Latest News

John H. Boner Community Center is hiring a Community Builder

Posted on

John H. Boner Community Center is hiring a Community Builder. The Community Builder is responsible for the implementation of objectives contained in the Near Eastside Quality of Life plan. This includes maintaining and updating the plan, convening quarterly neighborhood summits, convening topical summits as needed and maintaining the QOL plan website and social media. This position is also responsible for intentional and purposeful collaboration between agencies in the Near Eastside neighborhoods who take part in the Near Eastside Quality of Life Plan. This includes neighborhood residents, groups, and other community organizations like Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School, Near East Area Renewal, … Continued

Wonderland Film Festival Sept. 30

Posted on

Wonderland Film Festival Sept. 30 Englewood Neighborhood Film Festival returns for its second year as Wonderland Film Festival! Join us on Sept. 30 in celebrating films made by Near Eastside neighbors and beyond! Just like last year, the festival will showcase films created by filmmakers of all skill levels. Storytelling through film is a powerful tool that can be used to evoke empathy. Through the films made by neighbors, we can learn more about the people who live nearby us and celebrate their stories. Learn more!

Cat Head Press, Level Up

Posted on

Cat Head Press, Level Up Come celebrate the one year anniversary of Cat Head Press on Sat., Sept. 9 from 2 - 10 p.m. where they will host the inaugural Underground Indy Art Market with artists selling print-based works and zines. Enjoy food from Love Handle and Tongue N’ Cheek, cider from Ash & Elm, live t-shirt printing, live music and a new show by DeathBot in the Middle Space Gallery. Learn more!

2017 Small Business Facade and Property Improvement Grants

Posted on

The 2017 Small Business Facade and Property Improvement Program is a component of FOCUS that provides matching grants to property owners willing to renovate the street-front exteriors of their structures. These improvements could include new signage, windows, painting, and/or structural or design changes. This is a rebate program where business and property owners receive reimbursement for up to 50% of the cost of the project in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 for completed work. The goal is to build long-lasting relationships that connect neighborhoods with businesses and new resources to revitalize urban markets. To apply, call LISC’s direct line … Continued

State Farm Neighborhood Assist- Be the Catalyst for Positive Change in your Community

Posted on

Have you ever wanted to help your community with a problem but didn’t know where to start? Maybe it’s a run-down park or to help the impoverished in your community. Now, YOU have the power to fix it. State Farm Neighborhood Assist wants to help identify and address key issues faced by consumers throughout the United States. State Farm Neighborhood Assist, a crowd-sourced philanthropic initiative, lets communities determine where grant funding is awarded. The application is short and simple, and can be found by visiting www.neighborhoodassist.com. You, or someone you know, could be the catalyst for positive change to your … Continued

WTHR Features Great Places 2020 initiative

Posted on

Thank you to WTHR-TV and Nicole Misencik for your spectacular coverage of the Great Places 2020 initiative. Thank you to Pia Urban Cafe & Market for hosting this conversation about making Indy’s neighborhoods great. Learn more about the campaign at www.greatplaces2020.org. Enjoy this short video about the great things happening in the Great Places!

Indy Chamber’s 2016 Monumental Awards

Posted on

ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT! Project submissions are being accepted for the Indy Chamber‘s 2016 Monumental Awards. Entries due no later than 5 PM on Friday, July 29. LISC is the nominating sponsor for the Neighborhood Revitalization and Innovative Reuse category! Click here to learn about the entry guidelines, 2016 category requirements and judging criteria.

Donate to help improve Englewood Nature Playscape

Posted on

Great Places 2020 has joined forces with Patronicity to create a crowdfunding project in Englewood Village. A Retreat From The Concrete Jungle The Englewood Nature Playspace and Gardens is a beloved neighborhood asset, created over the last 15 years by and for neighbors, and in particular early childhood learners. It is a respite from the concrete and asphalt that dominates our neighborhood, and the only public greenspace in walking distance. Currently the space contains: Dozens of trees, including fruit trees Hundreds of native grasses and flowers Twelve raised garden beds A large sandbox Picnic Shelter with patio Climbing areas with … Continued

Great Places 2020 Plans Unveiled

Posted on

Thank you to all who attended last night’s Great Places 2020 Neighborhood Plan Unveiling! With more than 550 residents, business owners and community partners in attendance, the event truly was a success. Also, a big thank you to the host of the evening’s event - James Whitcomb Riley School #43. Each Great Place unveiled their area’s Strategic Plan, please see below for links to these visions. $84 million committed to Great Places 2020 Great Places 2020 has structured initial funding sources and strategic programming so that private investment follows. To date, more than $84 million has been committed to the three Great Places … Continued

Mass Ave Industrial Corridor Video

Posted on

The Mass Ave Industrial Corridor is a legacy industrial district near Downtown Indianapolis that has been targeted for revitalization. There are many small manufacturers with a long history in the area but an influx of new artisan manufacturers and makers are starting to call this Industrial Corridor home. This short video created by Yardbox Films, shares a glimpse of people working, products being, and policy considerations that are all reshaping the area.

Farm 365 project adds 11 jobs

Posted on

Farm 365 project adds 11 jobs Farm 365, located in the Englewood Village neighborhood, seeks to be a small part of the solution of the food desert problem on the Near East side. It is focused on year round production and year round employment. Growing fresh, flavorful produce, grown by and for the local community, as well as re-purposing buildings, adding value to urban neighborhoods and directly creating 11 jobs. LISC Indianapolis provided a $20,000 facade improvement grant for Farm 365 and a $99,750 project initiation loan to support this project.

Near Eastside neighborhood gathered to discuss innovation in local school

Posted on

On Jan. 30, 250 Near Eastside neighbors and local leaders gathered at an Education Summit at School 15 to brainstorm ideas on how they could better serve their students and community. The neighborhood has created a steering committee to work on school issues that includes members from the John Boner Neighborhood Centers, Englewood Community Development Corporation, Near East Area Renewal, Local Initiatives Support Corporation and Englewood Christian Church. Click here to read about this issue on Chalkbeat Indiana.

East Washington and Oxford: Winning Creative Placemaking projects announced

Posted on

Neighbors met last week at Englewood Recreation Indianapolis to unveil the winning Creative Placemaking projects. There was a great mix of funded projects including two neighbors within 1/4 mile of the Great Place neighborhood, three Near Eastsiders and two additional Indianapolis-area recipients. More than $17,000 in grants were awarded including: * Englewood International Amateur Film Festival by Jennifer Hutchinson * Summer Concert Series by Amber Lanman, Tracy Aldrich, Todd Burleson and Andy May * Notes to Self mural by Emily Gable and Paul Pelsue * T-Shirt Design Competition and Printing by Cat Head Press Additional selected projects for a … Continued

Feb. 18: Creative Placemaking Projects Unveiled, East Washington and Oxford

Posted on

Near Eastside Neighbors, please join us this Thursday, February 18 for a Launch Party: Great Places Near Eastside at Englewood Recreation Indianapolis 5 p.m.: Cake and punch reception 6 p.m.: Announce the winning proposals for Great Places Near Eastside creative placemaking projects!