Today, Mayor Joe Hogsett and The Indianapolis Foundation announced applications for the third round of the Elevation Grant Program will open on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, at ElevationGrant.org. Powered by American Rescue Plan funding for pandemic relief, this initiative will invest $45 million in neighborhoods through 2024 to address root causes of violent crime in Indianapolis.
During this round of funding, $1 million will be granted to grassroot organizations focused on thriving neighborhoods. These organizations lead with place-based efforts designed to support neighborhoods that promote safety, strengthen residents’ social networks, reduce or prevent crime in a specific geographical area and are led by engaged residents and community leaders. A grassroots organization is defined as an entity operating under community values, shared power and decision-making and supported by an organizational budget of up to $250,000. Organizations applying for support in this area must be able to measure how efforts have increased residents’ safety and awareness in a particular area through resident surveys, increased crime reporting or using crime statistics.
“The Elevation Grant Program focuses its investment pipeline on grassroots organizations, prioritizing those led by residents of the communities they serve,” said Alicia Collins, senior consultant for the Elevation Grant Program. “This round is staying true to that intentionality by investing and supporting local changemakers successfully contributing to the safety of their neighborhoods.”
The Indianapolis Foundation will host an informational session on Thursday, Jan. 12. This session will allow individuals to learn more about the program, eligibility and provide information on general grant concepts such as budgeting and grant reporting. Additionally, the foundation will offer a grant writing preparation clinic on Tuesday, Jan. 24 that will allow potential applicants to receive tailored guidance to assist in the application process.
“With this next round of applications, the Elevation Grant begins year two of a three-year, $45-million push to lift local groups working for a more peaceful city. This represents the largest investment into these grants in program history—an investment already having a positive impact throughout our city.”
— Mayor Joe Hogsett
From the beginning of the program’s evolution, there has been a strong focus on infrastructure development to build up organizations. Currently, through an initiative of The Indianapolis Foundation named Neighborhood Empowerment Pathways, grant recipients are automatically eligible to participate in a cohort to ensure infrastructure success and resident-led outcomes. This group is led by Partec Consulting Group. Currently, 17 organizations that have previously received support from the Elevation Grant Program are participating with a focus on project planning, financial management and program evaluation.
To learn more about the Elevation Grant Program, funding eligibility and to attend the upcoming information session or grant preparation clinic, visit ElevationGrant.org.
Applications will open on Jan. 16, and the deadline is March 3 at noon.
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