$5 million to address Indianapolis violence goes to 27 organizations

By ABRIANA HERRON Mayor Joe Hogsett announces the fifth round of Elevance Grant recipients on April 3, 2024. The funds will provide 27 groups with more than 5 million dollars to address violence throughout Indianapolis. (Abriana Herron / WFYI) The fifth round of Elevation Grant recipients were announced on Wednesday. The funds will provide 27 groups with more than $5 million to address violence and improve safety throughout Indianapolis. The Elevation Grant Program is a part of Mayor Joe Hogsett’s three-year violence reduction strategy. At a press conference announcing the grants, Hogsett touted the progress made since the program started. “Over the course of the first four rounds of Elevation Grants, violence has fallen,” he said. “The numbers continue to go down. We are not declaring victory, but the numbers are moving in the right direction.” According to officials, Indianapolis has seen a 31% reduction in criminal homicides and a 20% reduction in non-fatal shootings over the first two years of the violence strategy’s implementation. Brookside Community Development Corporation is a two-time Elevation grant recipient. Robin Duncan, a re-entry coordinator for the organization, said the grant will help provide resources to the Brookside community. “We have already seen a positive...