2026 Impact Grant Applications Now Open!
United Way of South Central Indiana (UWSCI) is now accepting applications for our 2026 Impact Grants. Funding will be directed to nonprofit organizations that advance long-term stability and opportunity for ALICE households—families and individuals who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed.
In Indiana, ALICE families earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to afford basic necessities such as housing, food, childcare, healthcare, and transportation (Learn more about ALICE).
This grant opportunity reflects UWSCI’s ongoing commitment to supporting ALICE families. Future funding will give agencies additional ways to partner with us and build lasting change in our communities.
Through this 2026 Impact Grant process, we are investing in programs that align with our three strategic focus areas:
Financial Security: Helping families build lasting economic stability through financial literacy, debt reduction, resource education, and workforce-linked services.
Healthy Community: Reducing food insecurity, expanding access to healthcare and behavioral health supports, and strengthening family and community health.
Youth Opportunity: Creating pathways for children and youth, from birth through young adulthood, to grow up healthy, supported, and prepared for the future.
Nonprofit organizations serving Brown, Greene, Lawrence, Monroe, Orange, and Owen counties are eligible to apply for funding requests of up to $25,000.
Grant Application Portal
All application materials must be submitted through the UWSCI Grant Application Portal.
Application Deadline: October 17, 2025
For questions, please contact:
Carmen Chamorro at carmen@unitedwaysci.org or (812) 334-8370 x 11
Resources
We’ve put together helpful resources—including application instructions, a scoring rubric, the grant timeline, and reporting requirements—to guide you through the process. Take a moment to look these over before submitting your application.
- Application instructions
- Scoring rubric
- Grant timeline
- Reporting requirements
- Partnership Agreement (to be signed if awarded funding)
- Non-discrimination Policy (to be signed if awarded funding)
- Application Example (provides full listing of all fields and required information)
We will be hosting an informational presentation on Friday, September 19th from 12:00–1:30 PM at the United Way office (431 S College Ave, Bloomington, IN 47403) to walk through the application instructions and answer any questions you may have about the process. In addition, virtual office hours will be available via Microsoft Teams, which you can schedule at your convenience using this link: https://calendly.com/carmen-unitedwaysci/30min.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants must:
- Serve at least one of the six counties we support: Brown, Greene, Lawrence, Monroe, Orange, or Owen.
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or fiscally sponsored by one.
- Focus on helping ALICE families (Learn more about ALICE).
- Offer programs aligned with Financial Security, Healthy Community, or Youth Opportunity.
- Have or commit to adopt a non-discrimination policy.
2. What types of programs are funded?
Funding supports programs that advance long-term stability and opportunity for ALICE families and individuals. Examples include:
- Workforce development, financial literacy, and economic mobility initiatives
- Food security, healthcare access, and wellness programs
- Youth mentoring, early childhood education, and school readiness programs
How much funding is available?
Agencies may request up to $25,000 per organization for a one-year grant period.
What is the grant period?
The grants cover a one-year period, with funds distributed in 12 monthly installments.
Who reviews applications?
Applications are reviewed by the Community Impact Committee, consisting of United Way board members, United Way staff, and community volunteers. The committee evaluates alignment with United Way’s focus areas and community impact.
What is the application deadline?
All applications must be submitted by October 17, 2025.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online. Access the application here.
What reporting is required if awarded?
Agencies must submit an Impact Report using a template provided by UWSCI. The report is due in the last week of January. Reports include:
- Quantitative and demographic data on the population served
- Program outcomes and progress toward defined goals
- At least one impact story with 3–5 photos (with consent)
Can an agency apply for funding for more than one program?
It is expected that agencies apply for the one program which best aligns with the listed priorities and demonstrates a need for United Way funding. For agencies with a narrow focus, the entire operation may be considered a program. Agencies are encouraged to consult with UWSCI staff for guidance; support will also be provided ahead of the application deadline through open office hour opportunities.
Who can I contact with questions?
Carmen Chamorro, Community Impact Manager: carmen@unitedwaysci.org
Randy Rogers, President & CEO: randy@unitedwaysci.org
What happens if my application is not funded?
You may revise and resubmit your application for future funding cycles, such as the Opportunity Fund grant cycle opening in January, adjusting the requested amount and budget as needed.