INRC opens applications for Legacy Allies, a two-year intergenerational leadership program in three Indianapolis neighborhoods

A new leadership cohort model focused on historically Black neighborhoods

The Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center (INRC) has opened applications for Legacy Allies, a free, two-year intergenerational leadership development program designed to connect neighborhood elders with emerging leaders in three Indianapolis neighborhoods: Martindale-Brightwood, Northwest Landing and Norwood.

INRC lists the application opening date as March 1, 2026, and describes the initiative as rooted in historically Black neighborhoods, with an emphasis on preserving neighborhood history while supporting resident-led projects.

Who can apply and how participants will be selected

Legacy Allies is structured around two participant groups: “emerging leaders” ages 18 to 40, and “neighborhood elders” ages 40 and older. Applicants must live in, or have a meaningful connection to, one of the three focus neighborhoods.

INRC plans to recruit 3 to 5 emerging leaders and 3 to 5 elders from each neighborhood, forming intergenerational cohorts. The organization has said it will review applications to build balanced neighborhood-based groups that reflect diverse lived experiences and perspectives across generations.

• Emerging Leaders (18–40): residents or those connected to a focus neighborhood; no prior leadership experience required.
• Neighborhood Elders (40+): longtime residents or community builders; no formal leadership role required.

Program structure: learning, mentorship, and implementation

INRC outlines Legacy Allies as a two-phase program. Year One is focused on training, relationship-building, and planning; Year Two is focused on implementation of neighborhood projects supported through mini-grants and coaching.

• Year One: nine facilitated training modules over 3–4 months; intergenerational mentorship activities over another 3–4 months; storytelling and neighborhood history capture; preparation for mini-grant applications.
• Year Two: implementation of mini-grant funded neighborhood projects; coaching and technical assistance; graduation ceremony and project showcase.

Funding, stipends, and mini-grants

INRC states that participants will receive a $300 stipend for their engagement. In addition, each neighborhood cohort is expected to apply for a $5,000 mini-grant at the end of Year One to support a resident-led project carried out during Year Two.

Examples of eligible projects cited by INRC include community events, beautification efforts, storytelling initiatives, youth engagement activities, and other resident-led ideas intended to benefit the neighborhood.

Legacy Allies is presented as an intergenerational model intended to strengthen neighborhood leadership by pairing community history-keepers with newer organizers and volunteers, while providing structured training, small-scale project funding, and staff support.

How Legacy Allies fits into INRC’s broader programming

Legacy Allies launches as INRC continues multiple neighborhood-focused initiatives and leadership offerings in Indianapolis. INRC has also described Public Allies Indianapolis—an AmeriCorps apprenticeship leadership program it hosted from 2009 to 2025—as having sunset, while maintaining alumni engagement through events and networking.

For Legacy Allies, INRC identifies the Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative as the program’s funder.

Applications are currently open.