The Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative (IAAQLI) is inviting eligible applicants to submit projects or programs that reduce health disparities and improve racial equity. The focus is specifically on addressing stigma and improving access to mental health services for Black residents in Marion County, Indiana.
This funding opportunity aims to improve health equity for African American families by increasing access to culturally responsive mental health services and promoting emotional well-being across generations. Proposals should support holistic approaches to maternal and male mental health grounded in cultural competence, community input, and long-term impact.
Applicants may target one or both priority areas. The first is maternal health and child wellness, with projects that expand access to maternal mental health services, address perinatal and postpartum challenges, and enhance well-being for African American mothers and children in underserved areas. The second is male mental health and emotional wellness, with strategies to improve emotional literacy, reduce stigma, and provide greater access to mental health services and peer support for African American boys and men.
Expected outcomes include increased access to maternal mental health care, improved mother-child bonding, strengthened family support systems, and better developmental outcomes for children. For men and boys, outcomes include greater engagement in wellness programs, reduced stigma, improved emotional literacy, and stronger support systems. Workforce development goals include growing trust in mental health services through culturally relevant approaches and increasing African American representation in mental and maternal health professions.
Applicants must address one or both of the following strategies: maternal health and child wellness, and/or male mental health and emotional wellness.
A total of $925,000 is available. Individual projects may request between $100,000 and $250,000 for a defined grant period.
Eligible applicants include organizations classified as public charities under Section 501(c)(3), such as nonprofits, schools, workforce agencies, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations. Preference will be given to African American-led groups that are embedded in and serve the Black community in Marion County.
Applicants can apply individually or in collaboration. If submitting a joint proposal, letters of support must outline the partner organizations’ roles, expertise, and contributions. Collaborators do not need to be African American-led or nonprofit but should ideally be based in Indiana, especially Indianapolis.
Proposals should include clear outcome goals, measurable milestones, and a plan for team collaboration. Projects that include evaluation methods and demonstrate cross-sector collaboration will receive priority consideration. The deadline to apply is August 11, 2025.
For more information, visit IAAQLI.
