Community Engagement Data Initiative
The Community Engagement Data Initiative (CEDI) is a hands-on initiative that supports nonprofit and faith-based organizations serving under-resourced communities across United Way of Central Indiana’s service areas. This spring, CEDI will launch its fourth cohort, bringing together organizations that want to strengthen how they collect, use, and share data in ways that support their mission and impact.
This 8-month initiative is built around hands-on learning, connection, and support. Ten organizations will be selected to participate and will work closely with United Way of Central Indiana through monthly workshops and one-on-one coaching. Each organization will focus on a clear, achievable data project tailored to its needs, with guidance from United Way’s Strategic Intelligence & Information division.
Participating organizations will also receive a $5,000 grant to support organizational data strategy, helping them build confidence, create useful tools, and strengthen practices that advance their mission and long-term sustainability.
CEDI is funded by United Way of Central Indiana and supported by the Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative (IAAQLI).
Apply to join the 2026 Community Engagement Data Initiative 4th Cohort between March 2, 2026 through April 1, 2026!
2026 Application Period
Application Open: March 2, 2026 – April 1, 2026
Final Decision: June 2026
Cohort Begins: July 2026 – February 2027
If you have questions about the Community Engagement Data Initiative, please contact us at research@uwci.org.
Organizations selected to participate in the 2026 cohort receive:
Monthly learning sessions led by local and national experts
One-on-one coaching around a specific data project for your organization
Access to tools, templates, surveys, and dashboard examples
Peer learning with other grassroots and faith-based organizations
Direct engagement with local funders
A technology grant upon the successful completion of the initiative to support data efforts
At the conclusion of the initiative, successful organizations will:
Have explored their data collection and analytics in a strategic way and will have the tools/ knowledge to leverage data to benefit the clients they serve.
Have had individualized training on how to best showcase the data they already have and realize the potential for new data collection and analysis.
Have gained insights into the critical data elements needed to accurately measure success and quantify impact at an organizational level.
Have knowledge on resources and software tools they can use moving forward to continue to enhance their programmatic use of data analytics.
Have had opportunities to learn from and build a local network through connections with other organizations and experts in various focus areas related to data analytics.
ELIGIBILITY
Participating organizations must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Be a 501(c)3 organization with an annual budget of less than $1 million, or a faith-based organization with a mission aligned with United Way of Central Indiana. Click here to read our mission and vision statement.
Provide standard organizational and financial documentation, including a W-9, 501(c)3 determination letter, certificate of insurance and recent proof of budget
Serve under-resourced communities in United Way of Central Indiana’s service areas (Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, and Putnam counties)
Be located in or primarily serve neighborhoods with high ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and poverty rates. To help determine eligibility, applicants are encouraged to reference United Way of Central Indiana’s ALICE and poverty data: ALICE & Poverty Data — United Way of Central Indiana
Not have a dedicated data, research, or evaluation staff
Organizations selected to participate will make the following commitments:
Commit to attending the welcome session and final celebration, and actively participate in at least five of the six monthly trainings, including completing any related activities
Identify one to two individuals from the organization to participate in the initiative (e.g., executive director, staff member, dedicated volunteer, board member, and/or organizational founder)
Complete required pre- and post-assessments, and a project planning document to support individualized coaching sessions with the United Way team
Questions? Contact us at research@uwci.org.