Indianapolis Foundation awards $1 million to youth groups

The Indianapolis Foundation distributed $1 million in grants to five youth-serving organizations last week.

The awards came during the foundation's 110th anniversary celebration, an event that drew more than 400 community members.

Each recipient received a grant of $200,000.

Ahmed Young, the foundation's president and CEO, identified four of the five groups in an interview with WISH-TV.

Evolve International, the Indy Arts Council, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, and Junior Achievement were named as recipients.

Young stated the funding aims to ensure these groups can serve young people effectively.

Flanner House is one of the organizations benefiting from the foundation's support.

The nonprofit has operated on Indianapolis' northwest side for nearly 130 years.

Under the leadership of Dr. Brandon Cosby, the group has expanded its mission beyond traditional social work.

Its current services include workforce development, housing assistance, and economic development.

The organization now operates Cleo’s Grocery and Bodega along Martin Luther King Jr. Street.

This location includes a cafe and a grocery store that is open to the public regardless of residency status in the neighborhood, Young noted. Patrons can purchase fresh produce or beverages such as coffee and matcha lattes. A local farm associated with the organization grows some of the produce sold there. Flanner House also runs a bookstore that hosts community events. Its early childhood center provides education for children from birth through age 3. The Center for Working Families offers adults education and support services to help them pursue career goals. The organization also manages Morningstar, a mental health provider focused on culturally aware care that is currently expanding its operations. Young described the environment at Flanner House as welcoming and encouraged residents to visit the facility or check its website for more information.