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 MISSION**** We support programs and build systems that hasten financial stability and upward mobility, especially for disadvantaged households. ****OUR VISION**** We envision 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. ****OUR HISTORY**** 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 to support local organizations in ending the flu pandemic and World War I. 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: targeting 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. 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. ****Living in or near poverty is about more than a lack of income. It brings with it daily stress, trauma and lack of opportunity. And it's likely to repeat from one generation to the next.**? ** To understand the true extent of financial hardship, United Way uses the ALICE framework. An acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, ALICE households earn above the Federal Poverty Level - too much to receive aid - but not enough to afford the basics of housing, child care, food, transportation, health care and technology. While the Federal Poverty Level has long been used as the basis for determining eligibility for public assistance, ALICE data shows this official measure misses many more who are struggling. For example, the minimum cost for a family of four to live and work in Indiana in 2024 was $74,028 - more than double the Federal Poverty Level figure of $31,200. ALICE households often face impossible choices: Pay for utilities or the car repair? Buy food or fill a prescription?