WNBA All-Star Host Committee Awards Grants

The WNBA All-Star game may not be coming to Indianapolis for another five months, but it's already making a real impact in the community. As the city prepares to host the 2025 WNBA All-Star weekend in July, four local nonprofits are receiving $1 million grants to support youth development and programming.

One of the grant recipients is Marvella, a campus dedicated to girls' sports and leadership experience off I-65 at Fair Oaks Farms. Allison Barber, Executive Leader and Board Chair for the Marvella Foundation, said:

"Not only are we going to afford girls ages eight to 18 a wonderful, wonderful experience to play sports, we also have a success center where we're going to help girls learn about mental health, leadership and nutritional health."

Barber, former President of the Indiana Fever, added:

"I feel so fortunate to have been at the Indiana Fever during the rebuild to the greatest heights they're at now. The future is so bright for the Fever. I'm cheering them on. I'm a fan, just like you."

Marvella plans to use its grant money towards building a championship court where girls from all over can come and compete, learn, and grow.

The Marion County Commission on Youth is another organization benefiting from the WNBA's involvement in central Indiana. Liz Coit, President of Marion County Commission on Youth, said:

"I just love how deeply they want to impact the community, not just with the entertainment factor, which, of course, we're all super excited to have the WNBA All-Star event happen here, but to know that they're really invested in the community and other young women who may or may not be athletes."

The commission provides training and resources for youth in Marion County and will use its grant towards much-needed renovations making the building ADA accessible and safer.

Other grant awardees include Fletcher Place Community Center and the Parks Alliance of Indianapolis.