Grassroots Projects

Grassroot Projects provides underserved immigrant and refugee children, youth, and families in our local communities the opportunity to reach their highest potential by increasing access to the resources they need to learn, thrive, and succeed. Founded in 2017, Grassroot Projects serves families in the greater Indianapolis and Seattle areas through innovative, low-barrier programs designed to meet the unique needs of immigrant and refugee communities. Our vision is rooted in the belief that children are our future. We embrace our responsibility to nurture them and create the conditions in which they can flourish. Grassroot Projects envisions a future where immigrant and refugee children feel valued, welcomed, and supported, with the opportunity to simply enjoy their childhoods and pursue their dreams.

Many immigrant and refugee families face significant barriers, including limited access to basic necessities, language challenges, social isolation, transportation difficulties, economic hardship, and a lack of familiarity with available community resources. As the cost of essential items continues to rise and anti-immigrant rhetoric creates additional fear and uncertainty, many families struggle to meet their children’s basic needs. Grassroot Projects addresses these challenges through direct support, family-centered services, and community connection.

Our primary program, Care and Connect, focuses on the everyday needs that shape a child’s well-being and ability to succeed. Through this program, bilingual staff build trust and meaningful relationships by speaking directly with each family to understand their unique circumstances and needs. This individualized approach allows us to provide customized care packages that may include diapers, formula, clothing, hygiene products, books, literacy kits, car seats with safety education, and other essential items tailored to each child. Families experiencing food insecurity may also receive grocery gift cards, allowing them to purchase culturally appropriate foods for their households.

Our Sponsor a Passion program helps children and youth participate in extracurricular and enrichment activities such as sports, arts, music, swimming, and other skill-building programs. These opportunities foster confidence, belonging, social connection, and personal growth while helping children discover their passions and strengths. In addition to covering registration fees, we help remove barriers to participation by providing necessary equipment and supplies, such as swimwear, soccer gear, uniforms, and other activity-related items that families may otherwise be unable to afford.

Through our Community Integration efforts, we create welcoming spaces where families can build relationships, access information, and strengthen their support networks. Workshops, family events, and community gatherings provide parents with practical knowledge, resources, and opportunities to connect with others facing similar challenges. These programs reduce isolation, foster a sense of belonging, and empower parents to better support their children’s growth and development.

In 2026, Grassroot Projects supported 1,147 children in Indiana representing 38 countries of origin. By providing individualized, culturally responsive support and addressing both immediate needs and long-term opportunities, Grassroot Projects helps immigrant and refugee children and families build brighter, healthier, and more hopeful futures.