Fourth round of Elevation Grants awarded to grassroots groups

Some local organizations received more money to help them address the root causes of violence after a fourth round of funding through the Elevation Grants was announced this week. 

The program aims to reduce violence by funding grassroots groups. It was renamed last year.  This round of Elevation Grants provides more than $12 million in funding to 72 organizations. It reaches more neighborhoods and aims to empower young people, build resilience and support those who have been justice-involved.

"In 2021, as part of our 150-million-dollar anti-violence strategy, I proposed a five-fold increase in funding for the Elevation Grant program,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett in a statement.

Central Indiana Community Foundation’s, or CICF’s, Indianapolis Foundation partners with the city to facilitate the grants. Elevation Grant program senior consultant Alicia Collins said the funds help groups fill the gaps.

“Our goal is to touch more grassroots, those individuals that have programs and solutions for their residents to elevate them in this program,” Collins said.

More than 25 million dollars has been distributed to nearly 160 groups since the start of the program. 

The grants reach a diverse group of nonprofits that work on prevention and intervention efforts. 
With the help of federal funding, the city has committed a total of $45 million over the next three years.

More than 60 percent of grants have been given to BIPOC-led organizations, according to the foundation. Collins said this round has a focus on affordable housing.

“We are so excited to have those organizations that provide housing and shelter for individuals.  That is a huge gap,” Collins said.

Two more rounds of grant funding are expected this year.