INDIANAPOLIS — City officials recently awarded $300,000 in grant funding to organizations engaged in evidence-based violence reduction programming. In combination with the Community Crime Prevention Grant program administered by the Central Indiana Community Foundation — which has seen a 25 increase in funding over the last two years — this represents the largest investment in neighborhood-based anti-crime efforts in more than a decade.
The groups selected take different approaches to crime prevention. Five community organizations were selected to receive $60,000 each. The organizations and programs that will receive funding through the Community-Based Violence Prevention Partnership are:
• Community Action Center of Greater Indianapolis (CAGI), which offers social programs and housing assistance to more than 100,000 residents throughout Central Indiana with an aim to end poverty.
• Edna Martin Christian Center, which provides education, health, and business services to bridge divides and inspire hope in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Center, which serves as a peaceful space to connect in the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood and seeks to invest in youth, empower families, and advocate for neighbors.
• Mothers Against Violence/Flanner House, which seeks to advance education, employment, wellness, peace and safety, economic development, and food justice on Indianapolis’ northwest side, moving members of their community towards stabilization and self-sufficiency.
• The Ross Foundation, which works in the Far Eastside to offer community assistance for low-income families, provide positive activities for youth, assist in job placement, and create programming geared towards crime prevention.