Thought Leadership and Convening

United Way convenes experts and funders, collaborates with direct service provides, and hosts events that bring innovative ideas and solutions to our community.

Invisible No More

For nearly a decade, journalist Andrea Elliott immersed herself in the life of Dasani Coates and chronicled her family’s journey through hunger, violence, racism, addiction and homelessness in New York City. 

Elliott spoke alongside Dasani Coates on March 5 at “Invisible No More,” an event hosted by United Way of Central Indiana. The conversation was moderated by Camike Jones, editor-in-chief of the Indianapolis Recorder. 

Housing Report

Blog
More than $100,000 in grants awarded at Propel, United Way’s pitch competition
More than $100,000 in grants awarded at Propel, United Way’s pitch competition

Eclectic Soul VOICES Corporation, Grassroot Projects, Grace Care Center took home top prizes

United Way of Central Indiana names new director of infrastructure
United Way of Central Indiana names new director of infrastructure

Michael McKillip began in the position this month

A lifelong volunteer reflects on giving back
A lifelong volunteer reflects on giving back

Carol Pitzer, who retired from Eli Lilly and Company in 2017, encourages others to volunteer and “take advantage of your gifts”

Final three contestants announced for United Way of Central Indiana pitch contest
Final three contestants announced for United Way of Central Indiana pitch contest

Seven human services nonprofits will compete April 25 at Propel

United Way micro-grants support early childhood education providers with professional development, renewal
United Way micro-grants support early childhood education providers with professional development, renewal

More than $300,000 was awarded in 2023, the grant’s inaugural year. Applications are open through April 12 for the second round of Empower to Educate micro-grants.

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

Seven human services nonprofits will compete April 25 at Propel

Indiana advocates applaud key legislation from the 2024 legislative session
Indiana advocates applaud key legislation from the 2024 legislative session

United Way of Central Indiana celebrates policy progress to improve early care accessibility, workforce development and transit

Statehouse Scoop: Closing out the ‘March Madness’ that is the end of session
Statehouse Scoop: Closing out the ‘March Madness’ that is the end of session

United Way worked with its advocacy partners to deliver wins in early care and learning, the protection of important public goods like mass transit and the continuation of programs that support learning loss recovery.

Journalist Andrea Elliott tells audience to remember the childhoods that reside in us all
Journalist Andrea Elliott tells audience to remember the childhoods that reside in us all

On Tuesday, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Andrea Elliott spoke alongside Dasani Coates, whose childhood Elliott documents in the book “Invisible Child”

Women’s History Month: What advice would you give your younger self? 
Women’s History Month: What advice would you give your younger self? 

March is Women’s History Month. It’s a time to reflect on the contributions women have made throughout history. We asked several of our female teammates to reflect and consider: What advice would they give their younger selves?