Reliable transportation is essential for every part of daily life — from getting to work and medical appointments to picking up groceries or visiting family. For many Near Eastside residents, a simple bus pass can make the difference between isolation and independence.
In 2025, NESCO used a $3,500 IndyGo Foundation grant to provide bus passes for residents who needed them most. Two outreach teams led the effort — one working with seniors in affordable housing, and another serving unhoused residents across the Near Eastside.
Each pass meant access to food, healthcare, and opportunity — a small step that made a big difference.
NESCO represents over 35,000 neighbors, and that’s far too much for one organization to reach alone. That’s why we’re sharing this process — so every neighborhood association, church, and community group can apply for the same grant and support their own residents.
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How Can You Apply For This Grant Too
The IndyGo Foundation Bus Fare Grant Program helps local nonprofits and neighborhood groups provide bus passes for residents who need reliable transportation. Grants are typically up to $4,000 per organization.
Applications open September 15 and close October 31, 2025 — with recipients announced in early 2026. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Marion County can apply, or you can work with a fiscal sponsor like a church, CDC, or neighborhood association that qualifies.
You’ll need to describe:
- Who you plan to serve (seniors, families, unhoused residents, etc.)
- How you’ll distribute the passes
- About how many people will benefit
- A simple budget (ask for the full amount — seriously!)
To apply or learn more, visit:
Need a Little Help Getting Started?
We know grant writing can feel overwhelming — especially for smaller neighborhood groups that run on volunteers and heart. NESCO is here to help.
If your organization wants to apply but could use a little guidance, we can:
Walk you through the application process step-by-step
Share our successful proposal and budget template
Help you identify a fiscal sponsor if you’re not a registered nonprofit
Connect you with other neighborhood partners who’ve done this before
Our goal is to make sure every Near Eastside neighborhood can support its own residents with better access to transportation.
Contact: clif@nescocommunity.org
Website: nescocommunity.org (you are here!)
Together, we can make sure every part of the Near Eastside keeps moving forward.
WHY Transit MATTERS
NESCO by the Numbers
Reliable transit isn’t just transportation here — it’s access to food, healthcare, and stability for our neighbors.
Neighborhoods
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Residents
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Residents over 65
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Live Below the Poverty Line
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