Community Impact Grants

Supporting youth programming in Marion County

Investing in our Community

Since 2015, more than 125 grants totalling $389,560 have been awarded to 70 community organizations.

Application Process

The Kiwanis Foundation of Indianapolis invites local non profits to apply for grant funding for the creation or expansion of initiatives that directly impact the quality of life of children and adolescents in Marion County.

We are pleased to support programming or projects of nonprofit organizations serving youth in Indianapolis by providing multiple grants up to $5,000 each. The number of grants awarded are determined by available funding on an annual basis. The committee considers the:

●  community need being addressed
●  number of youth served by the program
●  long-term impact that a grant would enable
●  uniqueness of the project

The 2027 grant cycle is open from August 21 - October 4, 2026.

2027 Grant Application

2026 GRANT RECIPIENTS

Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site - Legacy & Leadership program with interactive workshops and civic leader connections to encourage 200 high school students to volunteer and sustain democracy. Learn more
Dayspring Center, Inc. - Six-week Camp Discovery summer program offering 150 homeless youth (ages 4-17) new experiences, healing, and the chance to feel like children again. Learn more
Firefly Children and Family Alliance - resources for foster families to access emergency childcare for 55 children placed in their homes. Learn more
John Boner Neighborhood Center - multi-day college PACT (Preparing, Achieving and Caring for Tomorrow) tour that exposes 16 inner city teens to new environments and allows them an opportunity to think and dream about their future. Learn more
Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library - stipends for visiting writers and Youth Writing Program coordinators for more than 5,000 students at Shortridge, Crispus Attucks, Arsenal Tech, and George Washington High Schools. Learn more
Listen to Our Future, Inc. - facilitate two five-week Project-Based Learning programs to equip 80 teens with tools to lead and create positive change in their communities. Learn more
National Junior Tennis & Learning of Indianapolis - supply junior racquets, red balls, and mini nets for Indy Parks Summer Program, ensuring 500 youth (ages 5-18) can access free weekly tennis lessons across numerous neighborhood parks. Learn more
NexGeneration Learning LLC - empower 25 eighth graders as STEM leaders, equipping them to mentor and inspire 100 elementary students through hands-on STEM Story Labs that spark curiosity, confidence, and future career paths. Learn more
The Riviera Club Foundation - provide dry-land/in-water swimming instruction for up to 1,000 students and weekend-event with community screening of “When Everyone Swims” documentary. Learn more
The Sapphire Theatre Company, Inc. - expand arts integration in classrooms and after school for 150 IPS elementary and middle school students who would not otherwise experience learning via the performing arts. Learn more
Special Olympics of Indiana - expand Young Athletes program, a sport and play program for children with intellectual disabilities, in two locations, serving 75 youth (ages 2-7). Learn more
Teachers' Treasurers - expand access to free classroom supplies for 1,300 teachers by opening a satellite store in northern Marion County's highest-need schools in Washington Township. Learn more
Washington Township LIttle League - provide scholarships and essential equipment, eliminating financial and safety barriers so that youth (ages 4-18) can play baseball and softball. Learn more

