The National Urban League has selected 38 Indianapolis/Marion County not-for-profit organizations as the second recipients of grants from the Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative (IAAQLI). The organizations represent 41 grants awarded with funding totaling more than $12.3M. The initiative is a partnership between the National Urban League, the Indianapolis Urban League, and the African American Coalition of Indianapolis. IAAQLI was created in 2020 through a $100M grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. to the National Urban League.
LISC Indianapolis was awarded $300,000 to support and expand the Vacant Lot Acquisition Fund for Minority Urban Farmers and Agricultural Workforce Development, continuing the efforts of the organization’s Equitable Food Access Initiative in supporting African American-led organizations implementing urban agricultural workforce development training.
LISC Indianapolis launched the Vacant Lot Acquisition Fund for Urban Farmers in 2023 as a pilot program to fund community development corporations (CDCs) with acquiring vacant lots in their area and leasing to urban farmers. After the lease duration, the farming operations have the option to buy the property. After purchasing the vacant lots, the CDCs (in partnership with tenant) complete zoning/permit requirements, site remediation, water access, and other preparations needed to grow food on the land.
To learn more about the Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative and review a complete project listing along with descriptions visit www.iaaqli.org.