Indiana Philanthropy Alliance honors the Class of 2025 at the Philanthropy Leads Dinner, featuring remarks from Dr. Allison Barber, First Lady Maureen Braun, Mark Miles, and John M. Mutz
INDIANAPOLIS – Twenty-four rising philanthropic leaders from across Indiana were honored at the 2025 Philanthropy Leads Dinner, hosted by Indiana Philanthropy Alliance and Goelzer Investment Management on October 22 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. The graduates completed the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute, a statewide leadership program that develops the next generation of changemakers in philanthropy, business, and community impact.
The evening featured remarks from Dr. Allison Barber, chair of the Marvella Foundation and former president of the Indiana Fever; Indiana First Lady Maureen Braun; Mark Miles, president and CEO of Penske Entertainment; and Indiana visionary John M. Mutz, for whom the institute is named.
In conversation with IPA Board Chair Jeff Small, Dr. Barber reflected on optimism, purpose and leadership in action. “You are taking it to the hoop for those who can’t even see their hoop,” she said, urging philanthropic leaders to stay hopeful and mission-focused. Drawing lessons from her work with the Fever, she added, “As a leader, you have to listen for truth but turn down the negativity, because it will steal your optimism and your ability to lead.”
First Lady Maureen Braun shared reflections on community leadership through her work promoting the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which now delivers free books to more than 127,000 Hoosier children each month. “Philanthropy in Indiana is not about giving back; it’s about giving forward,” she said, highlighting how partnerships between state leaders, foundations and local donors have the ability to shape brighter futures for Indiana families.
Launched in 2021, the Mutz Institute prepares emerging leaders for board and executive roles at foundations, corporations and community-serving institutions. Participants engage with more than 75 state and national experts to explore philanthropy’s role in driving lasting change.
“Over the past year, this class of 24 leaders came together to learn, share and grow,” said IPA Board Chair Jeff Small. “Their insight and energy reflect the future of philanthropy in Indiana, which proves to be collaborative and bold.”
Program namesake John M. Mutz, former Indiana lieutenant governor and past president of Lilly Endowment Inc., added:
“These young people are outstanding examples of the philanthropy work of tomorrow. They are individuals who will make a great contribution to our state.”
Applications for the 2026 Mutz Institute class are open through Oct. 31, 2025. To apply, visit www.inphilanthropy.org/mutz.
About Indiana Philanthropy Alliance
Indiana Philanthropy Alliance is the state’s largest association supporting effective philanthropy. Its members include foundations, corporations and other social investors that collectively distribute billions each year to strengthen communities, improve quality of life and fuel opportunity. Learn more at www.inphilanthropy.org.
