Community Impact Grant

The Community Impact Grant program is administered by United Way Northwest Indiana, a regional nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing economic stability, strengthening families, and building healthier and more resilient communities. United Way Northwest Indiana operates across Lake, Porter, Jasper, Newton, and Starke counties and works by mobilizing partnerships, volunteers, and resources to address the needs of ALICE populations, defined as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed individuals and families. This grant program represents a strategic funding initiative aligned with the organization’s mission to deliver measurable and sustainable improvements in community well-being. The primary purpose of the Community Impact Grant is to fund innovative and effective programs that improve the lives of working families, particularly those with children. The program emphasizes four key impact areas: financial security, youth opportunity, healthy community, and community resiliency. Applicants are encouraged to propose new or expanded services that directly support these focus areas, with particular priority given to initiatives that strengthen economic mobility and youth development. The program is structured to support projects that demonstrate measurable outcomes and long-term community benefit. Funding is available in award amounts ranging from 5000 to 150000 dollars. Grant funds may be used for a variety of allowable expenses, including program operations, staffing support up to seventy five percent of the budget, equipment and materials, and pilot or expansion initiatives. Administrative costs are capped at ten percent of the total request. The funding period for supported activities runs from October 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027, and applicants must demonstrate the feasibility of completing their proposed projects within this timeframe. Eligibility for the program is limited to nonprofit organizations that are recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applicants must provide direct services within the specified counties of Northwest Indiana and be in good standing with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Organizations are also expected to demonstrate sufficient capacity to implement their proposed programs and to measure and report on outcomes effectively. The application process requires submission of a completed application and all supporting documentation as a single PDF file via email. Required attachments include financial documents such as audited financial statements, Form 990, and organizational budgets, as well as governance and operational materials like board lists and organizational charts. Narrative responses are limited in length and must address community need, program impact, alignment with priorities, organizational capacity, and collaboration. Applications are evaluated through a competitive review process based on criteria such as measurable outcomes, organizational strength, and alignment with United Way priorities. Applications are due by July 31, 2026 at 5 PM Central Time, and funding decisions are expected by September 30, 2026. Grant distributions are anticipated to begin on October 15, 2026. While applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis prior to the deadline for feedback purposes, final decisions occur after the closing date. Successful applicants are required to participate in reporting activities, including quarterly updates and outcome reporting, and may also be asked to engage in community initiatives such as Day of Caring events and workplace campaigns. For questions regarding the application process, applicants may contact United Way Northwest Indiana directly via email or phone, including reaching out to the President and CEO or the designated grants email inbox. The program reflects a broader commitment to equitable access and encourages applications from organizations serving diverse and underserved populations throughout the region.

Emphasize measurable outcomes strong organizational capacity and alignment with United Way priorities; demonstrate sustainability and clear community impact