Indianapolis Attorney Receives National Philanthropy Award

Thompson, president and CEO of Grand Slam Companies, a sports and entertainment consultancy, will be honored during a private reception Wednesday night at the Madame Walker Theatre Center. It is part of the activities surrounding the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University’s 17th Annual Symposium, Black Philanthropy: Strategies for Building on the Heritage, of which the NCFBP is a partner.

The award, Black Business and Philanthropy: A Winning Proposition, is a program that honors African Americans who have uplifted the black community and the larger community with their generous acts. Indianapolis is one of five cities where the NCFBP has honored business people this year.

“The National Center is proud to recognize Milt for his significant contributions to the Indianapolis community,” NCFBP President and CEO Rodney M. Jackson said. “His service and generosity serve as encouragement to other African Americans and all community members to get involved.”

Thompson’s involvement in Indianapolis runs deep. He has served as interim executive director at two organizations – Family Advocacy Center and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He previously served on the boards of IWC Resources, Inc. and American States Insurance. He currently serves on the boards of the Indianapolis Indians, Central Indiana Community Foundation, of which he was inaugural chairman, The Indianapolis Foundation, Crown Hill Cemeteries, Pike Performing Arts Center, the Indiana World Skating Academy and Wittenberg University. He also is on the Board of Visitors at the IU School of Law-Bloomington.

“I am humbled, yet grateful, by the National Center’s efforts to honor me with this special award,” Thompson said. “There are many other African-American business people who are worthy of this honor. My hope is that our personal philanthropy can inspire others to give their time and resources to charitable causes for which they care.”

Thompson has been involved with the local organizing committees of several Indianapolis sporting events, including the Pan Am Games, of which he also was general counsel, the NCAA Final Four, World Basketball Championships, World Gymnastics Championships, World Police and Fire Games, and the NCAA Track and Field Championships. He also is co-founder and emeritus board member of Play Ball Indy, formerly the Indiana Amateur Baseball Association, and is host of UPN’s Indiana Focus television program, which regularly features several nonprofit organizations in Indianapolis.

Located in Washington, D.C., the NCFBP promotes increased giving and volunteerism among African Americans, educates the public about the importance of African American philanthropy, strengthens and supports institutions involved in African American philanthropy, and conducts research into the contributions of African American philanthropy to the social and economic well-being of all Americans.

Source: National Center for Black Philanthropy