Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
About us
Welcome to our Foundation
Founded in 2003, the Samerian Foundation is dedicated to perpetuating the vision of Cindy and Paul Skjodt, the founders. They seek to enhance the quality of life by providing funds through a grant making process for education, economic development, health, youth sports, community organizations meeting the needs of the underserved, and humanitarian projects.
Though the Samerian Foundation primarily serves Central Indiana, it has taken part in some international endeavors and have reached outside the state on special projects.
The Samerian Foundation is the philanthropic vehicle of the Skjodt’s generosity. To date, they have granted 2,105 requests of nearly $93.4 million.
The Samerian Foundation is lovingly named after Cindy and Paul’s children, Samantha, Erik, and Ian, who serve on the board.
Learn moreOur team
Cindy Simon Skjodt
Chair
Cindy was born in Indianapolis to Melvin and Bess Simon. A graduate of Indiana University (BA – 1980) and Butler University (MS – 1996), she is an avid Pacers and Indiana Ice fan and lover of IU Hoosiers basketball. She enjoys international travel and is most often found reading a good book.
Cindy dedicates her time, attention, leadership, and financial resources to Central Indiana non-profit charity boards, as well as national and international charities. She is called upon to lead local philanthropic initiatives and campaigns because of her unparalleled track record of success as a leader and her fierce determination to make a difference.
Cindy has followed in her father’s legacy of generosity, often honoring her parents through her donations. Her commitment to community has improved the lives of the underserved youth, filled the shelves of food pantries, championed for youth sports activities, and she has been a true advocate for the needs of mental health and psychotherapy. Cindy was a founding director of the Pacer Foundation in 1993 and remains actively involved today.
Within her illustrious philanthropic career the last 25 years, Cindy has served on 35 local Boards of Directors, 27 action committees, and 8 Advisory Councils. Twice she has received the highest honor in the State of Indiana by the Governor, the Sagamore of the Wabash (2004, 2013). Her honors are numerous, including: Profiles in Leadership, Woman of the Year, Anne Frank Award, Living Legacy, and Major Benefactors Award. Among her most distinguished honors is the 2016 Presidential Appointment by Barack Obama to a key administration role at United States Holocaust Memorial Council.
The most important aspect of her life is family. Cindy married Paul Skjodt in 1987 and raised her children (Erik, Samantha and Ian) in the Indianapolis area. She remains active in civic and cultural organizations, in addition to overseeing the perpetuity of her private family foundation.
Paul Skjodt
President
A Canadian by birth, Paul moved to Indianapolis in 1986 to pursue a career in the NHL. He founded the Indiana Ice of the USHL, winning the Clark Cup Championship in both 2009 and 2014. His knowledge and love of hockey extends far beyond business to the personal level where he also served as a youth coach. Over the course of ten years the Indiana Ice players were awarded close to $20 million in college athletic scholarships. In addition to hockey, Paul is passionate about the Big Foot Foundation, which enriches the lives of our youth in Central Indiana.
Paul’s entrepreneurial spirit has successfully incubated numerous business ventures including land development and home building businesses in Central Indiana and Western Ohio. Today Paul is president of Bulle Investments, a private equity firm based in Carmel, IN.
A true Maple Leaf, Paul likes to spend his spare time in Ontario, Canada.
Paul and his wife, Cindy, have raised three children. The family is well known for their philanthropic efforts.
Erik Skjodt
Advisory Council
Erik currently operates a private venture fund that invests in Fintech and real estate across the Midwest. Erik also serves on the board of Samerian, a foundation focused on youth and underserved communities in the greater Indianapolis area. He oversees the foundation’s portfolio and alternative investments, including private equity and venture capital funds. He is a member of the Forbes Young Entrepreneurs Council and is a personal contributor on finance and entrepreneurship for publications like Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and U.S.News. Previously, he was the founder and CEO of two innovative financial services companies that served over 10k customers and 3 industry-leading banks. Both companies were sold in 2023. Before that, he worked in investment banking at Periculum Capital and in financial operations at Simon Property Group. Erik earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration in Finance and Corporate Innovation from Indiana University, Kelley School of Business. Erik currently lives in Westfield with his wife Lindsey and son Logan.
Samantha Skjodt
Advisory Council
Born: 1989
Indiana University Graduate 2012
Currently enrolled at the University of Chicago pursing a graduate degree in Public Policy
Residence: Chicago
Ian Skjodt
Advisory Council
Ian has been involved with various non-profit organizations in both central Indiana and the greater Los Angeles communities. Those experiences installed a deep sense of community and the importance of giving back. After graduating from Indiana University in 2017 with a degree in telecommunications, Ian moved to LA. There he was immersed in the world of TV production having worked for major networks producing scripted television. Music has also been a significant part of his life. His love for DJing enabled him to work in the music industry, producing content for touring acts around the world. More recently, Ian has ventured outside of film and music and is currently working on a restaurant concept that will open in the Los Angeles area. The principle of “treat others how you want to be treated” is a cornerstone of his professional and personal life. Whether through developing new business ventures, producing creative content, or engaging with non-profits, his goal is to make meaningful contributions that resonate with the community.
Fonda E. Crandall
Director Emeritus
Following a 28 year focus on the Skjodt family in numerous capacities, Ms Crandall retired but remains an active Board Member. Having served on the Board of Directors from inception of the Foundation, she was instrumental in its mission statement and subsequent growth. She now enjoys traveling and community volunteer work.
Betsy Niedermeyer
Chief Operating Officer and V.P. Grants & Giving
Betsy joined Samerian Foundation as the Program Officer and Administrative Assistant in June 2014. She received a B.S. in Kinesiology from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis with a focus in Sports Management and a Minor In Business. In 2018, Betsy received her Master’s Degree from the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, where she also holds a Graduate Certificate in Philanthropic Studies. Her love of people and her desire to help others make her a perfect fit in the front lines of the philanthropic community. Ms. Niedermeyer is responsible for the day-to-day business operations of the Foundation and its communication needs. Betsy’s strong skill set includes organizational, analytical, web design and information technology.
Tammy Owen
Grants Administrator and Accounting Associate
Tammy joined in 2019. She is responsible for processing grant applications and ensures the process runs smoothly for grant seekers and staff. She is always happy to answer questions regarding Samerian Foundation’s mission, grant applications, status of existing applications and the reporting process. She is also responsible for the day-to-day accounting for the Foundation. “I love being part of an organization that does so much to enhance the lives of people in central Indiana.”