$320,000 Invested in Organizations Strengthening Financial Stability, Health, and Youth Opportunity Across the Region

March 5, 2026, Bloomington, Ind. – United Way of South Central Indiana (UWSCI) has awarded $70,000 in 2026 Opportunity Grants to nonprofit organizations serving Brown, Greene, Lawrence, Monroe, Orange, and Owen counties. The selected organizations will receive grants up to $10,000 to advance long-term stability and opportunity for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families and individuals.

This Opportunity Grant funding was made possible by the success of UWSCI’s fall fundraising efforts, allowing more resources to be directed to programs that support children, families, and individuals working toward greater stability and opportunity across South Central Indiana.

Earlier this year, UWSCI also awarded $250,000 in Impact Grants to support larger-scale initiatives. Together, these investments total $320,000 dedicated to strengthening ALICE families and expanding opportunity across South Central Indiana in 2026.

ALICE households earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to afford essentials such as housing, food, childcare, and healthcare — often living one unexpected expense away from crisis.

Opportunity Grants provide focused investments that strengthen essential programs serving ALICE families and individuals across our region. Aligned with UWSCI’s priority outcomes, these grants help organizations sustain core services, expand access to critical supports, or advance a defined portion of a larger initiative.  

Every Opportunity Grant represents local dollars at work -- strengthening the community from within.

“These Opportunity Grants are really about empowering the local organizations who know our communities best,” said Randy Rogers, President of United Way of South Central Indiana. “ALICE families work incredibly hard, but too many are still one setback away from crisis. By investing in partners who reduce barriers and expand opportunity, we’re helping create the conditions for families to truly thrive.”

UWSCI’s 2026 grants support programs that strengthen Financial Security, build a Healthy Community, and expand Youth Opportunity — key pillars in disrupting the cycle of instability.

“These grants give local organizations the flexible resources they need to respond to the real challenges ALICE families face,” said Nick Shafer, Board Chair of United Way of South Central Indiana. “When families can meet their needs, the entire community benefits.”

2026 Opportunity Grant Recipients  

United Way of South Central Indiana has awarded $70,000 in Opportunity Grants to these eight nonprofit agencies, with up to $10,000 per organization to support programs serving ALICE families and individuals:

Area 10 Council on Aging:  Strengthens healthy communities in Monroe and Owen counties by providing nutrition services, senior centers, transportation, care management, and resource navigation that help older adults live independently with dignity and quality of life. Opportunity Grant Funds will support Area 10's Senior Centers.    

Cancer Support Community:  Provides free psychosocial support, wellness programs, and financial assistance to cancer patients, survivors, and their families across South Central Indiana to improve quality of life during and after treatment.  

Crawling to Cramps (C2C):  Strengthens families across South Central Indiana by providing free diapers, period products, food, clothing, and hygiene essentials through twice-monthly distributions, a 24/7 Sharing Shanty, and seasonal community initiatives.  

Exodus Refugee Immigration:  Supports newly arrived refugees and humanitarian immigrants in Bloomington by providing employment services, legal support, and connections to medical and mental healthcare, housing, food, and public benefits to help families achieve self-sufficiency.  

Indiana Legal Services: Provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals and families in south central Indiana, helping them maintain housing, income, health, and safety.  

Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington Food Pantry: Addresses student food insecurity by providing reliable access to nutritious food on campus. By reducing hunger-related barriers, the program supports academic persistence, workforce readiness, and economic mobility.  

Monroe County Community School Corporation School Assistance Fund: Removes barriers to learning by helping families access basic needs and health-related support. School Social Workers connect students to resources and provide social-emotional support.  

Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard: Provides nutritious food and community-based programming to reduce food insecurity and support family well-being while fostering community.

The Opportunity Grants are part of UWSCI’s broader mission to connect people to possibility by investing in long-term solutions that strengthen financial security, improve health outcomes, and expand opportunities for young people, including initiatives such as Truancy Case Management, In-School Youth Mentoring, and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

For more information, visit unitedwaysci.org/impactpartners or reach out to Randy Rogers, President & CEO, United Way of South Central Indiana, at randy@unitedwaysci.org or 812-334-8370 x15.

About United Way of South Central Indiana

United Way of South Central Indiana improves lives and futures in our community. We connect people to possibility—supporting youth opportunity, financial security, and healthy communities. By investing in local programs—from healthy food and mental health services to tax assistance and youth mentoring—UWSCI helps families meet today’s needs and build stronger futures. Nearly half of local households are just one emergency away from poverty, and together, we tackle challenges no one can solve alone.