More than $100,000 awarded at United Way of Central Indiana pitch contest

NewsImpactEvents

Apr 28

INDIANAPOLIS – More than $100,000 was awarded to nonprofits Thursday evening at Propel, a United Way of Central Indiana pitch contest.

During the event, seven human services organizations pitched their ideas on how to reduce barriers for those from under-resourced communities or asset-limited backgrounds.

A $35,000 award, presented by United Way and selected by a panel of judges, went to Ivy Tech Foundation. Funds will support Ivy Tech’s ELEVATE program, which assists those who have been involved in the criminal justice system and aims to reduce recidivism through workforce development.

A $50,000 prize, presented by event sponsor Audiochuck and chosen by the media company, was awarded to Family Support Services of West Central Indiana. Based in Greencastle in Putnam County, the organization addresses domestic violence in rural Indiana and will use the funds toward its supportive housing program – with the goal of ending homelessness.

Members of the public voted for the Heritage Group People’s Choice Award, giving $18,271 to Project WILL, Inc. The organization works with young adults ages 17 to 35 with behavioral health challenges and helps them through life transitions. It aims to address the disability employment gap and racial employment disparities.

The four other organizations that pitched their ideas live Thursday received $2,000:

Circle City Village
Fathers and Families Center
Fight for Life Foundation

Indianapolis Legal Aid Society

About 130 people attended Propel, held at High Alpha in Indianapolis. The event also was streamed live on United Way’s YouTube channel.

In February, nonprofits were invited to submit letters of interest and a five-minute video about their project or idea. A panel of community members and United Way staff reviewed 35 submissions and selected four finalists. Members of the public voted to select the remaining competitors.

This is United Way’s second Propel event. The first was held in June, in front of a live audience of about 100 people at The AMP at 16 Tech in Indianapolis.

Judging the $35,000 award presented by United Way on Thursday were: