The Indianapolis Foundation

As we hit the ground running with our new Equity Imperative 2030 Strategic Plan, we’re so thankful for our robust community of organizations, leaders and partners who join us in this important work. Happy Thanksgiving from the Indianapolis Foundation! 🍽️✨

Dozens of Elevation Grant recipients recently gathered for an Evaluation Data Retreat, hosted in partnership with the Indianapolis Mayor’s Office, the Indiana University Public Policy Institute’s (PPI) Center for Research on Inclusion & Social Policy (CRISP), and the Indianapolis Foundation.    The representatives of these nonprofits received grants that empower them to address the root causes of crime. Data is critical in that work, ensuring that the nonprofits are making informed decisions about their program as well as capturing evidence of their impact in our community. We want to extend a special thanks to PPI senior policy analyst Rebecca Nannery, CRISP policy analysts Brendan Bow and Kristi Schultz, and CRISP program analysts Rachell Pena and Tierra Brooks for guiding our learning sessions at the Moorhead Community Resource Center.🫱🏽🫲🏾   The #ElevationGrant program is a partnership between the Indianapolis Foundation, the City of Indianapolis, Mayor Joe Hogsett and the Indy City-County Council in an effort to reduce crime in our city. The ElevationGrant program is made possible through funding allocated by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). 💙   #ImagineIF #IndianapolisFoundation  

Hundreds of middle school students gathered at a local Meijer store recently — analyzing their budgets of $100 to do some holiday shopping for youth less fortunate than themselves. 👏🏾🎁   Through the DREAM Alive, Inc. program, these young shoppers were applying the budgeting lessons they learned earlier in the year to fulfill the wishes of families they adopted for the holidays. The participants checked their lists, figuring out how much money to designate to the wants and needs of the gift recipients.    The Dream Alive program, which was founded by former Colts player 🏈 Tarik Glenn, was recently able to expand thanks to funds from the Elevation Grant Program. The community-based initiative is administered through a partnership between the City of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Foundation to address the root causes of violent crime in the city.    Regions Bank regularly hosts budget workshops for the students. The Dream Alive Program has been successful in enhancing graduation rates, reducing rates of expulsions, and improving mental health outcomes among its participants.    🔗Learn more about Dream Alive on their website: https://lnkd.in/gUWrNb-T    #ImagineIF #IndianapolisFoundation

In Marion County, rising costs of housing, food, medical care and transportation outpace incomes, creating a major challenge for families. More than half of Indiana’s ALICE households report that paying for basics is a struggle. For families with children, the high cost of childcare is one of the biggest barriers. We’re working every day to promote economic equity and close the wealth gap by empowering entrepreneurs, and supporting high-wage, in-demand workforce initiatives. 🔗Read more about our economic equity plan and other priorities in our Equity Imperative Strategic Plan: https://lnkd.in/dTQS8bmK #ImagineIF #IndianapolisFoundation #Indianapolis #MarionCounty #EconomicEquity 

Indianapolis, today is the day! Make your voice heard! 🗳️ Voting is a powerful way for us to create a better future – one where equity, opportunity, and progress allow everyone in Indianapolis, Marion County, and across the nation to thrive. Let’s come together to make sure Indianapolis is well represented today at the polls. For all the information you need to vote in Marion County, visit www.vote.indy.gov/! Explore your voting options, see what you need to bring with you, and more. Remember to #LeadWithLove and #VoteWithLove 💙 #Vote #Election #IndianapolisFoundation #Indianapolis

Touring the Fathers and Families Center! 👨🍼 Just two years ago, cohorts were 5-7 men; now, they’re 25-30 strong, with a graduation nearly every month. For many, it’s their first-ever graduation, complete with a suit for the big day. 🎓 Larry Smith, President & CEO, showed the Indianapolis Foundation around, highlighting spaces for job prep, a GED program, and a tracker to celebrate job placements 💼. We also visited the kitchen, where Second Helpings provides meals, including their 20 millionth! 🔗 Learn more about the center’s impact on fathers and families:  https://lnkd.in/ez3-PTGa #FathersAndFamilies #Indianapolis #StrongFamilies #LeadWithLove

🎉 Huge congratulations to our President, Lorenzo L. Esters, for being recognized as one of Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper's (Recorder Media Group) 2025 Champions of Diversity Award Winners! Esters is being recognized as the honoree for the “Visionary Leader” award. This prestigious award honors individuals who lead with purpose and have a lasting impact on diversity and inclusion in our community. Join us in celebrating Lorenzo and the other incredible honorees who are making Indianapolis a more equitable place for all. We look forward to celebrating Dr. Esters at the awards dinner on January 17. Congratulations, Dr. Esters! https://lnkd.in/gQ8wkgDN #ChampionsOfDiversity #IndianapolisFoundation #LeadWithPurpose #DiversityAndInclusion #Congrats

Part 2️⃣ of our Fathers and Families Center Highlight! 🌟 For 31 years, Fathers and Families has empowered over 24,000 men through no-cost programing and career support—ultimately, strengthening families and improving the lives of Indianapolis children. What started as a grassroots effort at Wishard Hospital has evolved into a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to equipping fathers to be better people, parents, partners, and providers. The Indianapolis Foundation has been a proud supporter of Fathers and Families, providing grant support for its Strong Fathers Program. President and CEO Larry Smith shares that donations and grant support go beyond programming to fund barrier assistance, which helps fathers cover costs for housing, cell phone service, or transportation. 🏠📱🚗 Stick around. Next, we’ll share our tour of Fathers and Families’ one-stop-shop office and programming space. If you want to learn more about Fathers and Families, visit the nonprofit’s Facebook: https://lnkd.in/ez3-PTGa #FathersAndFamilies #StrongFathers #CommunitySupport #Empowerment #FamilySuccess

Meet Larry Smith, President and CEO of the Fathers and Families Center. When Smith was 16 years old, he became a father himself. Thanks to a college education and the support from his father, Smith was able to create the life he’s dreamed of. 💪🏾💙 “When I see the men come through our door, I literally think, but for the grace of God, that would be me.” The mission of Fathers and Families is to support fathers and empower families so that children can thrive. The team does this through a variety of resources, but are best known for its Strong Fathers Program, a three-week initiative that focuses on “4 P’s”: becoming a better Person, Parent, Partner, and Provider. The program offers education on healthy coping mechanisms, sustainable careers, setting a positive example, co-parenting, and more. Indianapolis Foundation Vice President of Grantmaking, Andrew Black, met with Smith for a conversation and tour ahead of a Strong Fathers program graduation. Stay tuned for more. For now, learn more about Fathers and Families Center on their Facebook - https://lnkd.in/ez3-PTGa #IndianapolisFoundation #ImagineIF #FathersandFamilies #EconomicEquity #StrongFamilies #StrongFathers

Continuing our spotlight on New Breed of Youth Mentoring Program with a tour of their fantastic facilities! CEO and Founder Kareem Hines walked the Indianapolis Foundation through the spaces where their impactful programs come to life. 💙 We kicked things off in the boxing ring, home to the “Guns Down, Gloves Up” youth boxing program. 🥊 Kareem created this program in response to the rise in youth gun violence in Indianapolis, providing young men with a healthy physical outlet. “You can’t just tell a kid to put the gun down without offering something else,” Kareem said. “We’re putting the guns down and putting boxing gloves on.” The program teaches conflict resolution, empowering participants to handle tough situations constructively. Next up was the weight room, where New B.O.Y. fosters self-discipline and confidence through regular workouts. Kareem shared how vital it is for youth to experience the mental and physical benefits of a strong fitness routine. 🏋🏾 Kareem then introduced us to their podcast space, where the young men run a weekly show, “Chess Not Checkers,” on their own — both behind and in front of the camera. The podcast provides a consistent platform for the young men to have their voices  heard. 🎙️ We wrapped up the tour by learning about New B.O.Y.'s Leader Circle, where young men both learn how to play the game of chess and apply decision-making skills to their real lives. Each Wednesday, New B.O.Y. participants gather with family and community members to reflect on decision-making and self-awareness skills, tying every conversation back to life choices♟️ Thank you for the tour, Kareem and New B.O.Y.! We’re inspired by the work you do to uplift Indy’s youth. Learn more about New B.O.Y: https://lnkd.in/ed7bGWsk #Indianapolis #TheIndianapolisFoundation #NewBOY #LeaderCircle #GunsDownGlovesUp #ChessNotCheckers #YouthDevelopment