Seven central Indiana nonprofit organizations received tens of thousands of dollars in grant money from the Junior League of Indianapolis (JLI) Wednesday. JLI awards Community Assistance Grants each December to support local nonprofits that are preparing students for academic success.

Tindley Accelerated Schools received JLI's largest grant of $30,000 and will use the money to expand its Innovation Lab. The lab serves more than 1,000 elementary, middle and high school students by allowing them to share, explore and build while increasing their engineering and critical thinking skills.

"We are thrilled the members of the Junior League of Indianapolis chose to fund our organization," said Dr. Brian Metcalf, CEO at Tindley Accelerated Schools. "Our Innovation Lab serves a majority of black or brown students, many of whom receive free or reduced lunch. Without the lab, many of these students would not have access to the learning opportunities we provide."

Exodus Refugee Immigration Inc. received $15,000 from JLI. The organization will use the money for its youth program, which serves the unique needs of youth immigrants with humanitarian concerns.

Five other nonprofits received Community Assistance Grants of $5,000 each: Assistance League of Indianapolis, Girls, Inc. of Greater Indianapolis, Indy Book Project, MLK Center Indianapolis and St. Mary's Early Childhood Center.

"JLI is determined to be a catalyst for lasting change in the lives of children and their families in our community," said JLI President Stephanie Flittner. "Our Community Assistance Grants support organizations that are providing vital services to young people in central Indiana."

The Junior League of Indianapolis has awarded over $11 million to non-profits in the Indianapolis community in its 100-year history, including $5 million since 2000. Click here to learn more about JLI's Community Assistance Grant program.