Congratulations to Our 2016 $100,000 Grant Recipient, The IMPACT Program to Curb Runaway and Human Trafficking of Young Girls

Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis awarded a $100,000 grant to the IMPACT Program to Curb Runaway and Human Trafficking of Young Girls, a collaboration between Ascent 121 and Lutheran Child & Family Services, at their annual dinner June 7, 2016, at The Willows on Westfield in Indianapolis. The grant winner was announced following presentations by each finalist and a live vote by Impact 100 members.

Members of Ascent 121 and Lutheran Child & Family Services accept their grant alongside member of Impact 100.

Ascent 121 in collaboration with Lutheran Child & Family Services will use the $100,000 grant for their IMPACT Program, which serves teen survivors of human trafficking. They will increase capacity to help more survivors by hiring additional therapists and will provide expert training for their clinical staff. Additionally, they want to make their residential unit feel like home for the girls. The grant will provide fresh paint, colorful carpeting and some additional furniture in order to make their surroundings more conducive to recovery. Lastly, the program will seek to engage the community by hosting a Human Trafficking Awareness Summit, bringing together thought leaders and experts to offer keynote addresses and workshops to better understand the issue.

This year marks the 11th anniversary of Impact 100 in Indianapolis. To date, the organization has awarded over $1.76 million to local nonprofits. Organizations submitted grant applications in January 2016. Four focus area committees vetted one finalist in each focus area. The IMPACT Program, a collaboration between Ascent 121 and Lutheran Child & Family Services, was the finalist in the Family focus area, and was one of four organizations to make a formal presentation to the Impact 100 membership at their annual dinner. The other finalists included: IndyFringe (Arts and Culture focus area), Art With a Heart (Education focus area), and Dove Recovery House (Health and Wellness focus area). The three remaining finalists each received residual grants in the amount of $18,333.

To date, 12 local nonprofits have received $100,000 and 35 have received residual grants as a result of Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis’ collective giving. Previous high-impact grantees include: Indianapolis Parks Foundation for Indy Urban Acres Flower Farm (2015); Social Health Association of Indiana (2014); Tindley Collegiate (2013); Jameson Camp, Inc. (2012); Outside the Box, Inc. (2011); Rock Steady Boxing (2010); Outreach, Inc. (2009); Herron High School and Horizon House (2008); Indy Reads and Craine House/Fairbanks (2007) and Wishard (2006).