Old National Bank Foundation 20 for 20 Grantee Profiles: LISC Indianapolis Invests in Neighborhoods and Expands Opportunity Across Indianapolis
As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, and two decades of helping build stronger, more vibrant and prosperous communities, the Old National Bank Foundation in 2026 is donating a total of $20,000 to 20 nonprofit organizations throughout its nine-state footprint, including LISC Indianapolis in Indianapolis, Ind.
LISC Indianapolis works alongside residents, community organizations, businesses and local leaders to help build stronger neighborhoods and create economic opportunity throughout Indianapolis. Through investments in affordable housing, health, economic development, workforce initiatives and quality-of-life projects, the organization helps transform community priorities into lasting results.
Access to capital for communities
Established in 1992, LISC Indianapolis was created in response to substandard housing conditions and neighborhood disinvestment across the city. While residents and community organizations often knew what their communities needed most, they frequently lacked access to the capital, technical expertise and partnerships necessary to bring those visions to life. LISC was formed to help bridge that gap and connect community aspirations with the resources needed to achieve meaningful change.
Over the past three decades, the organization's work has evolved from an initial focus on housing to a comprehensive approach to community development. Through 2025, LISC Indianapolis had:
- Invested more than $377 million directly into Indianapolis neighborhoods
- Leveraged an additional $1.2 billion in investment
- Produced more than 12,000 affordable homes
- Redeveloped 10 million square feet of commercial space throughout the city
“Strong neighborhoods don't happen by accident,” said Brandon Taylor, Executive Director of LISC Indianapolis. “They are built through partnerships, strategic investment and a commitment to empowering residents to shape the future of their communities. Our role is to help connect vision with opportunity and create pathways that allow neighborhoods and families to thrive.”
Success story: Black female-led architecture firm expands expertise and network
One example of that impact is the story of Daryl Williams-Dotson, founder and principal architect of WDi Architecture. Over 30 years, she has built the only Black female-led architecture firm in Indiana, creating a successful business while contributing to projects throughout the state.
Through LISC Indianapolis' Emerging Developers Growth Initiative (EDGI), Williams-Dotson expanded her development expertise, strengthened her professional network and gained access to resources that positioned her to pursue development opportunities of her own. The relationship continued long after the program concluded. In 2025, LISC provided WDi Architecture with a $1.19 million acquisition loan to purchase its first permanent commercial office building, along with grant funding to help cover closing and down-payment costs.
The new property not only provides a permanent home for the firm but also creates space for other Black-owned construction and development companies, helping establish a collaborative ecosystem that can create opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the community.
“Daryl's story reflects exactly what we hope our work can achieve,” Taylor said. “When talented, community-minded leaders gain access to knowledge, relationships and capital, they can create assets that generate opportunity not only for themselves, but for entire neighborhoods and future generations.”
LISC Indianapolis and Old National: a shared commitment
The partnership between the Old National Bank Foundation and LISC Indianapolis reflects a shared commitment to economic mobility and neighborhood revitalization. Through philanthropic investments and active community engagement, Old National has supported programs that connect Indianapolis residents with training, coaching and pathways to higher-paying careers.
One example is Old National's support of LISC's Bridges to Career Opportunities initiative, which helps neighborhood-based organizations prepare unemployed and underemployed residents for in-demand careers. The Foundation has also supported the organization's Building Bridges Awards, which recognize community leaders who are helping create greater economic opportunity throughout Indianapolis.
“Old National has been an important partner in helping us connect capital with community priorities,” Taylor said. “Through their financial support, leadership and engagement, they have helped strengthen our ability to expand opportunity, support neighborhood revitalization and improve quality of life for residents across Indianapolis.”
Investing in people, places and partnerships
Together, the Old National Bank Foundation and LISC Indianapolis are helping create pathways to economic mobility, strengthen neighborhoods and build a more equitable future for Indianapolis residents. By investing in people, places and partnerships, they continue to create lasting impact across the communities they serve.
“Our ‘20 for 20’ campaign recognizes 20 organizations that have helped strengthen communities and expand opportunity through their partnership with the Old National Bank Foundation,” said Old National Bank Foundation President Joe Kiser. “Their leadership, innovation, and commitment to serving others reflect the very best of what can happen when communities come together around a shared purpose. As we celebrate the Foundation’s 20th anniversary, these organizations represent the many communities, causes, and partnerships that have shaped the Foundation’s work over the past two decades.”
To learn more about LISC Indianapolis, visit here.
Each year, the Old National Bank Foundation endeavors to fund as many initiatives that meet our funding priorities as possible across our footprint. For more information on grants or the Old National Bank Foundation, click here.
