The City of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Foundation invite applications for the Elevation Grant Program, which emerged in response to rising gun violence and the urgent need to address its root causes through equitable, community-centered solutions. Since its launch, the program has evolved to meet the needs of Indianapolis neighborhoods most affected by violence, infusing best practices and evidence-based learnings that reflect the critical role of activating community rooted solutions to improve public safety.
The overarching goals of the program are to reduce violent crime—particularly gun violence—through prevention and intervention efforts led by trusted, community-based organizations; to strengthen the nonprofit ecosystem by investing in grassroots groups; and to advance public safety by addressing systemic challenges such as poverty, trauma, and disinvestment. Additionally, the program emphasizes organizational infrastructure development and aims to foster long-term sustainability, collaboration, and community resilience.
Priority populations for the program include communities disproportionately impacted by violence, especially Black and Latino males ages 18 to 35, and youth ages 12 to 18. The program also focuses on supporting grassroots and resident-led organizations that may have limited infrastructure but are deeply embedded in their communities. Through these investments, the program aims to create safer, healthier, and more equitable outcomes across Indianapolis. Focus areas include:
Thriving Neighborhoods: Open to grassroots organizations with annual revenue less than $750,000 working in a specific geographical area as defined by a neighborhood and/or community and led by engaged residents offering place-based solutions that promote safety, strengthen social networks among residents, and reduce or prevent crime. Community-based solutions should align with a community need or opportunity.
Empowered Youth / Young Adult: Organizations focused on providing programs, services, and supports (such as employment, education mentoring, recreation, and family support services) to youth and young adults who face unique challenges and may have a higher likelihood of community disengagement without the proper intervention strategies. Ideal programming should include positive youth development principles. This includes opportunity youth (ages 16 to 24).
Restoration & Resilience: Organizations providing appropriate community-based, social-emotional development opportunities, mental health support, behavioral health support, transitional housing supports, and conflict resolution skills for youth and young adults.
Justice-Involved Supports: Organizations providing supportive services to residents currently interacting with the criminal legal system. These services support productive citizenship, financial self-sufficiency, and reduce recidivism.
Intervention: Comprehensive programs that implement integrated crisis response services and support for well-defined target populations. The priority population: Black/Latinx males ages 18-35, individuals most at-risk of violent victimization, or perpetration of violent acts.
The Elevation Grant Program prioritizes supporting organizations based in Marion County that address disparities in safety, opportunity, and outcomes for communities most affected by violence.
The application submission portal opens on September 22, 2025 and closes on October 3, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. ET.
For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the Indianapolis Foundation website.