2025 GRANT RECIPIENTS

100 Black Men of Indianapolis - Provide books for each student and volunteer classroom reader at IPS James Whitcomb Riley School 43! Learn more
Assistance League of Indianapolis - Expand Operation School Bell to provide new school clothing and winter supplies for pre-K-5th graders living at or below poverty in Wayne Township schools. Learn more
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site - Develop a high school Civics Squared field trip with interactive Matterport (3D virtual tours) to provide a deeper understanding of U.S. history, leadership, and civic responsibility. Learn more
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Indianapolis - Expand services to accommodate youth on the waitlist for the one-to-one Group Mentoring program. Learn more
Brightlane Learning - Launch UFLI Foundations to provide concentrated literacy intervention to students not meeting state reading standards at IPS James Whitcomb Riley School 43. Learn more
Foster Success - Empower fostered youth through the Credit Build program designed to establish and improve credit and outcomes. Learn more
IHSAA Foundation - Activate official's curriculum at Southport High School to provide leadership skills, lasting employability and combat the state-wide lack of licensed officials to support middle school and youth sports. Learn more
Indianapolis Children's Choir - Expand Music at Play program in IPS and Washington Township to increase accessibility for youth (ages 1.5-5) who might not otherwise experience learning through music and movement. Learn more
Indianapolis Public Library Foundation - Provide programs for homeschooled youth (ages 6-18) with hands-on educational content, socialization opportunities and library resources in a welcoming space. Learn more
Indianapolis Public Schools Foundation - Fund background check fees for School of Education students who wish to fulfill Clinical Field Experience/Internship hours in IPS classrooms.Learn more
Starfish Initiative - Support Scholar Advisory Council’s leadership development, including workshops, mentoring sessions, and community engagement opportunities.Learn more
Tangram - Support Launch into Life scholarships, enabling 12-17 year-olds with autism to access vital transitional services (financial literacy, social skills development, and vocational exploration) to foster independence.Learn more
Versiti Blood Center of Indiana - Launch Leaders for Life program with the Shortridge High School Key Club, to develop the next generation of student leaders and blood donors. Learn more

2024 GRANT RECIPIENTS

Brightwood Community Center - Kentucky Kingdom trip during SPARKS summer camp! Learn more
Claude McNeal Productions - ACT Out social-issue theatre youth prevention program. Learn more
Firefly Children & Family Alliance - Foster care program to support 400 older youth transition out of foster care and into independence. Learn more
Horizons at St. Richard's Episcopal School - New coding and robotics programming for early childhood students. Learn more
Indiana Center for the Prevention of Youth Abuse & Suicide - Signs of Suicide and Child Lures Prevention programs. Learn more
Pack Away Hunger - Hunger education and meal pack volunteer opportunity for 120 students at Believe Circle City High School, supporting Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. Learn more
Special Olympics of Indiana - Erskine Personal Impact Curriculum materials for Marion County classrooms to share the messages of inclusion, respect, and community. Learn more
St. Mary's Early Childhood Center - Preschool program at two Indianapolis sites for 150 three- to five-year old children. Learn more
Teachers' Treasures - New mobile ordering program providing 500 school supply boxes to teachers in Perry Township who work at 21 schools where more than 60% of the students are low-income. Learn more
Unique 7x - Seed to Preservation Program for youth and families are taught how to plant, grow, harvest, and preserve food.

2023 GRANT RECIPIENTS

Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis - Aquatic Programs that will extend swim lessons & aquatic programming all year at Wheeler-Dowe Club in Martindale-Brightwood. Learn more

Brightwood Community Center - SPARKS Summer Camp, a new program that includes an overnight camping trip for youth ages 4-18. Learn more

Brightlane Learning - Community Tutoring, partnering with community centers to offer tutoring sessions and education-based case management services. Learn more

College Mentors for Kids - Little Buddies program that connects 150 students at Holy Angels, Phalen Leadership Academy, IPS School #43, #654 and #114 to college students at Butler, University of Indianapolis, and Marian through weekly on-campus activities that inspire growth, confidence, and brighter futures. Learn more

Exploradoor - Student Interns who serve as outreach representatives assist with new service that simplifies access for teens from marginalized areas to connect with programs and internships. Learn more

Footlite Musicals - Summer Youth Program supplies for a two-week day camp (6-12) and eight-week young artist program & musical production. Learn more

Indiana Youth Group - Basic Needs and Case Management Program to provide support to LGBTQ+ youth (ages 12-24) experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. Learn more

LifeSmart Youth - TEACH--Tween Education and Access to Community Health initiative to offer health education to advance racial health equity and access to care for 2,000 Black and Latinx Marion County youth in grades 4-10. Learn more

Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis - Strings & Jazzy Things Music Camp, an intensive, week-long camp at Marian University for 70 IPS students. Learn more

