Submitted
Carmel Education Foundation (CEF), one of Indiana’s oldest and most established educational foundations, has announced what it calls a refreshed brand identity as it nears six decades of service to Carmel Clay Schools.
This strategic brand launch focuses on increasing community awareness, enhancing donor engagement and clearly communicating CEF’s mission and impact.
The rebrand reflects CEF’s unwavering mission to support Carmel Clay students and educators by providing resources that foster academic growth and personal development, empowering every student to become their best future selves.
The new primary logo features a mosaic-style “C” made of colorful geometric shapes. The outer circle, designed in the colors of all 15 Carmel Clay Schools, reflects CEF’s representation of every school across the district.
The interior circle components represent the city of Carmel (blue), education (yellow), and the foundation (green) to symbolize the unity between the city, its education system, and the foundation.
In addition to a new visual identity, the foundation focused on formalizing its messaging to ensure clear and consistent communication of its mission, values, and unique value propositions to strengthen the public’s understanding of its integral role in the Carmel community.
The brand development project started in January 2025 and was approved by the CEF Board in April 2025 in preparation to launch with the new school year. The rebranding project was led by Carmel-based consultancy, Pence Media Group, which donated in-kind services to the project as a CEF Community Partner.
“For nearly 60 years, our foundation has invested in generations of students and educators,” CEF CEO Jennifer Penix said. “This new look and voice honor our history while positioning us for the future. It communicates not only who we are, but the incredible impact we continue to make for every student in Carmel Clay Schools.”
Since its founding in 1966, CEF has awarded more than $2.5 million in scholarships to Carmel High School students and nearly $2 million in grants funding innovative classroom experiences, directly benefiting thousands of Carmel Clay students. CEF is shaping the future by investing in education today – one grant, one scholarship and one philanthropic event at a time. With a new brand identity, the foundation looks ahead to the next 60 years of strengthening education, empowering students and inspiring community support.
“The strength of our community is directly tied to the strength of our schools,” Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam said. “Carmel Education Foundation plays a vital role in ensuring Carmel Clay Schools have the resources to help every student thrive. As school funding continues to face challenges, the foundation’s support remains essential to maintaining the excellence our community is known for. CEF is powered by the generosity of our businesses and neighbors, and I encourage them to join in this important mission.”
The community can support the foundation’s mission by participating in its annual Ghosts & Goblins 1M/5K Run/Walk at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 at Carmel High School. The event brings together families, students and local businesses for a morning of fun, costumes and fundraising that directly supports CEF programs and scholarships. Businesses can support the foundation in a variety of ways such as becoming a CEF Community Partner, event sponsorship, and volunteerism.
For more information about Carmel Education Foundation and its mission, visit ccs.k12.in.us/foundation.