Indianapolis Colts – Donation Request Program (2026)

In-Kind Donations and Financial Contributions for Indiana Nonprofits

The Indianapolis Colts accept charitable donation requests from eligible nonprofit organizations throughout Indiana.

Unlike many professional sports donation programs that provide only memorabilia, the Colts consider requests for both in-kind merchandise and financial contributions.

The team supports more than 1,500 charitable requests each year through its community donation program. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, and donations are made directly to the nonprofit rather than through third-party fundraisers.

Organization: Indianapolis Colts
Support Type: In-kind donations and financial contributions
Geographic Focus: Indiana
Eligible Applicants: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
Application Timeline: Rolling
Financial Request Lead Time: Allow at least 6 weeks
Request Limit: One item or contribution per organization annually

New to corporate grant fundraising?
Read our Corporate Grants for Nonprofits: Ultimate Guide to learn how corporate funding works.

About the Funder

The Indianapolis Colts are a National Football League team based in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The organization describes its community mission as building a healthy, inclusive, and compassionate communitythrough meaningful outreach, programs, partnerships, and philanthropy.

Colts community involvement spans numerous initiatives, including youth programs, mental health, social equity, hunger relief, military recognition, health programs, football development, nonprofit grants, and charitable donations.

Through its Donation Request Program, the Colts provide eligible Indiana nonprofits with both fundraising merchandise and potential financial support.

Two Types of Donation Requests

Organizations can choose between two primary opportunities depending on their needs.

In-Kind Donation Requests

Nonprofits seeking an item for a charitable fundraiser or event may request Indianapolis Colts merchandise.

Depending on the nature and reach of the event, donated memorabilia may include:

• Photographs
• Pennants
• Team apparel
• Footballs
• Other Colts merchandise

The specific item provided depends on availability and the Colts’ review of the request.

Applicants should remain flexible and should not assume that a specific player autograph or piece of memorabilia will be provided.

Financial Contribution Requests

Eligible nonprofits may also request a financial contribution from the Indianapolis Colts.

Organizations seeking financial support must submit a written proposal for consideration.

This makes the Colts program particularly noteworthy compared with NFL donation programs that are limited exclusively to in-kind fundraising items.

Financial Request Requirements

Organizations requesting financial support should prepare a written proposal that may include:

• Program or project description
• Board of Directors
• Annual organizational budget
• 501(c)(3) verification
• Information explaining the charitable need
• Requested contribution
• Intended use of funds

The Colts ask applicants to allow a minimum of six weeks for financial requests to be processed.

Organizations should ideally submit even earlier when funding is needed for a time-sensitive program or event.

Eligible Organizations

The Indianapolis Colts donate directly to organizations holding:

501(c)(3) nonprofit status

Applicants must also be located in Indiana.

Organizations should be prepared to provide their Tax ID and other information necessary to verify nonprofit status.

Geographic Focus

The Colts’ fundraising assistance program is specifically designed for nonprofit organizations located within:

Indiana

This makes the program relevant to qualifying nonprofits throughout the state, rather than only organizations located in Indianapolis.

Applicants should clearly identify:

• Where their organization is based
• Communities served
• Population benefiting from the request
• How the donation will support Indiana residents

Third-Party Requests Are Not Eligible

The Indianapolis Colts provide donations directly to the benefiting 501(c)(3) organization.

Third-party fundraising requests are not eligible.

For example, if a business, volunteer group, or individual is holding an event to raise money for an unrelated nonprofit, the beneficiary nonprofit should submit the donation request itself.

This allows the Colts to verify that support is going directly to an eligible charitable organization.

Individual & Family Fundraisers

Fundraisers designed primarily to benefit a specific:

• Individual
• Family

are generally not supported through this program.

The Donation Request Program is designed for established charitable organizations rather than personal fundraising campaigns.

Individuals looking for other forms of fan-related support should review the Colts’ separate Fan Pack request process.

One Contribution Per Year

Organizations may receive:

One item or financial contribution per year

This restriction allows the Colts to support as many Indiana nonprofits as possible.

Organizations with several fundraisers or program needs should therefore decide whether an:

• In-kind merchandise request; or
• Financial contribution request

would provide the greatest value during the year.

In-Kind Donation Timing

In-kind requests are generally processed approximately:

3–6 weeks before the event date

Organizations should submit requests well in advance and provide complete event information through the online application.

Submitting a request does not guarantee a donation.

Applicants will receive electronic confirmation when their request has been received.

What the In-Kind Application Asks

The online in-kind donation form requests detailed information about the organization and fundraiser.

