Beyond Race Day
As the engines begin to rev for May in Indiana, the 500 Festival works year-round as a dynamic nonprofit, ensuring the spirit of the Indianapolis 500 extends far beyond race day. Its core purpose is to engage communities, celebrate tradition and enrich lives across the state.
Now 70 years strong, the nonprofit organization, founded in 1957, has evolved into what CEO Dave Neff says is a “community engagement arm” supporting the legacy of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway while enriching the lives of Hoosiers across the state.
“We exist to celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indy 500, drive positive community impact, and produce life-enriching events,” Neff says.
While many associate the organization primarily with marquee events like the Mini-Marathon and Parade, its reach is far deeper and growing. In fact, the Festival executes nearly 50 events annually, supported by a full-time staff of 18 and more than 2,000 active volunteers, many of whom have served for decades.
At the heart of the nonprofit’s mission are its youth-focused initiatives. The 500 Festival’s education program currently engages 340 schools and nearly 25,000 students statewide, introducing fourth graders to STEM concepts, Indiana history and the cultural significance of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Through interactive experiences, including in-school visits and field trips to the track, students gain hands-on exposure to racing and innovation.
Complementing that effort is the Kids Fit program, which promotes youth wellness by encouraging students to stay active. The initiative now reaches 110 schools and nearly 20,000 participants, many of whom build toward completing the equivalent of a half-marathon over time.
“These programs are completely free to schools,” Neff says. “That’s where our philanthropic dollars really come into play.”
Another cornerstone of the organization is the 500 Festival Princess Program, which selects 33 young women each year to serve as ambassadors across Indiana. Paired with Festival board members, the princesses participate in community outreach, leadership development and mentorship opportunities that often lead to lifelong relationships.
“They’re not just representing the Festival. They’re representing the state,” Neff says.
Financially, the organization operates with a hybrid model. Revenue from events like the Mini-Marathon, recently voted the best half-marathon in the country for the fourth consecutive year by USA Today, and corporate sponsorships helps sustain operations. Meanwhile, philanthropic support fuels educational and community initiatives through the Festival’s foundation.
Despite its long-standing reputation, Neff says one ongoing challenge is broadening awareness that the 500 Festival is a year-round nonprofit, not just a seasonal presence in May.
“There’s an opportunity for us to reach more people beyond central Indiana,” he says. “This is a statewide organization, and we want every Hoosier to feel connected to it.”
Looking ahead, Neff’s priorities include strengthening partnerships with the Speedway and its museum, expanding programming beyond spring, and engaging a new generation of volunteers and participants.
For those looking to get involved, opportunities range from volunteering at events to participating in races or joining corporate partnerships. But at its core, Neff says, the value lies in connection.
“Once people get involved, they don’t want to give it up,” he says. “It becomes part of who they are, and part of something much bigger than themselves.”
In a state where May is more than a month, it’s a tradition, the 500 Festival continues to ensure that tradition is shared, celebrated and sustained for generations to come.
For more information, visit 500festival.com.