ProjectWill - Camp Will Summer Program for youth (14-17) with cognitive and intellectual disabilities to develop life and vocational skills through a variety of experiential learning activities and interactive classroom instruction during their school breaks. Learn more

Saint Florian Center - After School Programs and Leadership Development Summer Camp for at-risk youth to develop leadership and problem solving skills and foster physical activity. Learn more

2022 GRANT RECIPIENTS

Brooke’s Place - Ongoing Grief Support Groups for children, teens, young adults, and their families, offering critical mental health and emotional support services regardless of income. Learn more

Christel House Indianapolis - New enrichment program for preschoolers in the drop-in daycare at Christel House DORS, an adult high school with 600+ enrolled students. Learn more

Edna Martin Christian Center - Youth Leadership Council, a service-learning and leadership-development program for a select group of high school students in the Martindale-Brightwood community. Learn more

Freewheelin’ Community Bikes - Green Apron / Earn-A-Bike Program and Advanced Bicycle Mechanics Classes that use bikes as tool for transformation, by equipping 200 teens with physical health, mentoring and STEM education. Learn more

Friends of Garfield Park - Fall Break Adventure & Sport Camp with experiences designed to inspire and educate 9-12 year olds of underserved families in the Garfield Park area. Learn more

Indianapolis Public Library Foundation - On the Road to Reading to equip thousands of children in low- to moderate-income areas with the resources they need to build their early literacy skills and prepare for kindergarten. Learn more

Pack Away Hunger - Hands-on learning and service opportunity for 85 students at Believe Circle City High School to pack 5,000 meals for Gleaners Food Bank. Learn more

Saint Florian Center - After School Programs and Leadership Development Summer Camp for at-risk youth to develop leadership and problem solving skills and foster physical activity. Learn more

Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Learn more

Previous Recipients

Since 2015, more than 125 grants totalling $389,560 have been awarded to 70 community organizations, including:

AYS, Inc.
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre
Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis
Brightlane Learning (formerly School on Wheels)
Brightwood Community Center
Brooke's Place
Camptown
Center for Leadership Development
Child Advocates
Christamore House Family & Community Center
Christel House Academy, Inc.
Claude McNeal Productions
College Mentors for Kids
Concord Neighborhood Center
Early Learning Indiana, Inc.
Easter Seals Crossroads
Edna Martin Christian Center
Exploradoor

Firely Youth & Family Alliance (formerly Children's Bureau)
Footlite Musicals
Freewheelin' Community Bikes
Friends of Garfield Park
Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis
Harrison Home
Hawthorne Community Center
Horizons at St. Richard's Episcopal School

Indiana Center for the Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide
Indianapolis Children's Choir
Indiana District of Circle K International
Indiana Youth Group
Indianapolis Fire Department
Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center
Indianapolis Public Library Foundation
Indianapolis Public Safety Foundation
Indy Thunder Beep Baseball, Inc.

John Boner Neighborhood Center
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful

Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library

LifeSmart Youth

Listen to Our Future, Inc.

National Junior Tennis & Learning of Indianapolis

NexGeneration Learning LLC
Pack Away Hunger
Peace Learning Center
Perry Township Schools
Philharmonic Orchestra
Playworks Indiana
ProjectWill
Reach for Youth
Rise Learning Center

The Riviera Club Foundation
Saint Florian Center
Salvation Army

The Sapphire Theatre Company, Inc

Social Health Association of Indiana

Special Olympics Indiana
St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf
Starfish Initiative
Step up for Kindness
Storytelling Arts of Indiana

Teachers Treasurers
TechPoint Foundation for Youth
TeenWorks
Tutors in Action

Unique 7x
Visually Impaired Preschool Services

Washington Township LIttle League

Wheeler Mission Center for Women & Children
Youth Philanthropy Alliance Foundation

Early Projects

Kiwanis has been involved in many community projects over the past 100 years supporting these organizations:
- Riley Hospital for Children
- Boy Scouts of America / Crossroads of America Council