In 1999, Meridian~Kessler Neighborhood Association established an annual grant program now named in memory of Vi Walker, a longtime resident, business owner and staunch supporter of the neighborhood. By 2015, this program has granted $300,000 to other non-profit organizations that share our mission of growing and sustaining Meridian~Kessler.

In order to fund the grants program, the MKNA Board of Directors allocates 25% of the proceeds from our annual Home Tour events. In 2015, the tour raised over $18,000 for these grants (to be awarded in Spring 2016).

Congratulations to all the grant recipients and thank you for your efforts to improve our community!  

Nick Colby  MKNA President says,

“Being a part of the granting decision has been a highlight of my involvement with MKNA. We receive many great applications (over 20 this year), all of which are worthy of our support. As a group, we work to figure out how our dollars can be most impactful to our community. Always aware of our finite resources, we regretfully whittle down our list to match available funds.”

And, to those of you who supported the Home Tour—through attending, volunteering, donating, or sponsoring—thank you for allowing us to continue the Vi Walker Grant Program. For organizations wishing to apply for a grant, please stay tuned in early 2016 when we announce the  application is available.

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MKNA Vi Walker Neighborhood Grant
2015 Recipients 

This year we are pleased to have awarded nearly $15,000 to five organizations:

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department

Grant of $4865 provided four bicycles to assist with community policing and security.

IPS School 84

Grant of $1000 provided for bird and butterfly sanctuary to support expansion of outdoor amphitheater.

IPS School 70

Grant of $4500 repaired existing musical instruments and purchased additional musical instruments.

Department of Public Words 

Grant of $2000 for painted murals on Monon Trail north of 49th Street on the Winthrop Supply Company, Inc. building.

Coburn Place

Grant of $2300 assisted those in need with supportive summer break programs.