United Way receives $90,000 grant from Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust

Education

Jul 27

Grant funding will support ReadUP Readers pilot program in 10 Central Indiana preschools

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - United Way of Central Indiana was recently awarded a $90,000 grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. This grant will be used to pilot an enhanced version of the ReadUP Readers program in 10 preschool classrooms. ReadUP Readers is a comprehensive program that engages early childhood teachers, family members and community volunteers to develop early literacy skills and instill a love of books and reading in young children, enhancing kindergarten readiness.

“Early childhood education is one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of poverty,” said Ann D. Murtlow, president and CEO of United Way. “We are very thankful for this grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, which will help us further our mission to give all children in Central Indiana the start they need to be successful in school and beyond.”

The ReadUP Readers program pairs community volunteers with preschool classrooms in select highquality programs serving low-income children. This unique pilot program enhances the traditional ReadUP model by partnering with the Indianapolis Public Library to select and deliver books that children can discuss in the classroom, with copies to take home to begin personal home libraries. Additionally, the program will incorporate professional development for preschool teachers to ensure that they are equipped with the tools necessary to provide an effective and fulfilling learning experience for students.

The grant awarded to United Way represents one of 23 awarded to nonprofit organizations in Indiana by the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust during the first of two grant cycles this year. Since the Trust began its grant making in 1998, it has awarded more than $260 million to 933 nonprofit organizations in its home states of Indiana and Arizona. For more information about the Trust and its programs visit www.ninapulliamtrust.org.

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United Way of Central Indiana helps people learn more, earn more and lead safe and healthy lives. United Way gets things done by mobilizing people and community partners in six Central Indiana counties to identify, advance and advocate the best solutions. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to be part of the change. Visit uwci.org to learn more.