Indy Summer Youth Program Fund Workshop Draws Hundreds
Nonprofit leaders meet at Martin University to prepare for funding opportunities and share strategies to keep youth safe and engaged.
More than 300 representatives from youth-serving organizations across Indianapolis came together recently for the Indy Summer Youth Program Fund training session, an event hosted by the Indianapolis Foundation and its partners, including the Lilly Endowment Inc.
The daylong gathering at Martin University opened with remarks from Ahmed Young, President & CEO of the Indianapolis Foundation, who stressed the vital role the organizations play in shaping a thriving future for the city’s young people. Tysha Hardy-Sellers, Program Director of Education for Lilly Endowment Inc., and Jenny Menelas, Community Leadership Officer with the Indianapolis Foundation, also encouraged attendees to see themselves as partners in advancing opportunities for youth.
Sessions offered throughout the day were designed to prepare applicants for the 2026 Summer Youth Program Fund grant process. In addition to the technical guidance, breakout workshops focused on the current challenges facing nonprofits, including data collection, adapting to an evolving nonprofit climate, and addressing youth behavior and conflict.
For participants, the importance of youth programming—particularly during the summer months—was evident.
Damica Marshall, Outreach and Strategic Partnerships Associate for the Children’s Policy and Law Initiative of Indiana, noted that her organization has heard directly from youth about their desire for more engagement.
“Summer is when young people have more time, and they want opportunities to connect with us,” she said. “Without safe, structured programs, boredom can lead to risky or even unintended situations. We want to make sure they have places to go, people to connect with, and positive opportunities to thrive.”
Alan Archibald, clinical director at See 1 Change, emphasized that summer programs not only provide safe environments but also support critical stages of development.
“Adolescence is about identity formation and social connection,” said Archibald, who regularly consults with youth-serving organizations. “When youth have access to positive programming, they discover new interests—maybe a sport or an art form—and they build healthy friendships. That’s what puts fuel in their tank. Without it, the negative influences around them can take hold.”
Archibald added that he often helps nonprofit staff process the complexities behind youth behavior, reminding them that the goal isn’t to “fix” kids, but to equip them and their families to problem-solve for themselves. His perspective underscores why funders are investing in capacity-building for frontline organizations.
This year’s funders include Indianapolis Foundation, Lilly Endowment Inc., the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, the City of Indianapolis, Cummins, Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, The Clowes Fund, Inc., IndyStar, and the Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund. Together, they are ensuring that youth across Marion County have access to enriching, safe, and life-shaping experiences.
As Marshall put it, “Investing in youth means investing in the whole community. These programs don’t just fill time in the summer—they build confidence, prevent violence, and create opportunities for a better future.”
At the Indianapolis Foundation, our vision is simple yet bold: to make Indianapolis the most welcoming and thriving community in the nation — a city where every person has the opportunity to live a fulfilling life. Through partnerships like the Indy Summer Youth Program Fund and initiatives like our Equity Imperative 2030 plan, we are investing in our youth's future and advancing housing, economic, health, and environmental equity. We invite you to explore our work, join in our initiatives, and be part of building a stronger future for Indianapolis.