Donor Spotlight: Chelsea Sutton

Indiana Humanities thrives because of the generosity of our donors—individuals and corporate supporters alike—who help us bring the humanities to life across the state. Their contributions help us provide Indiana communities with meaningful opportunities to think, read, and talk. To celebrate their impact, we’re spotlighting the donors who make our work possible, going behind the gift and sharing their stories.  

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For Chelsea Sutton, a walk in the woods with a poem in her hand felt like the perfect way to celebrate Indiana’s Bicentennial.  

A 2011 graduate of Franklin College, Chelsea has long held an appreciation for Indiana’s history and stories. She previously worked at the Indiana Historical Society and now serves as a marketing specialist at Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.  

She first encountered Indiana Humanities during the launch of its Campfires program in 2016—a series that paired nature hikes and floats with literature discussions across the Hoosier state.  

“The concept of combining two of my favorite things—nature and literature—really struck me as an innovative way to celebrate the 200-year milestone,” Chelsea said.  

That experience didn’t just leave an impression—it sparked a lasting connection. 

Inspired by what she saw and felt, Chelsea chose to support Indiana Humanities not just once, but continually. She became a recurring donor, committed to giving regularly to help sustain the work that moved her.  

“I believe even small gifts over time can have great impact,” she said.  

Chelsea’s decision to give consistently comes from a strong belief in the humanities’ ability to connect us to one another, to our communities, and to the bigger questions of who we are.  

“Culturally, I think we can be so focused on ‘the greats’ of the past without connecting them to our present,” Chelsea said. “Indiana Humanities helps make those connections, often in fun and interesting ways.”  

For Chelsea, supporting the humanities isn’t just about meaningful hikes or great writing. It’s about sustaining something essential—not just for herself, but for Indiana and society as a whole.  

“IH matters to Indiana now more than ever,” she said. “[Indiana Humanities is] doing some heavy lifting to make sure Hoosiers have the opportunity to experience how our small state connects culturally and historically to the rest of the country and world.”  

She also believes the humanities are a driving force behind meaningful progress.  

“We are often so focused on technical progress and innovation, forgetting that much of the progress stems from something in the humanities sparking curiosity,” Chelsea said. “Losing that connection to the humanities, I believe, could lead to progress for progress’s sake.”  

On a personal level, she views the humanities as a way to reflect, reconnect, and stay grounded in what it means to be human.  

That’s why she encourages others to join her.  

“To someone considering supporting Indiana Humanities, I would say go for it. Supporting IH means supporting cultural experiences that are available all over Indiana, not just in major cities.”  

At Indiana Humanities, we are grateful for recurring donors like Chelsea Sutton—people whose steady support helps ideas take root and communities flourish.  

Recurring gifts provide us with steady, reliable support that sustains our work. Please consider becoming a monthly donor today at https://www.indianahumanities.org/donate.