Bloomington, Indiana – The United Way of South Central Indiana (UWSCI) has officially opened its application process for the 2026 Impact Grant cycle, offering nonprofit organizations a chance to secure funding aimed at strengthening long-term stability and opportunity for ALICE families—those Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed households who earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to cover essentials. The total grant pool is approximately $250,000, with individual awards of up to $25,000.
ALICE families, a group that continues to grow across Indiana, face overlapping challenges that touch every aspect of daily life, from housing and food to healthcare and transportation. UWSCI’s grants are designed to help programs that address these interconnected issues, focusing specifically on three core areas: Financial Security, Healthy Community, and Youth Opportunity.
“The challenges faced by ALICE families are deeply interconnected—financial insecurity, health challenges, and barriers to opportunity often overlap,” said Randy Rogers, President and CEO at United Way of South Central Indiana. “Through these grants, we are partnering with nonprofits to disrupt that cycle of instability and create pathways toward brighter futures for families across our region.”
Focus Areas for Funding
The Financial Security category prioritizes initiatives that foster economic mobility and lasting stability, such as job training, financial literacy, or workforce development programs. The Healthy Community focus aims to reduce food insecurity, expand access to healthcare, and support overall well-being, while the Youth Opportunity area encourages programs that prepare children and young adults for lifelong success through mentorship, educational support, and skill-building activities.
Through these grants, UWSCI hopes to empower nonprofits to create tangible outcomes for the ALICE population, building a bridge from vulnerability to resilience.
Building on Existing Impact
The Impact Grants are part of a larger strategy by UWSCI to advance stability and opportunity for ALICE families across the six counties it serves: Brown, Greene, Lawrence, Monroe, Orange, and Owen. Beyond funding, the organization directly supports programs such as the Financial Stability Alliance, Free Community Tax Service, Bank On Bloomington, Truancy Case Management, youth mentoring, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Together, these initiatives work to strengthen financial security, improve health outcomes, and expand opportunities for children and families, creating a comprehensive ecosystem of support.
By combining funding with hands-on program support, UWSCI ensures that families and individuals are not only receiving immediate aid but are also better equipped to navigate long-term challenges.
Eligibility and Application Details
Nonprofits seeking grants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored by one, serve at least one of UWSCI’s six counties, and have a mission aligned with improving the lives of ALICE families and individuals. Applications will be accepted through October 17, 2025, with funded projects expected to begin in January 2026.
Full application details—including eligibility requirements, timelines, and the review rubric—are available online at www.unitedwaysci.org/grantportal. To guide applicants through the process, UWSCI will host an informational presentation on Friday, September 19, from 12:00–1:30 PM at the United Way office in Bloomington. Attendees may participate in person or virtually, and additional virtual office hours will be available to address follow-up questions. Community Impact Manager Carmen Chamorro can be contacted at [email protected] or (812) 334-8370 x11 for more information.
Creating Pathways to Possibility
With these grants, UWSCI aims to not only provide immediate support but also empower organizations to implement programs that create lasting change. By targeting financial stability, health, and youth opportunity, the organization hopes to break the cycle of instability that many ALICE families face, enabling them to thrive in both the short and long term.
As the application window opens, nonprofits across south central Indiana are encouraged to consider how their programs can align with UWSCI’s focus areas and contribute to a stronger, more resilient community. With $250,000 on the table, the 2026 Impact Grants promise to be a critical resource for organizations committed to driving meaningful, measurable change for families in need.
