Initiatives and Programs
United Way creates and administers programs in direct response to community needs and opportunities.
ReadUP
United Way's signature literacy initiative, ReadUP, connects volunteers with local elementary schools, where they spend an hour reading with two students for 30 minutes each week, helping students get on track – and stay on track – with grade-level literacy.
Indy Free Tax Prep
Indy Free Tax Prep allows taxpayers to keep more of their own money they are working so hard to earn. Free tax preparation services is available for individuals and families with household incomes of $66,000 or less in 2023.
Winter Assistance Fund
Energy assistance for low-income households is a critical need. From January 1 — May 31, 2024, individuals and families in Marion County that do not qualify for government energy assistance programs can get help paying their heating bills through United Way’s Winter Assistance Fund.
Center for Working Families
Since 2015, United Way has been the lead funder and administrator of the Center for Working Families, an initiative created by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Implemented across 13 sites in Hendricks, Marion and Morgan counties, the Center for Working Families helps low-income individuals received bundled financial, employment, and income services.
Workforce Pathways Accelerator
As part of United Way’s economic mobility focus area, the Workforce Pathways Accelerator serves as an “on-ramp” for people seeking industry certifications, access to education and training, and direct connections to employer partners.
Emergency Food and Shelter Program
United Way facilitates the federal FEMA-funded program for community organizations throughout Central Indiana. The program supplements ongoing work of local nonprofit and governmental social service organizations to provide shelter, food and supportive services to individuals and families.
