Marking the fund’s fifth year of impact and seventh grant cycle, the neighborhood-focused initiative supports workforce, education, and quality of life projects.
16 Tech Community Corporation has awarded over $300,000 to seven organizations through its Community Investment Fund, supporting resident-endorsed projects that strengthen education, workforce training, business support, neighborhood capacity building, and infrastructure and beautification in the neighborhoods surrounding the 16 Tech Innovation District.
Established in 2019, the 16 Tech Community Investment Fund ensures the growth of the district creates direct and lasting benefits for its closest neighborhoods and neighbors. Now in its fifth year of awarding grants and seventh funding cycle overall, the fund has invested more than $2.5 million to date in 72 projects aligned with resident-identified priorities in the Near West, Near Northwest, Historic Flanner House Homes and Ransom Place neighborhoods. It is sustained through an assessment of $0.20 per rentable square foot from every building in 16 Tech’s 50-acre innovation district, ensuring that as the district grows, so does the fund.
“The Community Investment Fund is a core expression of our mission,” said Tracey Jackson, vice president of workforce development and community impact at 16 Tech. “It ensures that innovation and economic growth translate into real opportunity for our neighbors. By reinvesting district activity back into the community, we’re supporting projects that are shaped by residents and built for long-term impact.”
Grants are awarded through two funding pools. The Impact Pool supports larger-scale initiatives with grants of up to $100,000, while the Innovation Pool provides grants of up to $25,000 to smaller organizations advancing targeted, neighborhood-driven solutions.
The 2026 Community Investment Fund grantees include:
- Kheprw Institute ($100,000, Impact Pool) for the Alkhemy Community Wealth Building Center, advancing community-led economic development for youth and young adults through entrepreneurship, leadership development and asset-based investment.
- SPEADACTS ($92,660, Impact Pool) to expand inclusive STEAM instruction for students with mild disabilities by strengthening access to specialized educators and instructional supports.
- Atkins Alumni Association ($23,980, Innovation Pool) for the Near West Veterans Outreach program, connecting veterans to benefits education, claims assistance and mental health resources.
- No Days Off 317 ($25,000, Innovation Pool) for Kickin’ It in the Community, activating parks in the Near West and Near Northwest to promote safety, family engagement and positive youth development.
- Unique 7X ($25,000, Innovation Pool) for the Inspect to Invest Kingdom Program, supporting entrepreneurship and leadership development for youth and families.
- The Next IT Girl ($25,000, Innovation Pool) to expand IT Girl Clubs, providing in-school technology exposure and early workforce pathways for K–12 students.
- Riverside Riders Indy ($25,000, Innovation Pool) for Healthier Souls with Riverside Riders Indy, expanding access to trishaw bicycle rides that promote physical activity, social connection and improved quality of life for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This grant award is supported through the Central Indiana Community Foundation’s Connected Communities initiative.
To ensure alignment with neighborhood priorities, the fund is guided by a volunteer advisory committee consisting of neighborhood leaders, residents, and supporting organizations representing areas including Riverside, Haughville, Stringtown, Historic Flanner House Homes, Ransom Place, and key corridors such as Indiana Avenue, MLK Jr. Street and Fayette Street.
Richard Bray, community partnerships manager at Indiana University Indianapolis and a member of the Community Investment Fund Advisory Committee, emphasized the broader impact of the program. “By aligning investment with resident priorities, the 16 Tech Community Investment Fund strengthens neighborhoods while supporting long-term opportunities,” Bray said. “It’s a model for how innovation districts can drive community-centered growth.”
Hear the stories from this year’s grantees here. Applications for the next round of Community Investment Fund grants will open in summer 2026.
