United Way of Central Indiana Awards $1.2 Million to 33 Nonprofits in Historic Funding Initiative

​In a groundbreaking move to bolster community support, the United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI) has awarded $1.2 million in grants to 33 nonprofits outside its traditional accredited partner network.This initiative marks the first time UWCI has extended funding of this kind to non-accredited organizations, aiming to address critical needs in under-resourced areas across Central Indiana. ​

Expanding the Funding Horizon

Historically, UWCI's funding efforts have been concentrated within its accredited partners. However, recognizing the diverse and evolving needs of the community, UWCI opened grant opportunities to a broader spectrum of nonprofits. This strategic shift is part of UWCI's commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that essential services reach all corners of the community.

Allocation of Funds

The $1.2 million in grants is divided between two primary funds:

• Basic Needs Fund: Allocating $500,000 to 27 nonprofits, this fund focuses on ensuring access to safe and affordable housing, healthy food, transportation, and health services.​
• Family Opportunity Fund: Distributing $700,000 to eight nonprofits, this fund supports integrated programming that serves both youth and adults within the same household, aiming to improve education, financial stability, and overall well-being.

Notably, two organizations have been awarded grants from both funds, reflecting their comprehensive approach to community support.

Addressing Poverty in Central Indiana

The impetus for this expanded funding approach stems from a pressing statistic: nearly 40% of Central Indiana households are living in, or are one emergency away from, poverty. Shannon Jenkins, UWCI's Vice President of Impact, emphasized that these grants are designed to support operations, services, and programming that will yield tangible outcomes for more individuals and families throughout the region.​

Selection Process

In October, UWCI invited nonprofits from Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, and Putnam counties, which were not currently accredited with UWCI, to apply for these grants. The response was substantial, with 16 applications for Family Opportunity funding and 64 for the Basic Needs Fund. Committees comprising UWCI staff, board members, and community volunteers meticulously reviewed the applications to select the grant recipients.​

Strategic Vision and Community Impact

This initiative aligns with UWCI's strategic plan announced in 2023, aiming to diversify investments and strengthen its role as a community partner. By extending funding to non-accredited organizations, UWCI seeks to ensure that under-resourced communities disproportionately affected by poverty receive the support they need.​

Spotlight on Grant Recipients

Here are some of the organizations that have been awarded grants, along with their respective counties:

Family Opportunity Fund Recipients:

• Boone County Mentoring Partnership ($80,000) – Boone County
• Child Care Answers ($80,000) – Marion County
• Coburn Place Safehaven II, Inc. ($80,000) – Marion County
• Indiana Latino Institute ($80,000) – Marion County
• Latino Youth Collective ($80,000) – Marion County
• Positive Character Girls ($80,000) – Marion County
• Trinity Free Clinic ($140,000) – Hamilton County
• Westminster Neighborhood Services ($80,000) – Marion County

Basic Needs Fund Recipients:

• accessABILITY Center for Independent Living ($25,000) – Marion County

• Ascent 121 ($25,000) – Marion County
• Beyond Homeless ($20,000) – Putnam County
• St. Vincent de Paul Indianapolis Council ($25,000) – Marion County
• Susters Inc. ($15,000) – Marion County
• Talitha Koum Women’s Recovery House ($15,000) – Hancock County
• Trans Solutions Research and Resource Center ($15,000) – Marion County
• Trinity Free Clinic ($25,000) – Hamilton County
• Westminster Neighborhood Services ($25,000) – Marion County

Looking Ahead

UWCI's decision to broaden its funding scope signifies a pivotal step toward a more inclusive and supportive community framework. By empowering a diverse array of nonprofits, UWCI is not only addressing immediate needs but also fostering long-term resilience and stability within Central Indiana.

For more information on UWCI's initiatives and a complete list of grant recipients, visit their official announcement.