At United Way of Central Indiana, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live the life they’re capable of living. For over a century, we’ve worked side by side with our community to make that belief a reality — responding to immediate needs, investing in long-term solutions and fighting poverty at its roots.
We partner to design, support and grow systems that accelerate financial stability and upward mobility for individuals and families living in or near poverty. This mission drives everything we do — from our investments and partnerships to our advocacy and innovation. We are guided by a clear vision: Central Indiana will be a community where children, individuals and families thrive; neighbors care for each other; and we are proud of all our residents’ quality of life.
Poverty is one of the greatest challenges facing Central Indiana.
To measurably reduce the number of financially unstable households, United Way is focused on the top predictors of poverty:
to provide essential services to our neighbors in need
to increase literacy and learning success for children
to increase earnings and build employment pathways
to increase housing security and reduce homelessness
We address poverty at every level — from urgent needs to long-term opportunity. In partnership with more than 100 community organizations, we invest in programs that empower individuals and families to build better futures. Our approach includes a 2Gen model that supports both children and the adults in their lives, a strong commitment to data, collaboration, and equity, and a strategic mix of grantmaking, policy advocacy, and systems-level change.
We don’t do this work alone. Our impact is powered by the thousands of donors, volunteers, advocates, and partners who are united in building a stronger, more equitable Central Indiana - for everyone.
More than 241,700 households in Central Indiana are in, or one emergency away from, poverty.
Including 23% of households with children and 47% of households age 65 and older
Living in poverty is more than a number — it’s stress, trauma, and tough choices. It’s deciding between child care and a prescription. Between groceries and the gas tank.
We use the ALICE framework (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) to understand the real cost of living today. While the federal poverty line for a family of four is $27,750, the true cost of living in Indiana is more than $81,000.ALICE households earn an income just above the Federal Poverty Level but less than what’s needed to survive in the modern economy.
United Way of Central Indiana strives to maximize our impact on the community by creating and sustaining an environment that leverages the innovation that result from the unique perspectives that individuals bring. We believe that our community is best served when diversity, equity and inclusion are embedded in everything we do. As such, we encourage the active participation of our team; including our employees, volunteers, donors, advocates and partners.
