United Way of Central Indiana

**At United Way of Central Indiana, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live the life they’re capable of living. For more than a century, we've been bringing together people, resources and ideas to make that belief a reality.** Our roots date back to 1918, when the community gathered at Monument Circle to drop coins and dollars into a massive War Chest — a powerful show of unity that helped fund relief agencies during the flu pandemic and support the war effort. Over the decades, United Way became known as the “community chest,” mobilizing generosity through city-wide campaigns and workplace giving. Today, we carry that same spirit forward with a sharpened focus: fighting poverty at its roots by investing in long-term solutions and responding to the immediate needs of our neighbors in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties. ****MISSION**** Our **mission** is to support programs and build systems that accelerate financial stability and upward mobility, especially for households facing multiple challenges at once. ****VISION**** It's our **vision** to create a Central Indiana where every person and family can thrive, neighbors lift up one another up, and we are all proud of the place we call home. To measurably reduce the number of financially unstable households, United Way is focused on the top predictors of poverty: ****Poverty is one of the greatest challenges facing Central Indiana.**** ****BASIC NEEDS**** to provide essential services to our neighbors in need ****EARLY CARE & LEARNING**** to increase literacy and learning success for children ****ECONOMIC MOBILITY**** to increase earnings and build employment pathways ****SAFE & AFFORDABLE HOUSING**** to increase housing security and reduce homelessness We address poverty at every level - from urgent needs to long-term opportunity. In partnership with more than 100 community organizations, we invest in programs that empower people and families to build better futures. Our approach includes a two-generation, "2Gen," model that supports both children and the adults in their lives; a strong commitment to data, collaboration and equity; and a strategic mix of grantmaking, policy advocacy and systems-level change. **We don't do this work alone.** Our impact is powered by the thousands of donors, volunteers, advocates and partners who are united in building a stronger, more equitable Central Indiana - for everyone.