United Way of Central Indiana in Boone County
For more than half of a century, United Way of Central Indiana has served Boone County residents.
Since 1970, we’ve worked with organizations across the county to meet the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors, remove barriers and provide life-changing resources to tackle generational poverty.
Over the last six years, United Way has invested over $2.8 million in grants in Boone County and partnered with 26 nonprofits and schools.
Community Need in Boone County
Some 27% of Boone County households cannot afford a basic household budget.
That’s more than 7,600 households that are in or near poverty.
In Boone County:
1 in 5 households are burdened by housing costs, meaning they spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
57% of households under age 25 can’t afford the basics.
Learn more about the need and dig into the data:
Our Work in Boone County
United Way’s programs combine direct community impact with strong local leadership to create lasting change.
Community Leadership
Our commitment goes beyond grants. Our team members serve on key local initiatives:
- Boone County Early Learning Coalition
- Boone County Housing Taskforce
Direct Impact through ReadUp
For over a decade, our ReadUP program has helped third graders get on track with grade-level literacy.
During the 2024-2025 school year:
- Nearly 50 volunteers participated
- Worked with over 30 students
- Schools served: Harney Elementary, Hattie B. Stokes Elementary and Perry-Worth Elementary (Lebanon)
"The Basic Needs grant provides some of the most vulnerable families in our community with a safe, reliable place before and after school each day... The partnership with United Way of Central Indiana is crucial for the work the Club does... these dollars directly impact families who live right here in Boone County."
– Eric Richards, Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Club of Boone County