About the Impact Grants
What are Impact Grants?
Impact Grants are competitive funding awards from UWSCI that invest in nonprofit programs strengthening long-term stability, health, and opportunity for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households. Each grant awarded in the 2026 cycle provides $25,000 in support for one year.
What is the goal of the Impact Grants?
The goal is to disrupt the cycle of instability faced by ALICE families by investing in programs that address interconnected needs related to finances, health, and youth success. The grants prioritize solutions that create pathways from crisis to stability and from stability to economic mobility.
What is ALICE?
ALICE households earn above the Federal Poverty Level but do not earn enough to afford the basic cost of living in their county. They are often one unexpected expense away from crisis. UWSCI invests in programs that support these households and promote long-term economic mobility.
Funding Focus Areas
What areas of work do Impact Grants support?
Programs must advance outcomes in one or more of UWSCI’s three core focus areas:
Financial Security
- Financial literacy
- Debt reduction
- Economic mobility
- Resource education
- Workforce-linked supports
- Services that help families move from crisis to stability and long-term security
Healthy Community
- Reducing food insecurity
- Access to nutritious, affordable food
- Mental and physical health supports
- Chronic disease management
- Preventive care outreach
- Community-based wellness programs
Youth Opportunity
- Safe, enriching environments for youth
- Early childhood supports
- Family-strengthening programs
- Mentoring and academic enrichment
- Initiatives that interrupt generational poverty and support youth from birth to adulthood
Did UWSCI consider supports beyond the three core focus areas?
Yes—UWSCI considered key drivers of success when they directly supported outcomes in the core focus areas. These included:
- Stable housing
- Reliable transportation
- Affordable childcare
- Language access
- Other enablers that remove barriers and strengthen economic mobility
These supports are not funded on their own but were considered when they clearly contribute to improving financial security, health, or youth opportunity.
Eligibility & Application Process
Who was eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants must be:
- a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization,
- serving at least one of UWSCI’s six counties: Brown, Greene, Lawrence, Monroe, Orange, and Owen, and
- delivering programs aligned with at least one core focus area.
How many grants are awarded?
In the 2026 cycle, UWSCI awarded ten Impact Grants, each for $25,000, totaling $250,000.
What was the review process?
Applications went through a multi-step review that included:
- Eligibility and completeness screening
- Scoring by trained volunteers
- Staff and leadership review
- Final approval by the UWSCI Board of Directors
Applications were evaluated based on alignment with core focus areas, strength of evidence-based approaches, clarity of outcomes, and potential to disrupt the instability cycle for ALICE families.
What happens if an application was not selected?
If an applicant indicated interest, the proposal may be considered for the Opportunity Fund cycle—pending availability of funds. Applicants will have the opportunity to revise and resubmit their request if the Opportunity Fund cycle moves forward.
Opportunity Fund
What is the Opportunity Fund?
The Opportunity Fund is a potential second round of funding intended to support strong proposals not selected in the primary Impact Grant cycle. Funding for this cycle is not guaranteed.
Applicants who opted into consideration will be notified if funds are available and will receive instructions for updating their proposals.
Grant Terms & Requirements
When does funding begin?
Impact grant funding begins January 2026 and is a one-year grant.
Is reporting required?
Yes. Grantees will be required to submit periodic progress and outcome reports aligned with the metrics outlined in their proposal. UWSCI will provide templates and support.
Additional Support
Does UWSCI offer more than grantmaking?
Yes—UWSCI directly supports and leads initiatives that strengthen stability and opportunity, including:
- Financial Stability Alliance
- Free Community Tax Service
- Bank On Bloomington
- Truancy Case Management
- In-School Youth Mentoring
- Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
- Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD)
- Monroe County Health Equity Council (MC HEC)
- General Nonprofit Community Support
These initiatives help expand community-wide impact beyond the grants themselves.
Who can I contact with questions?
Questions about the Impact Grants or Opportunity Fund may be directed to:
Randy Rogers, President & CEO
United Way of South Central Indiana
Randy@unitedwaysci.org or (812) 334-8370 x15