INDIANAPOLIS, Ind (June 23, 2026) — The Indianapolis Rotary Foundation has awarded a $100,000 Legacy Impact Grant to the Central Indiana Police Foundation in support of IMPD CARES, a prevention-focused initiative that uses mentorship, education and community engagement to strengthen relationships between young people, families and law enforcement.
The grant will support two key components of the program: $50,000 to expand youth initiatives, including the G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) Program and summer camp, and $50,000 to purchase and customize a new community-engagement gaming trailer to be deployed throughout Marion County.
“The Indianapolis Rotary Foundation supports organizations addressing challenges at every stage, from food insecurity and foster care to workforce development and public safety,” said Erin Smith, president of the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation. “This investment reflects our belief that prevention, mentorship and community engagement are essential components of a stronger Indianapolis.”
Each year, IMPD CARES programs reach approximately 1,200 young people across Marion County. Administered through IMPD’s Community Engagement Office, CARES includes the Police Athletic League, Books and Badges, Play It Smart, G.R.E.A.T., SLYDE (School-Led Youth Development & Engagement) and adult education programming.
“We often talk about public safety after something bad happens,” said Lisa Rollings, executive director of the Central Indiana Police Foundation. “These programs are about creating positive connections long before that point. This grant allows us to expand opportunities for young people and officers to engage in meaningful ways throughout Indianapolis.”
The new community engagement gaming trailer represents an innovative approach to outreach. By meeting young people in a setting that feels familiar and inviting, officers can create opportunities for conversation, mentorship and relationship-building with youth who may not otherwise participate in traditional programs. Each deployment will include educational programming alongside opportunities for positive engagement between officers and the community.
“Enforcement is one part of public safety. Prevention, mentorship and trust-building are equally important,” said Lt. Allen Tuttle, manager of IMPD’s Community Engagement Division. “Programs like CARES and G.R.E.A.T. give officers opportunities to connect with young people outside emergency situations and help strengthen the communities we serve.”
Awarded every two years, the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation’s Legacy Impact Grant supports transformational projects that address significant community needs and create lasting impact throughout Central Indiana.
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About Rotary Club of Indianapolis
Founded in 1913, the Rotary Club of Indianapolis brings together leaders from business, government, nonprofit organizations and the community to address challenges facing Central Indiana through service, philanthropy and civic engagement.
Through the Rotary Club of Indianapolis Foundation, the organization provides more than $260,000 annually in grants, youth programs and charitable initiatives that strengthen communities across the region.
Learn more at indyrotary.com.
About the Central Indiana Police Foundation
The foundation started in 2013, focused on the Indianapolis Police Department. We are now serving 70 police departments in central Indiana. The mission is to foster community-wide support for law enforcement, providing supplemental resources, and building positive officer-community partnerships.