United Way of Central Indiana Awards an Additional $1 million in Basic Needs Fund Grants
22 community-based organizations will receive funds to address housing, food, health and transportation access for thousands of struggling households
INDIANAPOLIS – United Way of Central Indiana today announced the final round of grant recipients of the Basic Needs Fund for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.
The Basic Needs Fund is one of three new United Way of Central Indiana impact initiatives announced earlier this year that address poverty in our region by partnering with community-based organizations who align with the goals and metrics of the fund. The Basic Needs Fund specifically targets outcomes in housing, food, health, and transportation.
In this round, 40 organizations applied for grants from the Basic Needs Fund. A 12-member workgroup comprised of United Way board members, staff and community volunteers recommended 22 organizations for unrestricted funding, ranging from $10,000-$90,000 per grant. In the first round of grant funding announced last July, 47 organizations received a total of $4 million.
“With these two phases of grant awards complete, we now have 57 community-based organizations working diligently to provide the essentials for individuals with limited means and necessary services for those in crisis situations,” said Nate Lichti, senior director of the Basic Needs Fund. “We congratulate all of the grant winners and thank them for helping United Way strengthen the safety net in our communities.”
Grant recipients are expected to regularly report and update United Way of Central Indiana on progress toward meeting the goals of the fund to achieve maximum impact for the individuals and families they serve. With $5 million in total grants awarded from the Basic Needs Fund this year, United Way expects an estimated 106,000 individuals and families across Central Indiana who need improved access to food, housing, transportation and healthcare will be served.
2019-2020 BASIC NEEDS FUND GRANTEES – FINAL ROUND
The ARC of Greater Boone County
Bosma Enterprises
Boys & Girls Club of Boone County
Community Alliance of the Far Eastside
Catholic Charities Indianapolis, Inc.
Child Advocates
Children's Bureau
Concord Neighborhood Center
Easterseals Crossroads
Hawthorne Community Center
HVAF of Indiana, Inc.
Indiana Youth Group
Indianapolis Legal Aid Society
Little Red Door Cancer Agency, Inc.
Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic
The Salvation Army
Southeast Community Services
St. Mary’s Child Center
Sycamore Rehabilitation Services Hendricks County Arc, Inc.
Tangram, Inc.
Wellspring Center
Youth Connections
United Way Community Investments for 2019-2020
For the 2019-2020 fiscal year, United Way plans to invest more than $52 million in the community, through programs, grants and services, which include unrestricted grants to community-based organizations and donor designations to nonprofits. Also included are programmatic investments in the Centers for Working Families, the Indy Preschool Scholarship Program, and targeted homelessness initiatives as well as grants from the Energy Assistance Program, the Winter Assistance Fund, the Capital Projects Fund and the Facilities Maintenance Fund.
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About United Way of Central Indiana: United Way is a community of donors, advocates, volunteers, and partners who fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. United Way invites all members of our community to LIVE UNITED by giving, advocating and volunteering to improve lives in Central Indiana. Visit uwci.org to learn more.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jessica DiSanto | Senior Direction of Communicationsoffice: 317-921-1224 | cell: 317-292-5608jessica.disanto@uwci.org
Jennifer Hashem | Public Relations Manageroffice: 317-921-1313 | cell: 563-271-4385jennifer.hashem@uwci.org
*Nate Lichti, United Way senior director of the Basic Needs Fund, is available for interviews.