Community Impact Grant

Community Impact Grant

The mission of United Way Northwest Indiana is to unite and mobilize partners, volunteers, and resources to advance economic stability for families to build healthier, more resilient communities. United Way NWI is seeking innovative and impactful proposals that support ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) with focus on families with children throughout Lake, Porter, Jasper, Newton, and Starke Counties.

Should your request be accepted, your organization agrees to host or participate in a Day of Caring project opportunity and conduct a Workplace Campaign during the grant period. Additionally, organizations awarded funding agree to include the United Way NWI logo and recognize UWNWI support in all applicable program materials, marketing, media, and communications related to the funding initiative.

Please note: Applications for the 2026 Community Impact Grant program are closed. United Way of Northwest Indiana expects to begin accepting applications for the 2027 grant program in summer 2027, with award notifications planned for fall 2027.

Check back for application details, important dates, and program updates.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be recognized as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) Revenue Code
  • Provide direct services within Lake, Porter, Jasper, Newton, and/or Starke counties
  • Be in good standing with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements

Funding Period and Use of Funds

Funding requests should support programs and services occurring between October 1, 2026 - December 31, 2027 and may be used for:

  • Program operations
  • Staffing support (limited to 75%)
  • Equipment and materials
  • Pilot or expansion programs
  • Administrative Support limited to 10%

Reporting Requirements

  • Provide quarterly progress updates
  • Submit outcome and impact reports
  • Provide financial accountability documentation
  • Participate in site visits and reviews as requested.
  • Co-brand program/project with United Way Northwest Indiana

Application Review & Timeline

Applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis prior to the deadline to allow United Way staff to provide technical feedback where appropriate. Check back for the 2027 Application and Timeline.

Congratulations to our 2026 Community Impact Grant Recipients: 
YOUTH OPPORTUNITY

Appleseed Childhood Education 
Paths to Quality 4: Increasing access to high-quality early childhood education through quality improvement support.

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Northwest Indiana
Scholarship Programming: Providing scholarships to expand access to high-quality programming for youth across Northwest Indiana.

Building Blocks Childcare 
Building Strong Futures: Expanding access to quality childcare and early learning opportunities.

The Growing Patch Learning Center
Equipment and Supplies for New School Year: Upgrading equipment and supplies to support a safe, high-quality learning environment for the new school year.

FINANCIAL STABILITY

Center of Workforce Innovations 
Fast Track to Top Jobs Bootcamp: Delivering a workforce readiness bootcamp to connect individuals with in-demand careers and pathways to economic mobility.

HEALTHY COMMUNITY

Community Help Network 
Buddy Bags Program: Providing food-filled Buddy Bags to support individuals and families facing food instability.

Community Services of Northwest Indiana 
Summer Lunch Sack Program: Providing nutritious meals to children during the summer months.

Crossroads YMCA 
ALICE Family Access Subsidy Program: Expanding access to YMCA programs and services for ALICE individuals and families through financial assistance supporting youth development, healthy living, and family well-being.

Food Bank of Northwest Indiana 
Regional Food Access and Agency Support Initiative: Expanding regional food access and strengthening agency capacity to better serve individuals and families across Northwest Indiana.

Hilltop Neighborhood House 
Emergency Food Access and Navigation Liaison Network: Increasing access to emergency food and connecting individuals and families to additional support services through a navigation liaison network.

Meals on Wheels Northwest Indiana 
Feeding Families Program: Delivering nutritious meals to homebound individuals and families in the Gary community.

NWI No Child Hungry 
Buddy Program: Providing weekend food support to students to help reduce childhood hunger.
 

 

Red Arches