Digging deeper: What does United Way funding mean for communities across the region?
United Way of Central Indiana was born more than a century ago in Indianapolis.
But did you know the nonprofit has been serving counties across the region for more than 60 years?
Hancock, Morgan, Hamilton and Hendricks counties became part of United Way in the 1960s, followed by Boone County in 1970 and Putnam County in 2021.
On Tuesday, United Way announced it is awarding $17.3 million in grants to 71 nonprofits across the region – with funding expected to serve more than 148,000 people in Central Indiana. This round of funding was open to nonprofits in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion and Morgan counties accredited with United Way of Central Indiana.
What does this funding mean for communities across the region? Here’s a closer look:
Boone County
During this funding cycle, $330,000 is being awarded to three Boone County nonprofits:
The Arc of Greater Boone County: $70,000 Basic Needs; $120,000 Family Opportunity
Boone County Senior Services, Inc.: $70,000 Basic Needs
Boys & Girls Club of Boone County: $70,000 Basic Needs
Eric Richards, chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Boone County, said the grant is a “significant investment” that provides some of the most vulnerable families in the community with a safe, reliable place before and after school each day.
“This gift provides sustenance and transportation so parents, guardians and foster parents have one less thing to worry about,” Richards said. “The partnership with United Way of Central Indiana is crucial for the work the Club does and frees up other philanthropic dollars to subsidize the cost of supporting three bricks-and-mortar buildings throughout Boone County, scholarships to attend the club at low or no cost and ensures no child nor family is left behind.
“We are beyond grateful for the continued support and encourage companies and individuals alike to invest in the United Way -- these dollars directly impact families who live right here in Boone County and other communities."
Boone County has been part of United Way of Central Indiana since 1970.
Hamilton County
A total of $350,000 in grants is being awarded to five Hamilton County nonprofits:
Alternatives Inc: $50,000 Basic Needs
Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville: $75,000 Basic Needs
Children’s TherAplay: $50,000 Basic Needs
PrimeLife Enrichment: $50,000 Basic Needs
Shepherd's Center of Hamilton County: $125,000 Basic Needs
“Children’s TherAplay is thrilled and honored to receive a grant from United Way's 2026 Impact Funds. The funds from this grant will be vital in supporting our efforts to expand programming to provide caregiver mental health support and access to after-school therapy sessions to low-income families raising a child with a disability,” said Kathy Pelletier, Children’s TherAplay executive director. “We are extremely grateful for the support and look forward to impacting the lives of countless families together."
Hamilton County has been part of United Way of Central Indiana since 1966.
Hancock County
United Way is awarding $130,000 in grants to two Hancock County nonprofits:
Hancock County Senior Services: $50,000 Basic Needs
Meals on Wheels of Hancock County: $80,000 Basic Needs
"This United Way Basic Needs grant means stability and relief for Meals on Wheels of Hancock County and the hundreds of neighbors who count on us each day. With this support, we can continue providing nutritious meals, safety checks, and human connection to those who might otherwise go without,” said Lynda Kosh, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels of Hancock County. “The grant helps bridge the funding gap for our indigent and low-income clients, ensuring that no one in Hancock County is left hungry or forgotten."
Hancock County has been part of United Way of Central Indiana since 1962.
Hendricks County
For this funding cycle, $605,000 in grants will go to four Hendricks County nonprofits:
Family Promise of Hendricks County: $100,000 Basic Needs; $80,000 Family Opportunity
Hendricks County Senior Services: $200,000 Basic Needs
Sheltering Wings: $175,000 Basic Needs
Sycamore Services: $50,000 Basic Needs
Marina Keers, executive director of Hendricks County Senior Services, said her organization appreciates the long-time partnership and support of United Way.
“Seniors in Hendricks County rely on HCSS to help them remain independent, including providing healthy meals, transportation, fitness classes, a senior-friendly food pantry, and in-home support,” Keers said. “These essential services are supported by grant funds from United Way, allowing HCSS to meet the needs of the growing population of older adults in our community.”
Want to see impact in action in Hendricks County? Check out our story and video from 2021 about the work of Hendricks County Senior Services.
Hendricks County has been part of United Way of Central Indiana since 1967.
Morgan County
For this grant cycle, United Way is awarding $390,000 in grants to three Morgan County nonprofits:
Stability First: $70,000 Basic Needs
WellSpring: $100,000 Basic Needs
YMCA of Morgan County: $220,000 Family Opportunity
Dave Nash, executive director/CEO of YMCA of Morgan County, said the YMCA’s Family Connect program is funded through United Way’s Family Opportunity Fund.
“The funding allows us to maintain and support programming such as Preschool, School-aged Childcare, Summer Learning Loss Prevention providing safe and enjoyable care for children,” Nash said. “In addition, programming supports adults with financial planning, workforce development, and parenting skill-building, and connects families through Parent Cafe and Family Activity nights for families to learn and be active together.
“We are grateful to be among the organizations rewarded by United Way to provide family building activities for our community."
What does impact look like in Morgan County? Read and watch our 2023 story about the work of Stability First.
Morgan County has been part of United Way of Central Indiana since 1964.