Community impact

AES Indiana and its people are dedicated to making a difference in the communities where we live and serve.

Downtown Indianapolis skyline with modern skyscrapers and a round blue building, reflected in a calm river bordered by autumn trees under a clear blue sky.

Smiling woman with straight black hair wearing a white blazer over a black top, accessorized with a silver necklace and hoop earrings, standing against a plain background.

For more than 100 years, our commitment to customers has meant more than delivering affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy — it has meant being a trusted partner to the people and places that make Central Indiana strong.

This year, we sharpened that commitment by refreshing our community impact strategy to better reflect customer and community needs, investing where we can create meaningful, lasting impact — including serving as the title sponsor of the 16 Tech Indy Winter Farmer’s Market and launching a new partnership with the Riverside Education Innovation District at Marian University to expand access to literacy and educational attainment for third graders and adults in the near northwest side neighborhood of Indianapolis. And at the heart of this work are our AES Indiana people, whose board service and volunteerism deepen our impact and strengthen the communities we serve.

We’re proud to be your electric company. Every switch flipped powers the people and institutions that make Central Indiana thrive — a reminder of why our work matters. And while delivering reliable energy is essential, so is strengthening our communities. Through investments in economic development, arts and culture, education, and sustainability, AES Indiana is powering what matters to our customers and communities across Central Indiana.

Brandi Davis-Handy, President of AES Indiana

Handwritten signature in black ink on a white background.

AES Indiana 2025 charitable giving at a glance.

60 investments totaling $2.1 million across five strategic giving areas.

Community impact infographic showing employees volunteering, local partnerships, and events, with highlights including over $1 million invested, 1,000+ volunteer hours, $600,000+ for education and arts, $274,000 for environmental projects, and new board appointments.

AES Indiana does not pass on the cost of its community investments or advertising to its customers.

Five people stand outdoors in front of a building, smiling and holding a large ceremonial check from AES Indiana to Marian University for $375,000, supporting the READ Initiative.

Marian University + REID Initiative

AES Indiana’s multi-year partnership with Marian University supports the Riverside Education Innovation District (REID), a long-term effort to expand high-quality early childhood education and strengthen literacy in Indianapolis’ Near Northwest community. Through this collaboration, AES Indiana is helping increase early learning capacity, enhance the Powering Readers’ programming, and create pathways that improve long-term educational and economic outcomes for local families. The partnership aims to achieve a 95% literacy rate among third graders by 2027, increase adult educational attainment by 15% by 2030, and boost postsecondary participation and workforce readiness through STEM training initiatives. Together, the partnership is building a foundation for lasting community resilience and greater opportunity across the neighborhood. Read more.

BUTTER Fine Art Fair

A no‑commission art fair powered by AES Indiana, BUTTER Fine Art Fair advances an innovative model for economic justice in the arts. The immersive, multi‑day event showcases the work of emerging and established Black visual artists from Indiana and around the world. Since AES Indiana became the title sponsor, more than 46,000 people have attended the fair, engaging with art and culture in meaningful and transformative ways. Recognized by The New York Times, BUTTER is committed to selling or loaning 100% of exhibited works, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the artists. Read more.

Two people write messages and draw on a large pink wall covered with colorful handwritten notes, doodles, and signatures at an event.

Indoor farmers market at The AMP with people sitting at tables, a musician performing on a small stage, and a large screen displaying information about the Indy Winter Farmers Market schedule and location.

16 Tech Farmers Market

As the title sponsor of the 16 Tech Indy Winter Farmers Market, AES Indiana is proud to support sustainably minded family farms and local food producers, helping ensure year-round access to fresh, local food for the community. Each season, the market has welcomed 20,000+ attendees and featured 50+ local vendors, with 30% minority-owned vendors, reflecting strong and diverse community participation. We expect to see similar numbers for the 2025–2026 season as interest in local food and sustainable agriculture continues to grow. AES Indiana also partners with CLEAResult, whose team is onsite once a month to engage with customers about available energy efficiency programs. This sponsorship allows AES Indiana to meet customers where they are and strengthen our connection to the neighborhoods we serve. Read more.

Day in the Parks

2025 marked AES Indiana’s 15th annual Day in the Parks community service day. This was the company’s largest volunteer effort since 2019. There were more than 360 volunteers who dedicated nearly 1,060 hours to enhancing the Arts Center, located in historic Garfield Park. Day in the Parks includes projects such as invasive plant removal, mulching and landscaping, trail and garden bed cleanup, painting and facility refreshes, and tree and brush clearing.  This year was the second in a two-year partnership with Indy Parks and Recreation and The Parks Alliance. These efforts delivered years’ worth of improvements in a single day, helping preserve the park’s legacy while strengthening its long-term vitality for the community. Read more.

Learn more about AES Indiana’s community investments:

Power of Change

A little change on your part can spark a big change for those who need it most.

Indy Free Tree

AES Indiana has worked with community partners on Arbor Day to give away 11,000 trees since 2008.

AES Indiana Day in the Parks

AES Indiana employees provide people power to enhance local parks.

AES Indiana Trees for Indy

AES Indiana Trees for Indy is a partnership between AES Indiana, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful and the City of Indianapolis Department of Public Works.

AES Indiana Project Greenspace

Helping create vibrant communities by beautifying vacant lots and turning underused areas into appealing and functional neighborhood spaces.

Safety 101

A community program focused on our first value: safety.