More Information on the 2023 Change Maker Grant Finalists

On June 13, 2023, 5:00pm, we will present The 18th Annual Awards Celebration with presentations by the 2023 Grant Finalists. You can read about their grant proposals below. Following their presentations, the 2023 Members will vote, and once those votes are counted, we will announce the 2023 Change-Maker! This event is open to nonmembers and guests. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets. You can also visit the Annual Celebration page to learn more about the grants and the event.

Arts, Culture & Preservation Focus Area Finalist

Indiana Artisan: Emerging Artisan Program

The Emerging Artisan program will identify Central Indiana creatives who make exceptional art, food, and beverage, but struggle to develop or manage a business. They will be paired with an artisan mentor who has business experience for individual guidance and given the chance to engage with a variety of other artisans and businesspeople in a series of workshops. The 2-year program will culminate with selling their art at the Indiana Artisan Marketplace and inclusion in a special showcase to highlight their work and achievements. By empowering artists, particularly those of color, our community and local economy will be strengthened.

Education Focus Area Finalist

Freewheelin’ Community Bikes: Bikes Changing Tires Changing Lives

Freewheelin’ Community Bikes (FCB) teaches essential life skills over a shared passion for the bicycle. The organization provides accessible bicycles to a very vulnerable population of Indianapolis youth (ages 8-18), improving their physical and mental well-being. FCB has seen success in its Changing Tires Changing Lives Program, which teaches youth both science, technology, engineering, and math skills and social emotional learning concepts. Impact 100 grant funding will increase the number of youths served in all seven components of the Changing Tires Changing Lives Program, bringing those served from 110 youth per year to 350 youth.

Environment & Animal Welfare Focus Area Finalist

Community Alliance for the Far Eastside (CAFE): Community Orchard and Greenspace 

CAFE’s Community Orchard and Greenspace is focused on developing and operating a community orchard and greenspace on a two-acre plot of land that is adjacent to the community center facility. The CAFE Community Orchard and Greenspace will revitalize the neighborhood with access to fresh produce and a greenspace; social, recreation and entertainment opportunities, and safety and community building. CAFE has completed two of the five phases of the project. Generous support from Impact 100 will enable CAFE to complete the project increasing the vitality of the Far Eastside.

Family Focus Area Finalist

Unconditional Indy: Expanding the Bridge

At Unconditional Indy, The Bridge is a holistic housing assistance program for women who have transitioned out of sex work. The goal is to move these women closer to their long-term dreams and goals. Participants receive 50% of their rent sponsored for one year, along with being matched with wellness and career mentors, a monthly support/recovery group, four financial literacy classes and three career classes throughout the year. Funding from Impact 100 will allow for the expansion and deepening of this program, including enrolling more women, providing more support for the mentors, and ultimately, giving women in our community the stability they need.

Health and Wellness Focus Area Finalist

Step-Up, Inc.: Mobile Prevention Services

Meeting people where they are means seeing the needs of each individual. It means being present in the community, eliminating barriers, promoting harm reduction, and hiring individuals representative of those we serve. Meeting people where they are is central to the services provided by Step-Up. By acquiring a mobile services unit through the generosity of Impact 100, Step-Up will continue meeting people where they are, expanding essential HIV, STD and hepatitis C testing, prevention, and supportive services for Black, Latinx, justice-impacted, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized communities in Indiana. By better meeting people where they are we can restore hope together.