Arts United and Nipsco Announce 2025 Southeast Arts Projects Grant Recipients

Arts United and NIPSCO announced the 2025 recipients of the Community Connections: Southeast Arts Project Grants program. This program, energized by Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) and the NiSource Charitable Foundation and administered by Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne, is designed to bring together residents in Southeast Fort Wayne through unique artistic experiences that enhance a sense of pride and community. The grants will provide funding to support arts and culture projects in Southeast Fort Wayne.

“The Community Connections grant complements strategic economic development and investment goals that support the City's Southeast Strategy. NIPSCO and the NiSource Charitable Foundation are pleased to partner with Arts United to fund these grants used by residents and organizations to create connections, enhance neighborhood networks, and support the space where stories can be told, shared, and felt,” said Dana Berkes, NIPSCO Public Aff airs and Economic Development Manager.

The recipients of the Community Connections grants are:

• Amani Family Services - $5,000 for the Culture Fest 2025 celebration of cultural diversity

• Bridge of Grace Compassionate Ministries Center - $5,000 for three cultural celebrations in partnership with Levan R. Scott Academy

• Footprints Early Learning Foundation - $4,219.60 for Dazzling Diamonds Dance Academy youth classes

• Levan Scott Academy - $3,450.80 for supervised Music Therapy students to lead a 5th-grade Special Education class on the benefi ts of music

• Fort Wayne Urban League – $3,500 for the all-day Justice Forward: STEAM Camp for youth

• Genesis Outreach - $5,000 for theatrical performances with themes relevant to modern audiences

• Paul Harding Junior High School - $5,000 for the East Allen Community Youth Band program’s third year

• Sparkle Cheer and Dance Academy - $5,000 for Dance Camp for elementary to high school dancers

• StudioLife - $4,219.60 for the Music Seminar Tour, a week-long music industry workshop for teens

• Vwazen - $4,650 for Kids +1 Art Camp, a four-week summer photography and storytelling program designed to bring together youth and their trusted adult mentor

• Whitney Young STEAM School - $4,960 for the Artists in Residence program to creatively empower all students at Whitney Young to collaborate with local artists

For more information about the Community Connections grants, visit artsunited.org.arketing-related support.