Leadership and Civic Engagement Grant Program

The Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative (IAAQLI), led by the Indianapolis Urban League (IUL) in partnership with the National Urban League (NUL), the African American Coalition of Indianapolis (AACI), and other key stakeholders, seeks to strengthen the quality of life for Black and African American residents in Indianapolis and Marion County. Backed by a $100 million grant from Lilly Endowment, the initiative targets six strategic priority areas, with this specific funding round focused on Leadership and Civic Engagement. Through this strategy, IAAQLI aims to foster equitable leadership, boost civic involvement, and enhance the capacity of Black-led and Black-serving nonprofits. IAAQLI offered $2,500,000 in total funding in this round to support initiatives that build leadership pipelines, encourage public policy participation, and enhance philanthropic infrastructure. Grant awards were capped at $250,000 per project, determined by the scale and alignment of the proposed activities. The initiative emphasized intergenerational leadership development, nonprofit sustainability, and culturally grounded philanthropic models. Programs aimed at developing youth and mid-career professionals, promoting civic education, and increasing nonprofit governance representation were prioritized. Projects aligned with one or more core objectives such as strengthening Black philanthropic institutions, enhancing administrative capacity, expanding philanthropic education, and creating workforce pathways into philanthropy. Strategies were expected to be community-centered and could include mentorship, fellowships, internships, and leadership training for Black youth and professionals. Selected programs were expected to deliver measurable impact on equity, civic engagement, and leadership representation. Eligible applicants included 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, community-based groups, healthcare providers, and workforce development agencies. Priority was given to African American-led organizations based in Indianapolis or greater Indiana. Collaborative proposals were welcome, with requirements for signed letters of commitment from partners clearly outlining roles and contributions. Applications were submitted through Smarter Select and required details on the target population, geographic focus, implementation plan, evaluation strategy, and sustainability approach. Additional documents included an IRS determination letter, recent Form 990, Certificate of Insurance naming NUL as an additional insured, and a revenue/expense statement for the most recent fiscal year. Applications closed at 11:59 p.m. ET on August 11, 2025. Proposals were evaluated based on eligibility, strategic alignment, organizational experience, feasibility, sustainability, innovation, and anticipated impact. Final decisions are expected to be announced by October 10, 2025. Questions were accepted until July 14, 2025, with responses posted on July 21, 2025. Inquiries were directed to info@iaaqli.org. The application portal was hosted at https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/103798-Iaaqli.

Demonstrate strategy alignment, measurable milestones, and sustainability.