MacKenzie Scott gives $1M to Indy nonprofit working with formerly incarcerated Hoosiers

PACE Inc., the Indianapolis-based nonprofit that stands for Public Advocates in Community Re-Entry program, has received $1 million from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott in the billionaire’s latest round of donations.  

The organization is among 361 smaller nonprofits across the country to receive a donation gift from Scott.  

PACE, Inc. provides services to help Hoosiers who have been incarcerated, and their families, thrive as they return to their communities. The nonprofit focuses on providing workforce development skills, housing access, vocational education and civic engagement.  

“PACE believes that felonies don’t define futures,” said PACE Executive Director Rhiannon Edwards. “But those re-entering communities need help to make the most of their second chance and avoid reincarceration. That’s where PACE services can help. This incredible grant award will help us improve the lives of our clients and their families and set them on a path to success.”   

Edwards said the nonprofit, founded in 1960, has recently been looking to expand its programs – a plan that included moving its offices closer to downtown Indianapolis to become more centrally located. 

“We know there are a lot more individuals that need our services,” Edwards said, noting the average number of people they serve each year hovers around 1,500. “But then we were seeking out funding to help us meet the need of that growth.”  

Edwards said the dollars will help continue grow the organization’s many programs.  

“We want to pilot something sustainable and be able to provide that to any justice-involved individual in Central Indiana that needs support,” Edwards said. 

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Other Indiana recipients of Scott’s latest round of donations include La Casa de Amistad in South Bend, which received a $2 million gift.  

In 2021, Scott gave United Way of Central Indiana its largest donation from a single donor to date with a gift of $25 million. In 2022, the philanthropist granted another $3 million to Paramount Schools, $2.9 million to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana and $2.4 million to Girl Scouts of Central Indiana.

Contact reporter Sarah Nelson at sarah.nelson@indystar.com