16 Tech Community Investment Fund

A community-focused fund launched in 2019 to ensure access, opportunity and revitalization of neighborhoods in and around the 16 Tech Innovation District in Indianapolis.

Geographic Scope: Near West, Near Northwest and surrounding neighborhoods around 16 Tech Innovation District, Indianapolis, IN

Funding Focus Areas:

• Workforce training
• Business growth
• Education
• Community organizing
• Infrastructure and beautification

Project Types Supported:

• Education and workforce development programs
• Community development initiatives
• Neighborhood association activities
• Arts and cultural organizations
• Skills training for workforce development
• Small business support and entrepreneurship training
• Community infrastructure and beautification

Eligibility:

• Nonprofit organizations
• Neighborhood associations
• Community-based organizations
• Educational institutions

Award Information:

• First round (2020): $500,000 awarded to 15 projects
• Second round (2020): $500,000 awarded (total $1 million in inaugural year)
• Subsequent years: Approximately $350,000 in funding anticipated annually

Governance:

• Guided by an advisory committee of residents, city officials and organizational representatives
• Assistance from Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF)
• Neighborhood residents endorse projects during grant review process

Funding Source:

• $3 million seeded with public funding through City of Indianapolis
• Sustained long-term through $0.20-per-square-foot assessment paid by tenants in 16 Tech Innovation District
• 16 Tech Community Corporation also seeks philanthropic funding from individuals and organizations

Contact:

• 16 Tech Community Corporation
• Website: 16tech.com/grant-awards
• For more information about grantees and past awards: 16tech.com

Application Process

• Submission Timeline: Applications accepted in late 2019 and early 2020 for first round
• Second Round: Applications accepted for second round of grants in 2020
• Process: Neighborhood residents are engaged to endorse projects as having meaningful impacts on their communities
• Evaluation: Applications reviewed by 16 Tech Investment Fund Advisory Committee with assistance from Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF)
• Number of Applications: More than 60 grant applications submitted in late 2019 and early 2020 for first round consideration

Required Information

Specific application materials and submission format not detailed in source material. Applicants should contact 16 Tech Community Corporation for current application requirements.

Contact for Application Details

Visit 16tech.com for current application information or contact 16 Tech Community Corporation directly.