Audiochuck Donates $1 Million to IYG to Support LGBTQ+ Youth in Indiana

Audiochuck, the Indianapolis-based podcast company best known for the globally popular true-crime series Crime Junkie, has announced a $1 million unrestricted grant to IYG, Indiana’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ youth and young adults.

The donation, confirmed within the last 12 hours, marks Audiochuck’s largest grant of 2025, reinforcing the company’s growing role in social advocacy, community investment, and youth mental health initiatives.

The funding arrives at a critical moment, as LGBTQ+ youth across Indiana face rising mental health challenges, homelessness risks, and limited access to affirming care. The grant is expected to stabilize IYG’s operations, preserve key staffing, expand services statewide, and dramatically scale outreach to vulnerable young people.

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A Major Investment in LGBTQ+ Youth Well-Being

Audiochuck’s donation will directly support IYG’s mission to provide safe spaces, mental health resources, basic needs assistance, and life-skills programming for LGBTQ+ youth between the ages of 12 and 29.

Formerly known as the Indiana Youth Group, IYG has served as a lifeline for LGBTQ+ youth for more than three decades. The organization currently operates multiple drop-in centers, counseling programs, advocacy initiatives, and community education projects across Indiana.

With this new investment, IYG aims to nearly double the number of young people it serves by 2026.

Key Impact Projections:

Why This Grant Matters Now

Across Indiana — and much of the United States — LGBTQ+ youth are experiencing disproportionate risks, including:

According to national public health data, LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers. Organizations like IYG play a critical role in reducing isolation, improving mental health outcomes, and preventing crisis situations.

Audiochuck’s financial backing is intended to help meet surging demand for safe, supportive, and affirming environments.

Ashley Flowers: A Personal Commitment to Indiana’s Youth

Audiochuck’s Chief Creative Officer and founder, Ashley Flowers, emphasized that the decision to support IYG reflects both personal ties to Indiana and a deep belief in the nonprofit’s impact on local communities.

“I’ve seen firsthand the challenges our young people face and the incredible strength they carry,” Flowers said in a statement.
“This gift is our way of saying we believe in you, we’re standing with you, and we’re committed for the long haul.”

Flowers, who built Audiochuck from the ground up in Indianapolis, has increasingly directed company resources toward grassroots community initiatives, social justice projects, and mental health advocacy.

What the $1 Million Will Support

Unlike restricted grants, this unrestricted funding gives IYG the flexibility to allocate resources where they are needed most — a major advantage during uncertain economic times.

The grant will support:

1. Mental Health & Trauma-Informed Counseling

2. Basic Needs & Emergency Assistance

3. Life-Skills & Independence Programs

4. Advocacy & Policy Engagement

Protecting Staff and Preserving Critical Programs

One of the most immediate impacts of the grant will be operational stability.

IYG leadership confirmed the funding will help:

With nonprofit funding becoming increasingly competitive nationwide, the grant provides a financial safety net that ensures continuity of care for young people who rely on IYG’s services daily.

Expanding Safe Spaces Across Indiana

A significant portion of the funding will accelerate IYG’s “Safer Spaces” capital campaign, a statewide expansion initiative designed to bring affirming LGBTQ+ youth services into underserved communities.

Goal of the Campaign:

This expansion will allow IYG to reach rural and semi-urban areas where LGBTQ+ youth often face greater isolation and fewer local resources.

IYG CEO Calls Grant a “Game-Changer”

Chris Paulsen, CEO of IYG, described Audiochuck’s donation as transformative.

“This is a game-changer,” Paulsen said.
“Audiochuck’s confidence in our work gives us the stability and flexibility we need to show up for young people when they need it most.”

Paulsen emphasized that the funding will help IYG respond to increasing demand, particularly as more youth seek affirming care, mental health support, and safe community spaces.

Corporate Philanthropy Meets Social Impact

Audiochuck’s Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement, Drew Black, framed the grant as part of the company’s broader mission to promote equity, well-being, and joy for marginalized communities.

“The health, well-being, and joy of LGBTQ+ youth are invaluable,” Black said.
“We believe in investing in communities that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.”

The company has previously supported victim advocacy organizations, justice reform groups, mental health initiatives, and survivor support programs, reinforcing its growing footprint in social impact philanthropy.

Growing Demand for LGBTQ+ Youth Services Nationwide

IYG’s projected growth reflects a national trend — LGBTQ+ youth organizations across the U.S. are reporting record-high demand.

Contributing factors include:

As more young people seek safe, affirming environments, nonprofits like IYG are becoming essential lifelines.

Community Reactions and Broader Implications

Advocates and community leaders across Indiana have welcomed Audiochuck’s commitment, calling it a model for corporate social responsibility.

Why this grant stands out:

Experts say such partnerships can encourage other private companies to invest in youth mental health, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and community-based care.

What This Means for LGBTQ+ Youth in Indiana

For thousands of young people across Indiana, this funding could mean:

In a climate where LGBTQ+ youth often face systemic barriers, investments like this serve as both practical support and a powerful message of affirmation.

Looking Ahead: The Future of IYG and Audiochuck’s Partnership

With Audiochuck’s backing, IYG plans to:

Both organizations have hinted at the possibility of future collaborations, including awareness campaigns, fundraising initiatives, and community storytelling projects that amplify LGBTQ+ youth voices.

Final Takeaway

Audiochuck’s $1 million grant to IYG represents more than a financial donation — it signals a growing cultural shift toward corporate accountability, youth advocacy, and LGBTQ+ inclusion.

As demand for mental health care and safe community spaces rises, this investment may serve as a blueprint for how private companies can meaningfully support marginalized youth and build healthier communities.

For Indiana’s LGBTQ+ youth, the message is clear:
They are seen, supported, and worthy of long-term investment.

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