New E-Learning Fund Launched; COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund Issues a Second Round of Funding

In response to changing education needs brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation partnered with a group of local stakeholders to establish the Indianapolis E-Learning Fund, administered by the Indianapolis Mayor’s Office of Education Innovation, on April 8. Charitable contributions to the Fund total more than $2.7 million to date and will support Indianapolis educators, students and families during this extended period of e-learning. The Fund is focused on immediate and long-term solutions for Marion County public school students who lack access to devices or reliable internet connectivity. Other priorities include supporting the social-emotional learning needs of students, as well as the launch of an e-Learning Lab open to all public and private schools in Indiana. 

Based on the findings of a recent needs assessment, on April 27 the Fund allocated $1.5 million to public school districts and charter schools across Marion County to help address device and internet connectivity needs for students. Additional contributions from the Fund will be directed toward longer-term internet connectivity solutions and the new e-Learning Lab.

Learn more at indy.gov/elearning.