INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) awarded Indianapolis Indians Charities (IIC) a $50,000 grant today to strengthen its mission of expanding access to baseball and softball, while connecting underserved youth and families with resources and opportunities that extend well beyond the playing field.
The funding will support IIC's continued efforts to remove financial and logistical barriers that prevent young people from participating in baseball and softball, while building the organizational capacity and community partnerships needed to create a lasting impact. Through initiatives such as Indy RBI and collaborations with local youth-serving organizations, IIC is working to ensure more children have access to equipment, safe places to play, quality coaching and meaningful opportunities for personal development.
Beyond participation in sports, IIC recognizes that helping young people succeed requires a more comprehensive approach. By investing in wraparound services that support academic achievement, workforce readiness, mentorship and family stability, IIC aims to use baseball and softball as a gateway to broader opportunities and long-term success.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the game of baseball or softball, regardless of their family's financial circumstances or where they live,” said Joel Zawacki, Indianapolis Indians Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “But our mission goes beyond simply getting kids on the field. We want to create pathways that help young people succeed in the classroom, develop important life skills and build a foundation for their future. This investment will help us strengthen the partnerships and infrastructure needed to make that vision a reality for more families across central Indiana.”
IYI awarded the grant through Strengthening Youth Programs in Indiana (SYPI), an initiative launched by Lilly Endowment Inc. in 2023. The initiative supports youth-serving organizations throughout Indiana in strengthening their ability to promote the academic, physical and social well-being of young people ages five through 18.
Indianapolis Indians Charities is one of 168 youth-serving organizations awarded SYPI grants totaling more than $40 million. A full list of grant recipients is available here.
**About Indianapolis Indians Charities
**Indianapolis Indians Charities leverages the power of baseball and softball to create meaningful impact across central Indiana by investing in programs and partnerships that expand access to sports-based youth development opportunities. Through support for initiatives that provide athletic participation, educational enrichment, workforce development, health and wellness resources, and family support services, the foundation helps young people build confidence, develop life skills, and reach their full potential. By removing barriers to participation and creating pathways for success, Indianapolis Indians Charities is committed to ensuring more youth can experience the lifelong benefits of sports and positive mentorship.
**About Indiana Youth Institute
**Indiana Youth Institute’s mission is to improve the lives of all Indiana children by strengthening and connecting the people, organizations, and communities that are focused on kids and youth. IYI is Indiana’s premier source for high-quality data on child well-being and data-informed action to address challenges Hoosier children face. It leads the FIVE by 50 vision as a connector and convenor to ensure that every child will have a network of five caring, supportive adults in their life by the year 2050. Visit iyi.org to learn more.
**About Lilly Endowment Inc.
**Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education, and religion. Although the Endowment maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana, it funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion.