Focus Area Committee (FAC) Calendar
Focus Area Committee Meetings Dates and Locations
Participating in a focus area committee provides our members with unique insights into the challenges facing our community and the agencies that are working on solutions. FAC participation is not required, but our surveys consistently show that it is one of the most rewarding aspects of being an Impact 100 member. Any member, including those who are part of a shared membership, can join a FAC and shared member groups do not need to serve on the same committee.
2026 FAC Meeting Schedule
The due date for FAC sign-up is JANUARY 9, 2026. It’s important to submit your preferences by then so the committees can be finalized before their first meetings later in January. Members are to use the information below to help decide which FAC you wish to join and then use this link to sign up for a FAC committee: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctfs9w0Xne5zOdHoIhdqU6y0NesEmQ8kPZAp_s5ryCO1fgYg/viewform?pli=1.
Arts, Culture, & Preservation
The arts and culture committee will focus on charitable initiatives that cultivate, develop, educate, preserve, and enrich the theater, museums, both visual and performing arts and literary opportunities in Greater Indianapolis.
FAC Co-Chair: Barb Maurath
Meeting Day/Time: Thursdays at 11:30am, except for Wednesday, February 19th
Location: Virtual via Zoom except for final meeting
- January 22, 11:30am, Zoom: Orientation and welcome
- February 19, 11:30am, Zoom: LOI discussion
- March 26, 11:30am, Zoom: Grant Application discussion
- Between April 13-24, details determined by the committee: Site visits and final meeting to select FAC Finalist
Education
The education committee will focus on charitable initiatives that advance learning opportunities and improve education in Greater Indianapolis.
FAC Chair: Mary Slenski
Co-Chair: Samantha Tarlton
Meeting Day/Time: Fridays at Noon
Location: January 31 and February 21 meetings virtual via Zoom, April 4 meeting at College Ave Library (4180 N College Ave, 46205) and site visits determined by committee
- January 23, 12 Noon, Zoom: Orientation and welcome
- February 20, 12 Noon, Zoom: LOI discussion
- March 27, 12 Noon, College Ave Library: Grant Application discussion
- Between April 13-24, details determined by the committee: Site visits and final meeting to select FAC Finalist
Environment and Animal Welfare
The environment & animal welfare committee will focus on charitable initiatives that (1) improve, enhance or restore the surroundings in the Greater Indianapolis area; (2) encourage research, public awareness and education relating to the environment; (3) promote conservation of our natural resources; (4) restore, preserve, revitalize or enhance recreational facilities, and/or (5) promote animal welfare.
FAC Co-Chairs: Sherri Lauver, Julia Thorpe, and Allison Barkel
Meeting Day/Time: Mondays at 6 pm
Location: mix of virtual and in-person (location TBD) and site visits determined by committee
- January 19, 6 pm: Orientation and welcome
- February 16, 6 pm: LOI discussion
- March 23, 6pm: Grant Application discussion
- Between April 13-24, details determined by the committee: Site visits and final meeting to select FAC Finalist
Family
The family committee will focus on charitable initiatives that strengthen and enhance the lives of children and families in Greater Indianapolis.
FAC Chair: Carol McDonald
FAC Co-Chair: Emily Djabi
Meeting Day/Time: Tuesdays at Noon
Location: All meetings are taking a hybrid approach: in person at a location to be announced once the details are confirmed, with a Zoom link for anyone unable to attend in person, and site visit details determined by committee.
- January 20, 12 Noon, Northminster Church & Zoom: Orientation and welcome
- February 17, 12 Noon, Northminster Church & Zoom: LOI discussion
- March 24, 12 Noon, Northminster Church & Zoom: Grant Application discussion
- Between April 13-24. details determined by the committee: Site visits and final meeting to select FAC Finalist
Health and Wellness
The health and wellness committee will focus on charitable initiatives that improve the mental and/or physical well-being of people living in the Greater Indianapolis area.
FAC Chair: Chrissy Vasquez
FAC Co-Chair: Becky Butler
Meeting Day/Time: Saturdays at 10:30am
Location: February 1 and February 22 meetings virtual via Zoom, and April meetings and site visit details determined by committee
- January 24, 10:30am, Zoom: Orientation and welcome
- February 21, 10:30am, Zoom: LOI discussion
- March 28, 10:30am, location to be determined by the committee: Grant Application discussion
- Between April 13-24, details determined by the committee: Site visits and final meeting to select FAC Finalist
Members Only: Link to Sign Up for FACs!
The due date for FAC sign-up is JANUARY 9, 2026. It’s important to submit your preferences by then so the committees can be finalized before their first meetings later in January. Members are to use the information below to help decide which FAC you wish to join and then can go here to sign-up for a Focus Area Committee.