UNITED WAY NORTHWEST INDIANA LAUNCHES COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT PROGRAM TO INVEST IN SOLUTIONS FOR WORKING FAMILIES

New initiative marks a significant expansion of United Way’s role as a regional catalyst for measurable community impact

United Way Northwest Indiana today announced the launch of its 2026 Community Impact Grant Program, a transformative investment initiative designed to fund innovative solutions that improve the lives of working families across Lake, Porter, Jasper, Newton, and Starke counties.

The new program represents one of the most significant strategic expansions in the organization’s history, positioning United Way Northwest Indiana not only as a fundraiser and community convener, but as a direct investor in programs that address the challenges facing ALICE households—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed families who work hard every day yet struggle to afford the basics.

United Way Northwest Indiana will award grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000 to nonprofit organizations to create measurable, sustainable improvements in four focus areas: financial stability, youth opportunity, healthy community, and community resiliency. 

“United Way has always been committed to improving lives,” said Chris White, President and CEO of United Way Northwest Indiana. “This grant program reflects our belief that we can create even greater impact by investing directly in the organizations and ideas producing measurable results for working families. It represents an important evolution in how we advance our mission and serve Northwest Indiana.”

The launch comes as new ALICE data reveals that a substantial percentage of Northwest Indiana households continue to struggle financially despite being employed. These families are often ineligible for traditional assistance programs yet remain unable to consistently afford housing, childcare, healthcare, transportation, and other essentials.

White said the new grant program is designed to move beyond identifying challenges and toward accelerating solutions.

“For months we have worked to elevate awareness of ALICE families because understanding the problem is the first step toward solving it,” White said. “This initiative is the next step. We are putting resources behind organizations that are creating pathways to economic mobility, strengthening families, and helping children and communities thrive.”

Funding will prioritize projects that demonstrate:
• Measurable outcomes and accountability
• Evidence-based or innovative approaches
• Meaningful scale and community reach
• Strong organizational capacity
• Long-term sustainability
• Alignment with United Way Northwest Indiana’s impact priorities

Special emphasis will be placed on initiatives that strengthen youth opportunity and financial security, while projects supporting healthy community and community resiliency outcomes will also be considered.

Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations providing direct services within United Way Northwest Indiana’s five-county service area. Applications will be accepted through July 31, 2026, with funding decisions anticipated by September 30 and distributions beginning in October.

The Community Impact Grant Program is a key component of United Way Northwest Indiana’s broader strategy to become the leading regional force advancing economic stability and opportunity for working families.

“We believe the future of philanthropy is not simply funding organizations, it is investing in outcomes,” White said. “By identifying high-impact programs, supporting strong community partners, and holding ourselves accountable for results, we can help create lasting change for thousands of families across Northwest Indiana.”

Organizations interested in applying can obtain application materials and additional information by contacting Grants2026@unitedwaynwi.org or visiting  www.unitedwaynwi.org/grants.