Indianapolis Foundation Awards More than $4.4 Million to Address Pressing Community Needs
Grants to 114 organizations will tackle issues such as housing and economic opportunity.
As the Indianapolis Foundation celebrates 110 years of community impact this October, it is announcing an investment of more than $4.4 million to support 114 organizations working to create a more equitable and thriving Indianapolis.
The grants, which were approved by the Indianapolis Foundation board during this year’s Competitive Grant cycle, support initiatives that advance the Equity Imperative 2030, a five-year plan the Foundation launched in January 2025 to address pressing challenges and opportunities in housing, economic stability, health, and the environment.
“Our generous donors and nonprofit partners fuel transformational work in our community,” said Ahmed Young, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Foundation. “We’re grateful to work alongside them to invest in the people and ideas that move our city forward. The awarding of these grants provides us one way to do that.”
The 114 grants include investments into the following issue areas:
- Economic Opportunity: The Indianapolis Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 30 organizations advancing economic opportunity. Nearly half of Marion County residents do not earn a livable wage, creating barriers to long-term financial stability. Grant funding supports expanding opportunities to build generational wealth, empower entrepreneurs, and advance workforce development.
- Health: Marion County ranks among the bottom 25% of counties in the state in health outcomes. The $1.3 million will assist 46 organizations working to improve these outcomes by ensuring all residents have access to conditions, opportunities, and supports needed to achieve their best possible health. For example, increasing access to healthcare, case management, and care coordination.
- Housing: Twenty-eight grants totaling $1.2 million will aid organizations working to ensure residents have access to safe and affordable housing – which plays an integral role in individuals’ ability to work, raise families, and contribute to their communities. This funding will support efforts to end chronic and street homelessness, reduce evictions, and increase access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.
- Environment: More than $530,000 in grant funds will support initiatives across 10 organizations that address the disproportionate burden of high energy costs, increased levels of pollution, and excessive utility shut offs experienced by Marion County residents. Solutions include promoting the development and capacity for multi-sector partnerships, empowering community engagement and advocacy, and supporting expanded education and training on renewable energy and energy affordability.
Through grantmaking, convening, community partnership, and bold investments, IF brings people together to build a more vibrant and connected city.
Read the full list of grant recipients here.