Our Programs

From leadership training to community celebration, INRC’s programs support neighbor-led change across Indianapolis.

Building Capacity from the Block Up

Every INRC program is rooted in the belief that the people closest to a challenge are best positioned to lead the solution. We walk alongside residents, neighborhood groups, and partners to support bold, grassroots efforts that build equity, connection, and collective power.

Current Programs

  • Group of five people sitting around a yellow table, engaged in a discussion during a workshop or meeting, with colorful tables and additional participants in the background.

    Indianapolis Community Building Institute

    Cohort-based leadership training for residents and neighborhood groups rooted in asset-based community development.

  • Seven people standing on stage in front of a blue curtain, some holding an award plaque. There are flags to the right, including one with an emblem. Everyone is smiling and dressed casually to semi-formally.

    Collaborative Spirit Award

    An annual award recognizing outstanding neighborhood collaboration—presented at Jubilee and nominated for national recognition.

  • A laptop displaying a video conference with multiple participants and a green ceramic mug filled with black coffee on a wooden table.

    Spark! Sessions

    Free monthly virtual learning opportunities that spark new ideas and connections around community leadership and civic life.

  • Two smiling people sitting at a table with purple bags on it at an indoor event. The woman on the left has blonde hair in a bun, wearing a gray and black striped sweater and a blue lanyard. The man on the right has a shaved head, wearing a black jacket with brown collar and a white shirt. There are water bottles, paper cups, and a smartphone on the table. Background shows booths and banners, including one for Congressman André Carson and the 7th District of Indiana.

    Neighbor Power Indy

    Our free annual citywide conference celebrating neighborhood leaders, and uplifting resident stories and strategies for neighborhood change.

  • People at a charity event or auction, with wrapped gift baskets on a table, and others in conversation near floor-to-ceiling windows.

    INRC Jubilee

    INRC’s annual fundraiser and celebration featuring games, food, awards, and connection with neighbors, alumni, and supporters.

Recognizing Local Leaders

Three people standing together indoors, with a woman on the left holding a plaque. The man in the middle is wearing a green hoodie with yellow writing and has his arm around the woman. The woman on the right is wearing glasses, a black blazer, and a purple shirt, with her hands clasped in front.

Greatriarchs

Celebrating long-time neighborhood residents whose quiet leadership shapes community life.

See 2025 Honorees
Three women standing together, one holding a framed certificate that says 'Rising Leader.' The woman on the left has curly hair, is dressed in a black blazer, plaid pants, and a red top. The woman in the middle has long, dark hair, and is wearing a navy blue Marvel shirt. The woman on the right has short hair, glasses, and is wearing a black blazer over a purple shirt with the number '1' on it. They are standing in front of a brick wall.

Rising Leaders

Recognizing emerging changemakers whose energy and vision are creating real neighborhood impact.

See 2025 Honorees

Past Programs That Shaped Our Work

  • A group of ten people, including children, standing together in front of gold and black balloons, with large gold balloons spelling "CLASS" and a large gold "16" on the wall. They are celebrating a graduation or similar milestone, holding certificates, inside a room with a large window and hardwood floor.

    Public Allies Indianapolis (2009-2025)

    A 10-month AmeriCorps program supporting emerging leaders working in nonprofit and civic spaces.

  • Garden scene with pink tulips, yellow plants, rocks, and a black metal garden decoration on a corrugated metal wall with a tree in the background.

    Creative Placemaking (2020-2024)

    A project-based initiative that paired artists and neighbors to co-create community spaces and storytelling projects.

  • Sign for Englewood with a stylized sunset, buildings, and road in background.

    Neighborhood Grants Program (2022-2025)

    A program designed to support the engagement, collective action, and increased development of neighborhoods through mini-grants and technical assistance.

Request a Training or Partnership

Interested in bringing ICBI to your group or hosting a Spark Session in your neighborhood? Let’s collaborate!

Request a Partnership