The Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center’s (INRC) new Legacy Allies program is now accepting applications.
Legacy Allies is a two-year, cross-generational leadership development program that pairs community elders aged 40+ with rising leaders aged 18-40 through resident-driven projects in historically African American neighborhoods. The program invests in neighborhood leadership through training, planning and project implementation in Martindale Brightwood, Northwest Landing and Norwood, according to a press release.
“Legacy Allies is about honoring the wisdom already rooted in our neighborhoods and investing in the leaders who will carry that legacy forward,” Akilah Webster, executive director of INRC, said in a statement. “For too long, historically Black neighborhoods have experienced disinvestment. This program intentionally reinvests in resident leadership across generations to shape what comes next.”
Within the first year, participants will complete nine leadership modules followed by structured intergenerational mentorship in areas such as:
- Asset-Based Community Development.
- Neighborhood history and storytelling.
- Partnership building.
- Project planning and implementation.
Then, in year two, participants will begin implementing those neighborhood-led projects supported by mini-grants and continued coaching, according to a press release. Projects range from cultural events, advocacy campaigns, community safety initiatives and public space improvements.
Legacy Allies is supported by funding from the Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative (IAAQLI), a city-wide effort to advance equity and investment in Black communities. Each neighborhood cohort will receive a $5,000 mini-grant to fund resident-designed projects, in addition to individual participant stipends to remove financial barriers preventing them from contributing to the program, according to a press release.
Interested applicants or nominees must be current residents of, or have deep roots in, Martindale Brightwood, Northwest Landing or Norwood, and must commit to completing the entire two-year program.
The Legacy Allies program is accepting Applications through April 3. Those interested in applying or nominating a leader, visit inrs.org/legacy-allies.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
 new Legacy Allies program is now accepting applications.){kind=link}