Opening in March: Applications for United Way’s Community Engagement Data Initiative

Applications open March 2 for the Community Engagement Data Initiative, an eight-month initiative that helps grassroots and faith-based organizations strengthen how they collect, use and share data to better tell the story of their work and its impact.  

Now in its fourth year, the United Way of Central Indiana initiative gives organizations hands-on support to track results, understand what’s working, and use data to tell stronger stories to funders and the community. The initiative is for nonprofits with annual budgets under $1 million and faith-based organizations that want practical skills to improve their data strategy. 

The initiative is open to organizations that provide direct services and serve people living in or near poverty in United Way’s seven-county service area: Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties. No prior data experience is required. 

From July 2026 through February 2027, 10 participating organizations will receive:  

• monthly learning sessions led by local and national experts; 

• one-on-one coaching around a specific data project;  

• access to tools, templates, surveys and dashboard examples; 

• peer learning and direct engagement with local funders; 

• a $5,000 grant to support organizational data strategy. 

Interested applicants can register here to attend a virtual information session, scheduled for 2-3:30 p.m. Feb. 26. 

Organizations can apply March 2 through April 1 at uwci.org/data-initiative.  

The initiative is led by United Way of Central Indiana and supported by the Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative (IAAQLI).