2026 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.
Applications are due no later than July 31, 2026 at 5PM Central Time. Submit completed application and all required attachments as one PDF to Grants2026@unitedwaynwi.org. Do not include UWNWI Guidelines with your application. Applicants will receive a confirmation email upon submission.
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. Final funding decisions are anticipated by September 30, 2026, with grant distributions expected to begin October 2026.