Equipment donations

Apply For A Grant

FAQ's

What does the Fever Fund support?

The Fever Fund invests in programs that empower girls and young women across Indiana through three key areas:

Leadership & Career Readiness

The Fever Fund supports initiatives that help girls build confidence, develop leadership skills, and explore pathways to success in school, career, and community. This includes programs that strengthen critical thinking, goal-setting, and long-term opportunity.

Confidence Through Sports & Wellness

Aligned with the Fever’s belief in the power of sport, the fund supports programs that use physical activity, movement, and wellness to build confidence, resilience, and lifelong healthy habits. These initiatives help girls grow stronger—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Safety & Belonging

The Fever Fund invests in efforts that create safe, inclusive environments where girls feel supported and valued. This includes programs that promote healthy relationships, emotional well-being, and a sense of belonging at home, in school, and in the community.

Who can apply for a Pacers Foundation Grant?

Indiana-based 501(c)(3) organizations.

When are interest forms due?

Sep 15, Dec 15, Mar 17, Jun 16

When are grant applications due?

Sep 29, Dec 31, Mar 31, Jun 30

If our organization is denied, can we reapply the following year?

If our organization is denied, can we reapply?
Yes! We encourage organizations to reapply the following year.

If I receive either a capacity or impact grant how soon can I reapply for another grant?

Organizations may be considered for another grant in your next fiscal year.

What types of requests typically are not funded?

Grants are not awarded for general operating expenses, administrative support, capital campaigns, annual giving campaigns, endowments, infrastructure improvements or event support.

Still have questions?

If you still have questions about eligibility or the process, contact us at foundation@pacers.com before starting your Interest Form.