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Organization name
• Tax ID
• Organization address
• Year established
• Mission statement
• NTEE nonprofit classification
• Organization contact
• Website
• Principal individuals and Board members
• Event or program name
• Event description
• Event date
• Event location
• Number of guests
• Age range of attendees
• Intended use of the donated item
• Shipping information

Applicants may also upload supplemental documents such as:

• Event flyer
• Tax-exempt determination letter
• Other supporting documentation

Community Alignment

The general Donation Request Program does not restrict applicants to one specific charitable cause.

However, the Colts’ broader community programs demonstrate significant involvement in areas including:

Mental Health

Through Kicking The Stigma, the Colts work to raise awareness about mental health and expand access to mental health resources.

Youth & Education

Programs such as Books for Youth provide educational resources to children throughout Indiana.

Community Health

Colts initiatives include blood drives, cancer awareness programs, physical wellness activities, and other community health efforts.

Equity & Opportunity

The Colts’ Breaking Barriers initiative supports efforts addressing barriers to opportunity, including:

• Education
• Racial equity
• Workforce and economic mobility
• Community-police relations
• Poverty
• Criminal justice reform

Youth & High School Football

The Colts provide grants, equipment support, programming, and other resources to youth and high school football programs throughout Indiana.

Military & Veterans

Through NFL Salute to Service initiatives, the organization supports and recognizes military members, veterans, and their families.

Applicants do not necessarily need to fit within one of these categories to submit a general donation request, but demonstrating alignment with the Colts’ broader community work may help establish a strong connection.

Application Timeline

📅 Application Timeline: Rolling / ongoing
📅 Financial Requests: Allow a minimum of 6 weeks for processing
📅 In-Kind Requests: Generally processed 3–6 weeks before the event
📅 Request Limit: One item or contribution per organization annually

Organizations should apply early whenever possible.

The Colts receive a large volume of requests each year, and submitting an application does not guarantee funding or an in-kind donation.

Application / Request Process

All donation requests must be submitted through the Colts’ online application system.

Donation Guidelines & Request Options:

➡️ https://www.colts.com/community/donations/

Direct In-Kind Donation Request Form:

➡️ https://forms.donationx.org/form/b6bc5228-f282-4051-99a4-36c44425ec91

Direct Financial Contribution Request Form:

➡️ https://forms.donationx.org/form/bce6442f-b209-473e-8a44-62f017c5bf27

Applicants should select the request type that best matches their organization’s actual need rather than submitting multiple requests.

Other Indianapolis Colts Funding Opportunities

Indiana organizations should also be aware that the Colts operate additional grant and community programs separate from the general Donation Request Program.

Colts Youth & High School Football Grants

Indiana youth and high school football programs may request up to $2,500 for projects focusing on health and safety, participation, and inclusion.

Hometown Grant

The Colts partner with the American Dairy Association Indiana on a $10,000 Hometown Grant supporting healthy nutrition and physical activity programs within an Indiana school district.

Colts Grants & Awards:

➡️ https://www.colts.com/community/grants-awards/

Colts Community Programs:

➡️ https://www.colts.com/community/events-programs/

Organizations should review these separate opportunities when they align more closely with the proposed project than a general donation request.

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This opportunity is a strong fit for organizations that:

• Hold 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
• Are located in Indiana
• Are seeking an in-kind item for a charitable fundraiser
• Need direct financial support for a program or project
• Can submit a complete written proposal for financial requests
• Can allow at least six weeks for financial request processing
• Have not already received a Colts item or contribution during the current year
• Can demonstrate a clear benefit to Indiana residents

The availability of both merchandise and financial contributions makes this program more flexible than many professional sports donation opportunities.

Organizations should think strategically about their one annual request.

A nonprofit holding a major fundraiser may benefit most from Colts memorabilia, while an organization with a specific community program or project may want to explore the financial contribution application instead.

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Support Types: In-kind merchandise and financial contributions
Application Timeline: Rolling
Financial Request Lead Time: Minimum 6 weeks
In-Kind Processing: Generally 3–6 weeks before event
Geographic Focus: Indiana
Eligible Applicants: 501(c)(3) nonprofits
Request Limit: One item/contribution per organization annually
Third-Party Requests: Not eligible
Individual/Family Fundraisers: Generally not supported
Potential In-Kind Items: Photos, pennants, apparel, footballs, and other team merchandise
Financial Proposals: Should include project/program information, Board, budget, and nonprofit verification
Best Suited For: Indiana nonprofits seeking either fundraising merchandise or direct charitable financial support
Key Strategy: Choose the strongest use of the organization’s one annual request and, for financial requests, provide a clear proposal demonstrating the specific program need and community benefit.