The National Institute for Fitness and Sport (NIFS) is a non-profit organization governed by a board of trustees. NIFS was established in 1985 by community leaders and opened its doors with the help of grants from Lilly Endowment, Inc.; the State of Indiana; and the City of Indianapolis. November 1, 1988, marked the dedication of the 117,000-square-foot Institute and the opening of the Fitness Center, which serves thousands of members.