Second round of Elevation Grants reaches more

The second round of Elevation Grants is awarded to grassroots groups across the city.  The awards reach 50 nonprofits addressing the root causes of violence.

The program grants $8.6 million to organizations that work to reduce violence in communities.  The Indianapolis Foundation helps facilitate the program for the city of Indianapolis. Mayor Joe Hogsett said the money is targeted.

“These grants are a demonstration of the city's belief that no one knows a neighborhood better than the neighbors themselves,” Hogsett said.

This round reaches 23 new organizations including a nonprofit group that Howard Stevenson founded a few years ago.

“Project Free is a grassroots organization that educates underserved communities on financial literacy and entrepreneurship in order to reduce poverty and financial insecurity,” Stevenson said.

A total of $45 million will go to groups over the next three years.

The Chin Community of Indiana will also recieve a grant.  President Peter Thawnghmung said his community has experienced an increase domestic violence and will use the money for education. 

Funding for the 2022 grant program was passed unanimously by the City-County Council last year. Powered by American Rescue Plan funding for pandemic relief, the Elevation Grant Program will invest nearly five times more in crime reduction efforts than in previous year

This round of grants is focused on supporting thriving neighborhoods, empowered youth, resilience, and intervention.

A complete list can be found here.