United Way of Central Indiana adds 2 new accredited organizations – one each in Marion and Morgan counties

Two nonprofits – Englewood Community Development Corporation and Stability First – are joining United Way of Central Indiana’s network of accredited community organizations.

Accreditation allows nonprofits to apply for United Way grants and access training, technical assistance and programs to grow their organizations.

“United Way accreditation confirms Englewood Community Development Corporation and Stability First are demonstrating best practices in leadership, community responsiveness and financial responsibility,” said Stephanie Fritz, United Way’s senior director of strategic research and analytics. “These organizations will join a network of high performing organizations that are tackling the most serious issues in their communities.”

Englewood Community Development Corporation has served the Englewood neighborhood on the Near Eastside of Indianapolis for more than 25 years.

It focuses on affordable housing, economic development and job creation for low-income and vulnerable populations. The organization also assists congregations and faith groups with community development in their own neighborhoods and promotes environmental stability.

Stability First is a transitional housing nonprofit in Morgan County.

It helps those in need of shelter, food and transportation and provides access to resources, mentoring and programs on financial stability, job readiness and recovery. Stability First has worked with the Morgan County Jail and Wellspring, another accredited United Way organization, to address homelessness in the county. It runs the Magdalene House, a shelter for single women.

In opening its accreditation process in the fall, United Way used data to identify gaps in service and prioritized nonprofits that would address unmet needs in the community.

Specifically, United Way was looking for organizations that provide programs in workforce development, adult education or mental, behavioral health and substance abuse services. The nonprofit also was looking for organizations that serve Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Morgan and Putnam counties and certain priority zip codes in Marion County.

The accreditation process involves a site visit and evaluation by a team of United Way staff, board members and volunteers. They assess a nonprofit’s financial health and leadership, among other things.

Englewood Community Development Corporation and Stability First are two of 91 accredited community organizations across United Way’s seven-county service area.