More Information on the 2025 Change Maker Grant Finalists

On June 17, 2025, 5:00pm, we will present The 20th Annual Awards Celebration with presentations by the 2025 Grant Finalists. You can read about their grant proposals below. Following their presentations, the 2025 Members will vote, and once those votes are counted, we will announce the 2025 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 event.

Arts, Culture & Preservation Focus Area Finalist

Big Car Collaborative-The Big Table: Culinary Arts and Community Wellbeing

Bringing together food, art, and community engagement, Big Car’s Big Table culinary arts project creates a vital third place for connecting, healing, and celebrating together. This will all happen within our new 40,000-square-foot space for art and community — slated to open in early 2026 — adjacent to our Tube Factory artspace on the near southside. Big Table includes a teaching kitchen, public cafe, and gathering area. We’ll share culinary training — especially for underserved individuals — support local food ventures, and offer artful dishes and space for unique communal meals. Big Table will create a welcoming space for savoring, learning, and connecting.

Education Focus Area Finalist

Nine13 Sports-Using the Bicycle as the Ultimate STEM Education Tool

 Nine13 Sports will launch our new experiential learning/STEM-based curriculum during the 2025-2026 school year in Marion County,building on the 13 years of success of our Kids Riding Bikes and Kids Building Bikes programs that currently serve 35,000+ students annually. This new immersive learning experience will bring our licensed educational staff into grades 4-8 classrooms to deliver supplemental learning modules that complement the incredible work classroom teachers are doing to teach STEM. We will provide hands-on learning opportunities for students to highlight that learning STEM can be fun in addition to building important life skills such as confidence and self-esteem.

Environment & Animal Welfare Focus Area Finalist

Indy Humane-Pet Resource Center

IndyHumane’s Pet Resource Center is an innovative program that helps financially challenged pet owners keep their beloved pets in their homes and out of our overburdened shelters. One of the only programs of its kind in the region, PRC shares alternatives to surrender, behavior resources, pet supplies, and medical care with our community and offers a compassionate, non-judgmental environment where struggling pet owners can come for help. This community hub has been an invaluable resource for hundreds of families and is critical to ensuring the health of our region’s most vulnerable animals.

Family Focus Area Finalist

Indiana Diaper Bank-Mobile Distribution to Meet Community Needs

Founded in 2017, Indiana Diaper Bank has distributed over 13.4 million diapers and wipes to families in need. To expand its reach, IDB proposes launching a Diaper Mobile—delivering diapers, wipes, and hygiene products to families across Central Indiana. This mobile model addresses transportation barriers, increases access in underserved communities, and supports the health and dignity of babies and caregivers. By partnering with local organizations and service providers, the Diaper Mobile will be a visible, flexible solution that promotes health equity and ensures every family has the essentials they need to thrive. Together we can change diapers and change lives.

Health and Wellness Focus Area Finalist

Coburn Place-The SHEILD Family Safety Project

The SHEILD Safety Project at Coburn Place targets ongoing threats a survivor of domestic violence faces after fleeing, especially if she becomes homeless. Even after moving into our secure, rent-free housing, her safety may remain fragile. This project will provide a SHIELD—fast support addressing the urgent safety concerns a survivor faces: Stalking prevention, Home and vehicle security, Emergency relocation, Individual needs, Legal advocacy, and Defense training. Impact 100 funding can save lives and increase the safety of 70+ families, while strengthening Coburn Place’s existing services. Lasting safety is a shield that makes healing possible—physically, mentally, and emotionally.