Office of Community & Child Health awards $250,000 to six organizations to strengthen health across Marion County
INDIANAPOLIS – The Office of Community & Child Health (OCCH) at Riley Children’s Health has awarded $250,000 in Community Youth Grants to six local organizations working to improve the health, safety and well-being of children and families across Marion County.
This year’s investments support prevention and early intervention efforts addressing community needs ranging from youth violence and mental health to nutrition, water safety and immunizations. Through these partnerships, OCCH is expanding access to resources that support children’s health and safety beyond the walls of the hospital and in the communities where they live and learn.
Several of this year’s grants also build upon programs supported through OCCH’s inaugural round of funding, allowing organizations to expand their reach and continue work already underway in the community.
Launched in 2025, the OCCH has been made possible through a landmark gift from Julie Wood of the Tom and Julie Wood Family Foundation and represents one of the largest gifts made to Riley Children’s Foundation Every Child Deserves Riley campaign. The gift continues to expand Riley Children’s ability to improve health outcomes beyond hospital walls – bringing resources and supports directly to children and families in their own neighborhoods
“Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy and safe, and that requires looking beyond the care we provide in our hospital walls,” said Dr. Mara Nitu, chief medical officer of Riley Children’s Health. “Working alongside trusted community organizations allows us to reach children and families earlier, address needs in the places where they live and learn, and connect them with resources that can help build a healthier foundation for the future.”
The 2026 Community Youth Grants have been awarded to the following organizations:
Boys and Girls Club of Indianapolis – A $45,000 grant has been awarded for the continued expansion of the organization’s Community Diversion Program in Marion County. The program focuses on preventing future violence, providing early intervention for at-risk youth and strengthening family engagement and coordination among community partners, including Riley Children’s Health and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
Fight for Life Foundation, Inc. – A $45,000 grant has been awarded to support the organization’s evidence-based Building Dreams initiative, which provides preventive mental health and social-emotional wellness resources to under-resourced youth in Marion County. The program helps students build emotional skills, provides a digital platform for requesting support and equips educators with additional tools to respond to students’ needs.
Indy Hunger Network – A $43,000 grant has been awarded to support Cooking Matters, a program designed to strengthen nutrition knowledge and meal-preparation skills among families facing financial challenges. Through in-person and virtual classes offered at schools, churches, shelters and community centers, participants learn practical skills to make nutritious food choices and prepare healthy meals at home.
Indianapolis Public Schools Foundation – A $45,000 grant has been awarded for continued support of the IPS K-12 Swimming Program, which provides swimming instruction and water safety education to students. After serving 1,160 students in its inaugural year, the program will build on that progress by expanding opportunities for students to develop swimming skills, confidence and water safety knowledge.
LifeSmart Youth – A $40,000 grant has been awarded to support comprehensive health education for Marion County youth focused on physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. Led by trained health educators, LifeSmart Youth programs address topics including bullying and abuse prevention, healthy relationships, human growth and development, pregnancy and STI prevention, dating safety and mental health, helping students develop knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their health.
Indiana Immunization Coalition – A $42,000 grant has been awarded to continue support for mobile vaccination clinics serving children and families in under-resourced Marion County neighborhoods. Clinics are frequently held at K-12 schools and are designed to reduce barriers related to access, language, culture and cost. Vaccines are provided at no cost to eligible uninsured and underinsured individuals, with the program continuing to expand its reach across the county.
Together, the six grants represent $250,000 in community investment in 2026 advancing prevention-focused solutions designed to help children and families live healthier, safer lives.
