Finalists, semi-finalists named for United Way of Central Indiana pitch contest

United Way of Central Indiana on Monday announced the finalists and semi-finalists for Propel, a live pitch contest scheduled for next month.  

More than $100,000 in grants will be given out when finalists make their pitches live April 25 at High Alpha in Indianapolis. For a third year, Propel is presented by media company audiochuck. 

These four finalists will pitch their ideas on how to reduce barriers for those from under-resourced communities or asset-limited backgrounds:  

• Eclectic Soul VOICES Corporation 

• Flanner House of Indianapolis, Inc. 

• Grassroot Projects 

• Trinity Free Clinic 

From March 18 through April 1, five other nonprofits – the semi-finalists – will compete for the remaining three spots in the live contest:  

• Damien Center 

• Family Promise of Hendricks County 

• Grace Care Center 

• HATCH, Inc. 

• Indianapolis Urban League 

The five semi-finalists will compete for those remaining spots by fundraising online. One spot will go to the organization that raises the most dollars. Another will go to the organization with the most donors. And the final spot will go to the organization that garners the most engagement on a social media post shared from United Way's account.  

The money raised online will be given at the event to the winner of the People’s Choice award, sponsored by The Heritage Group.  

This will be United Way’s third Propel. In the event’s inaugural year in 2022, five organizations pitched their ideas, winning $45,000. At last year’s Propel, seven organizations participated, and more than $100,000 was awarded.  

Propel is also made possible thanks to generous sponsorship from The Heritage Group and The National Bank of Indianapolis.