Indiana Landmarks is now accepting applications for the Standiford H. Cox Fund to preserve significant African American landmarks in Indiana.
Created in 2020, the Standiford H. Cox Fund supports restoration, preservation, operation and ongoing maintenance of African American historic sites in Indiana, according to a press release. Since its inception, the Standiford H. Cox Funds have awarded nearly $1.2 million in grants to preservation efforts across the state, prompting additional private investment and preserving key landmarks for future generations, according to a press release.
“Stan Cox understood that when a historic place is lost, something is taken from all of us,” Jennifer Bartenbach, CEO of CICF, said in a statement. “His philanthropy was a way to keep Black history visible in the everyday landscape of Indiana, so future generations can learn from it, take pride in it, and stay connected to it.”
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Originally from Brazil, Indiana, Standiford “Stan” Cox graduated from Indiana University before earning a master’s degree from Butler University. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society and worked for Eli Lilly and Co. for 32 years, making history as the company’s first Black chemist, according to a press release.
Cox held several positions during his career and was an advocate for academic biochemical research, having endowed the Standiford H. Cox Professorship in Biochemistry at Indiana University in Bloomington.
Cox passed away in February 2019, but during his lifetime, he was also a general advocate for African American preservation, having established two funds through the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) — one in his name and one to honor his parents. The Dovie Stewart Cox & Chester A. Cox Sr. Memorial Fund provides financial support for Lost Creek Settlement near Terre Haute, one of Indiana’s earliest known settlements of free people of color.
“This grant program carries that bigger purpose forward by strengthening the communities around these sites in addition to the buildings themselves,” Bartenbach added. “CICF is honored to manage the funds he created, and we invite organizations across the state to apply and help protect the stories that shape who we are.”
Just last year, the Cox Funds awarded $200,000 across 15 projects — including $20,000 to restore the c.1850 limestone Hoyt House in Jefferson County, which is recognized as part of the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom. In Gary, Indiana, $7,500 will go toward creating a signage program to call attention to the Means Park Manor History District, which was developed by Andrew and Geter Means in the 1950s and ‘60s as quality affordable housing for Black citizens. In Bloomington, $20,000 will assist with roof and stained-glass window repairs at Second Baptist Church, designed by trailblazing Black architect Samuel Plato in 1913.
“Stan Cox has left an incredible legacy to the people of Indiana,” Mark Dollase, vice president of preservation services at Indiana Landmarks, said in a statement. “We are honored to work with the Central Indiana Community Foundation in a partnership that will continue to support the restoration of important African American landmarks for years to come.”
Indiana Landmarks continues its role as a key preservation advisor to the funds, identifying significant places and evaluating projects the program can assist. The Indiana Landmarks staff and Black Heritage Preservation Program committee will review initial recommendations and submit them to CICF in June, according to a press release.
Sites are assessed based on criteria such as architectural and/or historical significance, opportunities for redevelopment, threat of demolition and significance to Indiana’s African American heritage. Non-profit organizations with active 501(c)3 status and religious organizations are encouraged to apply.
Those interested in applying for the Cox Funds grants should contact Indiana Landmarks at coxfunds@indianalandmarks.org. Applications are due by April 1, 2026.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
