The Indianapolis Urban League (IUL) and the African American Coalition of Indianapolis (AACI) announced the final round of funding for the Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative (IAAQLI) on July 7. This round makes $29 million available to local nonprofits.
The initiative aims to improve life for Black residents in Indianapolis. It is supported by a $100 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to the National Urban League.
“This final round gives us a chance to build on powerful work underway,” IUL president and IAAQLI co-director Tony Mason said. “We invite nonprofit leaders to take part in this last opportunity.”
Since launching in 2022, IAAQLI has awarded over $60 million; more than 150 organizations citywide have received grants. Funding supports efforts across seven key areas: education, employment and health. Housing, arts, civic engagement and Black business development are also included.
“With this fourth round, we bring the vision full circle,” AACI chair and IAAQLI co-director Willis Bright said. “These investments can have a generational impact. We urge grassroots and established organizations to engage.”
Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits whose work aligns with IAAQLI’s priority pillars can apply. Funding will be distributed through open and invitational applications. Awarded projects will have a two-year implementation period.
The application window opens July 7 and will remain available until Aug. 11. Interested organizations should review requirements at iaaqli.org/funding-opportunities, which offers tutorial videos and preparation materials.
IAAQLI leadership thanked community members and partners. They acknowledged their shared commitment to equity and long-term change in Indianapolis.
Later this year, IAAQLI will debut a documentary film. It will highlight community partnerships, grantee stories and the initiative’s impact.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Facebook @HorsemenSportsMedia. for more health news, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
