Press Release
23 Indiana nonprofits receive $1,877,500 Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust grants
March 15, 2007
(Indianapolis) –The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust awarded $1,877,500 to 23 Indiana nonprofit organizations Thursday, March 15, 2007. The presentation was held at Indianapolis Urban League, 777 Indiana Avenue at 3:30 p.m. Recipients began arriving at 3 p.m. for refreshments and an informal “mixer” with the Trust’s Trustees, staff and representatives from other grantee organizations.
“The Trust has continued to further the causes Nina Pulliam supported during her life. Since the Trust began its grantmaking in 1998, it has awarded more than $63 million to 365 Indiana nonprofit organizations. As Trustees, we are pleased to continue her legacy of helping people in need, protecting animals and nature, and enriching community life,” said Frank E. Russell, Trustee chairman.
“Nina Pulliam believed we all have a responsibility to give back to our community. Nina called Indianapolis and Phoenix home, which is the reason her Trust focuses its grants to organizations in these cities,” Russell added.
“The Trust presents grants three times a year. This is the first grant award this year and the organizations receiving funding today represent every area of the Trust’s mission,” said Harriet M. Ivey, Trust president and CEO. Today’s grants range from $47,500 to $250,000.
“Nina spent a lifetime helping others, and her Trust has evolved into a strong resource for nonprofit groups in her beloved hometown of Indianapolis. With a strong emphasis on encouraging self-sufficiency, the Trust serves individuals, including the elderly and disabled, women, children and their families,” Trustee Carol P. Schilling said.
Helping People in Need grant recipients are: 100 Black Men of Indianapolis $90,000; Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention of Greater Indianapolis $50,000; John P. Craine House $50,000; Damar Services $250,000; Exodus Refugee Immigration $60,000; Fresh Start of Indianapolis $47,500; Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana $85,000; Indiana Canine Assistant and Adolescent Network $65,000; Indiana Mother’s Milk Bank $100,000; IU School of Informatics at IUPUI $115,000; Metropolitan School District of Warren Township $90,000; Oasis Christian Community Development Corporation $135,000; St. Vincent Hospital Foundation $100,000; Save the Youth $50,000; Step-Up $55,000; United Negro College Fund $65,000.
“Nina was known for her love of animals and was concerned for their welfare. Throughout her life, she supported efforts to protect animals of all kinds, as well as their habitats and the natural beauty of Arizona,” Schilling said.
Protecting Animals and Nature grant recipients are: The Citizens Energy Coalition Education Fund $100,000; Hoosier Environmental
Council Foundation $60,000; Indiana Wildlife Federation $75,000.
“During her life, Nina supported programs that brought cultural and educational opportunities to children and adults who otherwise might not have realized such experiences,” Schilling explained.
Enriching Community Life grant recipients are: Emergent Leadership Institute $50,000; Local Initiatives Support Corporation $75,000;
Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis $60,000; United Way of Central Indiana $50,000.
Trustee Nancy M. Russell discussed the impact of the Trust’s college scholarship program. “The Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars program continues to bring the dream of a college education to those who are overlooked by traditional scholarship programs. Since the Nina Scholars program began in 2001, it has touched the lives of more than 104 men and women in Indiana.
In 2006, the Trust extended the Nina Scholars program through 2010, committing $7.8 million over the next four years to scholarships for 168 nontraditional college students in Arizona and Indiana. The program extension also includes an annual $2,750 living allowance for Scholars, books, fees and the program’s administrative costs. The Nina Scholars program now accounts for 10 percent of the Trust’s annual grantmaking.
Nina Scholars are 25 years or older with dependents, college-age students and adults with physical disabilities, or college-age youth who were raised in the foster care system and are self-supporting. The seventh cohort of 19 Indiana students will begin their studies this fall at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis and Ivy Tech Community College – Central Indiana.
“Nina believed in education’s power to transform lives, and our Nina Scholars are testimony to this,” Russell added.
To receive additional Nina Scholars program information visit the Scholars web site or contact: Charles Johnson, nina@iupui.edu
317-278-7878 at IUPUI; or Cheri Bush, ninascholars@lists.ivytech.edu at Ivy Tech Community College, 317-921-4617.
The Trust, which also makes grants in Arizona, had approximately $395.2 million in assets as of January 31, 2007.
The next preliminary application deadline for nonprofit organizations applying to the Trust for funding is May 4, 2007.
Preliminary applications may be obtained through the Application page on our web site; by writing to the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable
Trust, 135 N. Pennsylvania Street, Suite 1200, Indianapolis, IN 46204; or by calling 317-231-6075.