Foundation Awards $1M in Surprise Grants

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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indianapolis Foundation marked its centennial over the weekend by awarding $1 million in surprise grants. The organization made the announcement Saturday night at a gala celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Thirty-seven Indianapolis-based organizations received grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. The foundation named six organizations reflecting its "values, history and mission" to receive $100,000 Visionary Awards. They include:
Nurse-Family Partnership at Goodwill Industries, which pairs first-time pregnant women with a registered nurse for ongoing care through the child’s second birthday
Edna Martin Christian Center, which offers programs to increase self-sufficiency, educational achievement and career development
Asante Children’s Theatre, which introduces youth to acting, dancing, singing and storytelling
Trusted Mentors, which provides volunteer mentors to adults at risk of homelessness, or those re-entering the community after time in prison
IMPD Cadet Program, which educates, mentors and helps employ inner-city high school graduates with an interest in public safety
Center for Leadership Development, which looks to advance minority youth in central Indiana as future leaders
The foundation also debuted the Indianapolis Foundation Fellows program, which aims to bring young leaders onto local boards. The organization will make $10,000 per year available for fellows to activate as new board members. The fellows are:
Sherron Rogers, associate vice president, IUPUI
Adrianne Slash, program and event manager, Leadership Indianapolis
Lily Smith, real estate agent, Warner Retail Group
Marshawn Wolley, director of community engagement and strategic initiatives, IUPUI
Terina Perry, project manager, Lucas Oil
Kiamesha-Sylvia G. Colom, partner, Benesch Attorneys at Law
Doran Moreland, executive director, statewide diversity and community outreach, Ivy Tech
Rebecca King, SKL program director, Leadership Indianapolis
Duane Ingram, chief operating officer, Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corp.
Emily Masengale, principal, Christel House
The Foundation also awarded $10,000 each to "Indy Professional Theatre MVPs":
David Alan Anderson
Ryan Artzberger
Rob Johansen
Constance Macy and Rob Koharchik
Robert Neal
Ben Asaykwee
Ben Rose
Lauren Briggeman
Jeffrey Martin
Mark and Laurel Goetzinger
The organization also awarded $10,000 gifts to 10 randomly chosen charitable endowments managed by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, and $10,000 to 10 randomly-selected audience members to donate to a Marion County nonprofit of their choosing.