New grants available for local nonprofits

Funding for more nonprofit organizations is available from the United Way of Central Indiana. 

The organization announced that two of its grant programs will open to groups outside of its accredited network. United Way said this is the first time it has opened up this type of funding to groups outside of its network.

The basic needs fund helps nonprofits that assist with affordable housing, access to healthy food, transportation and health services. The family opportunity fund is for nonprofits that offer wraparound support to families struggling financially.

Sarah VanSlambrook, chief impact officer at United Way of Central Indiana, explained why the organization made the decision to offer these funds to other nonprofits in its seven county area.

“[We’re] really being thoughtful and intentional about how can we be the best partner we can be, and also how can we do that in more ways, with more organizations, and in more places,” she said, “this new funding enables us to expand our community partnerships beyond our current network.”

United Way of Central Indiana encouraged nonprofits that are interested to apply for the grants. Organizations do need to attend a virtual workshop on either October 8 or October 10 to learn more about the focus areas of the grants, something that VanSlambrook stressed the importance of.

“We really want those organizations that are planning to apply to be able to hear all the ins-and-outs of the application, understand what we’re looking for, so there’s equitable access to our team,” she said.

Grant applications open October 11. United Way will announce the grant recipients in February.