United Way of Central Indiana opening funding to organizations outside its accredited network

United Way of Central Indiana will open grant funding this month to nonprofits outside of its accredited partner network.  

Starting Oct. 11, nonprofits in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties that are not currently accredited with United Way will be able to apply for grants from United Way’s Basic Needs and Family Opportunity funds.  

The Basic Needs Fund focuses on safe and affordable housing, healthy food access, transportation and health services. The Family Opportunity Fund supports integrated programming that serves both youth and adults in the same household, aimed at improving the education, financial stability and well-being of the whole family.  

This is the first time United Way of Central Indiana is opening funding of this kind to non-accredited partners.  

“United Way values partnering with community-based organizations throughout our seven-county region to tackle our community's toughest problems,” said Sara VanSlambrook, United Way’s chief impact officer. “This new funding enables us to expand our community partnerships beyond our current network to serve more people in more places.” 

Applications open at 3 p.m. Oct. 11 and close at 3 p.m. Nov. 8. To apply, organizations are first required to attend one virtual workshop on either Oct. 8 or Oct. 10 to learn more about eligibility and grant focus areas. Register for the workshops at these links:  

• 9 to 10 a.m. Oct. 8 

• 11 a.m. to noon Oct. 10 

Grant awards will be announced in mid-February, and contracts begin April 1.   

Nonprofits with questions about this funding opportunity are asked to email Renate Myler, United Way’s impact funds director, at renate.myler@uwci.org.