The Community Investment Fund supports resident-endorsed projects of all sizes. It is overseen by the 16 Tech Community Corporation, which is firmly committed to making a positive impact in the geographic area surrounding 16 Tech.
The Community Investment Fund is one of the organization’s core commitments. Through this fund, 16 Tech invests directly in resident-led ideas and nonprofit partners working to improve quality of life, expand opportunity and support the long-term vitality of nearby neighborhoods.
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Near Northwest: Riverside, Rivers Edge, Planners, NW Civic League, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Kessler-Wides (KW30), Golden Hill, Cold Springs, Clifton on the River
Near West: Haughville, Hawthorne, Stringtown, We Care
Additional Streets: Fayette Street, Indiana Avenue, MLK Jr. Street, Historic Flanner House Homes, and Ransom Place
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Two grant pools support a range of project needs:
• Up to $100,000 (multi-year requests considered)
• Supports larger or longer-term initiatives
• Open to 501(c)(3)s or individuals with a nonprofit fiscal agent
Workforce Training – Create meaningful workforce development opportunities for adults that lead to career pathways earning at least a living wage.
Business Support – Support the growth and sustainability of local businesses and entrepreneurs.
Education – Expand educational opportunities for children in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM).
Infrastructure and Beautification – Connect people and places to enhance community-building by investing in art, housing, nature and beautification of the built environment.
Neighborhood Capacity Building – Build organizational capacity, grow social capital and an entrepreneurial spirit as well as support community organizing that leads to residents being more empowered.
Not Eligible:
• Projects outside the defined geography
• Proposals without resident endorsement
• Direct gifts to individuals
• Requests for ongoing maintenance of city or personal property
The Fund was created in partnership with neighborhood leaders during the formation of the 16 Tech Community Corporation. Seeded with support from the City of Indianapolis and sustained through a $0.20 per-square-foot assessment on leased space in the district, the Fund ensures long-term, reliable investment in nearby neighborhoods.
A volunteer advisory committee—made up of residents, neighborhood organizations, and local stakeholders—reviews proposals and makes funding recommendations to the 16 Tech Board of Directors. This structure ensures community voice and accountability.
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The 16 Tech Community Investment Fund is one of the primary initiatives that will deliver on 16 Tech’s commitment to ensure access, opportunity and revitalization of the communities in and around the 16 Tech Innovation District. The fund will award grants each year through the 16 Tech Community Investment Fund to support quality of life initiatives in 16 Tech‘s neighboring communities.
16 Tech will consider proposals from non-profit organizations focused on making an impact within the geographic boundaries of their communities’ served, including new organizations and programs.
The fund will support projects that align with the five stated priority areas including those that focus on workforce training, business support, education, infrastructure and beautification, and neighborhood capacity building.
Applicants should provide written demonstration of resident engagement and/or endorsement of their proposed project. This may include petitions or written letters of support from individuals, students, parents, neighborhood associations, or other neighborhood governing bodies that include residents from the area where the project will take place.
All grants will be reviewed by a community-led advisory committee using a scoring sheet with the grant criteria. Committee recommendations will be submitted and approved by the 16 Tech Community Corporation Board of Directors.
Applicants are asked to list the top three organizational funders so that the review committee can gain an understanding of the applicant organization’s stability and sources of income.
Applicants are not required to have matching funds.
Grantees will be notified in December. They will receive an award notification, which includes a grant agreement they will need to sign and return. They will receive their grant allocation in one disbursement within 30 days of execution of their grant agreement.
You will have the entire length of the grant term to implement the project, typically this will be one calendar year.
Grantees will be required to submit reports summarizing their activity and impact within 60 days of the end date of their grant term.
Listing of this award in a publication or other printed material should identify it as a grant from the 16 Tech Community Investment Fund. A logo will be shared with grantees.
We strive to be a diverse team and board that engages and shares power and space with district tenants and neighbors. We hold ourselves accountable to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into how we work, communicate, hire, partner, strategize and relate.
Because of historical practices, we are intentional about inclusive opportunities for communities of color and across socio-economic classes.
Communities have been excluded from economic opportunities and resources like those in the 16 Tech Innovation district. Our engagement with our nearby neighbors started in 2015 before 16 Tech Community Corporation was formed, and is embedded in our mission and vision. We know that by engaging diverse voices and building meaningful relationships we gain deeper insight that leads to trust.
We understand that we’re part of a neighborhood full of rich history, contemporary culture and powerful assets. We are focused on creating an authentic, welcoming place that not only celebrates the history of the near west, near northwest and Indiana Avenue community, but aligns with its future.
We are Committed To Serving, Supporting, And Working Alongside Our Neighbors In The Near West, Near Northwest And Other Nearby Communities. Since Our Inception, We’ve Worked Closely With Our Neighborhood And Community Partners. We’re Focused On Contributing To Sustainable, Equitable Economic Growth That Includes Our Neighbors—Especially Those Who Have Been A Part Of The Communities Near 16 Tech For Generations.
Through The 16 Tech Community Investment Fund And Neighborhood Sponsorships, We Are Investing In Resident-Supported Projects That Benefit The Quality Of Life For People Who Live In The Near West And Near Northwest, Including Haughville, Ransom Place, Riverside And Nearby Neighborhoods.
16 Tech Connects And Convenes Neighbors And District Employees To Foster Meaningful Relationships.
16 Tech Is Developing Industry And Community-Based Partnerships And Programs That Will Provide Job Training And Educational Opportunities For Our Neighbors, Creating Access To High-Quality Job Opportunities In 16 Tech And Our City.
We Promote Neighbors’ Ideas And Initiatives To Improve Equity And Preserve Neighborhood Heritage, Culture, Affordability And Quality Of Life.
$25,000+
Helps fund large-scale initiatives that strengthen economic mobility, workforce opportunity, and neighborhood revitalization.
$10,000–$24,999
Supports mid-sized projects that provide education, training, and long-term community benefit.
$5,000–$9,999
Funds emerging ideas, pilot programs, and resident-led initiatives in the Innovation Pool.
$1,000–$4,999
Provides flexible support for community events, capacity building, and grassroots efforts.
Up to $999
Directly strengthens neighborhood projects and demonstrates belief in community-driven solutions.
Custom partnership and corporate sponsorship packages are also available.
16 Tech is the product of an unprecedented partnership between key corporate, philanthropic, academic and civic organizations. With generous contributions from our funders and supporters, 16 Tech will keep growing boldly into the future.
