BLOOMINGTON – In a major push to strengthen the regional safety net, the United Way of South Central Indiana (UWSCI) has announced the distribution of $250,000 in 2026 Impact Grants. The funding will be split among ten high-impact nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of residents across Brown, Greene, Lawrence, Monroe, Orange, and Owen counties.
The investment is specifically designed to support ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households—individuals and families who work hard but earn just above the federal poverty level, leaving them unable to afford basic necessities like housing, childcare, and healthcare.
Each of the ten selected organizations will receive a one-year $25,000 grant. According to UWSCI leadership, these funds are directed toward programs that address the root causes of instability by focusing on three pillars: Financial Security, Healthy Community, and Youth Opportunity.
“This group of nonprofits is doing incredible work to create pathways to stability for families across South Central Indiana,” said Randy Rogers, President & CEO of United Way of South Central Indiana. “These investments strengthen programs that help families access food, housing, healthcare, and education. We’re proud to stand alongside these agencies as they open doors for more of our neighbors.”
The selection process was highly competitive. UWSCI reported receiving over $860,000 in grant requests, highlighting the significant need for community support in the region.
The 2026 Impact Grant Recipients
The following organizations have been recognized for their potential to disrupt the cycle of instability for local families:
| Category | Organization | Focus Area |
| Health & Wellness | Amethyst House | Trauma-informed substance use treatment and recovery. |
| Catholic Charities | Sliding-scale mental health therapy for low-income families. | |
| HealthNet Bloomington | Comprehensive primary and behavioral healthcare. | |
| Planned Parenthood | Sexual and reproductive healthcare and screenings. | |
| Youth & Education | Boys & Girls Clubs (Owen Co.) | Out-of-school programming to support working parents. |
| Team OC Mentoring | Trauma-informed youth mentoring and family engagement. | |
| Pathways | Early learning and economic mobility coaching. | |
| Basic Needs | Hoosier Hills Food Bank | Food distribution and SNAP outreach. |
| New Hope for Families | Homelessness prevention and early childhood education. | |
| My Sister’s Closet | Workforce development and professional clothing. |
A Broader Mission
The Impact Grants are a cornerstone of UWSCI’s wider strategy to connect residents to better possibilities. Beyond direct grantmaking, the organization continues to facilitate vital community programs such as the Free Community Tax Service, Bank On Bloomington, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
By focusing on long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes, the United Way aims to ensure that an unexpected expense no longer means a crisis for South Central Indiana families.
For more information on the grantees and their upcoming projects, visit www.unitedwaysci.org/2026-impact-grants-news.
