More than $100,000 in grants awarded at Propel, United Way’s pitch competition
Priya Gangwani of Grassroot Projects (from left), Cara Augspurger of Grace Care Center and Kia Wright of VOICES hold their checks after winning the top prizes at Propel, a United Way of Central Indiana pitch contest, on April 25, 2024, at High Alpha in Indianapolis. (Photo by United Way of Central Indiana)
More than $100,000 in grants was awarded Thursday evening to local human services nonprofits at Propel, a United Way of Central Indiana pitch competition.
During the event, seven organizations pitched their innovative ideas on how to reduce barriers for those from under-resourced communities or asset-limited backgrounds.
A $40,000 prize, presented by United Way and selected by a panel of judges, was awarded to Eclectic Soul VOICES Corporation. VOICES’ mission is to empower youth and families through culturally relevant education, workforce development and healing-centered services. The nonprofit will use the funds to renovate Cookie’s Corner, a nine-unit apartment building that will house families for up to two years rent free. VOICES will also provide wrap-around services to those families to stabilize them.
A $40,000 award, presented and selected by event sponsor and media company audiochuck, went to Grassroot Projects. The nonprofit creates and supports equitable communities for immigrant and refugee children by removing barriers and helping them reach their full potential. Funding will help Grassroot Projects provide families with culturally centered access to resources of their choice.
Members of the public voted for the Heritage Group People’s Choice Award, awarding $19,707 to Grace Care Center. The nonprofit’s Choice Food Pantry allows people to select their own groceries and also serves as an entry-point into the organization so they can receive additional services and programs, such as job coaching, financial counseling, vehicle services and a zero-interest loan program.
The four other nonprofits that pitched live Thursday received $2,500:
Family Promise of Hendricks County
Flanner House of Indianapolis, Inc.
HATCH, Inc.
Trinity Free Clinic
In January, nonprofits were invited to apply for Propel by submitting five-minute videos of their pitches. About 40 organizations applied, and a group of reviewers narrowed the pool to 15. Seven organizations were ultimately invited to pitch their ideas at the event.
More than 100 people attended Propel Thursday at High Alpha in Indianapolis. The event also was livestreamed.
This was 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.
This year’s pitch contest was also made possible thanks to generous sponsorship from Black Onyx Management, The Heritage Group, J.C. Hart Company and The National Bank of Indianapolis.