Grants aim to elevate grassroots violence reduction work

Grassroots groups that work to reduce violence in Marion County will receive an infusion of cash.

The Elevation Grants provide more than $4.3 million to 31 programs at local organizations that address root causes of violence. These programs focus on youth empowerment, improved mental health and neighborhood safety.

The  amount of money distributed by the Indianapolis Foundation is five times as much this year. The city is using American Rescue Plan Act funding to invest $45 million in neighborhood crime reduction efforts over the next three years.

In a written statement Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said these grassroots groups understand community solutions.

“These resources will boost this great work even farther, empowering more neighbors than ever before while reducing the root factors of violence in our neighborhoods,” Hogsett said. “This historic amount of funding is an investment that will pay off in the present as well as for decades to come.”

This round of funding reaches more grassroots organizations that work directly with people at risk of violence in underserved communities. The next round of funding tops more than $8.5 million and the application is now open. The Indianapolis Foundation hosts a series of grantmaking clinics to help assist in the application process.

A list of all recipients can be found here.

The Elevation Grants, formerly known as the Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program, are part of Mayor Hogsett violence reduction plan announced last year. That effort also focuses on police technology, added peacemakers and mental health resources.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.