United Way of Central Indiana Inc
United Way of Central Indiana is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 1918, the organization has operated for over a century as a community-based philanthropy and grantmaking entity. The organization brings together people, resources, and ideas to address poverty and community challenges across a six-county region in Central Indiana.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$255.2M
+0.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$29.9M
+5.5% YoY
Grant Count
370
+20.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$81K
-12.4% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: To support programs and build systems that accelerate financial stability and upward mobility, especially for households facing multiple challenges at once.
Vision: To create a Central Indiana where every person and family can thrive, neighbors lift up one another, and all are proud of the place they call home.
The organization focuses on four key areas of community impact:
- Basic Needs — providing essential services to neighbors in need
- Early Care & Learning — increasing literacy and learning success for children
- Economic Mobility — increasing earnings and building employment pathways
- Safe & Affordable Housing — increasing housing security and reducing homelessness
The organization employs a two-generation approach (2gen) as part of its Family Opportunity Strategy, combining investments, programs, and services in education, workforce development, and overall health and well-being to create positive outcomes for children and adults together. This poverty reduction strategy aims to break intergenerational poverty while removing barriers to opportunity.
Grantmaking
United Way of Central Indiana operates a significant grantmaking program, awarding millions annually to nonprofit partners across the region.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
United Way of Central Indiana serves six counties in Central Indiana:
- Boone
- Hamilton
- Hancock
- Hendricks
- Marion
- Morgan
- Putnam
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Revenue: $77.1 million
- Total Expenses: $62.4 million
- Total Assets: $254 million
- Total Liabilities: $26.8 million
- Number of Employees: 159
The organization has been tax-exempt since March 1938.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $255,154,897 | $253,818,330 | $221,459,629 |
| Revenue | $51,112,879 | $77,143,888 | $54,398,251 |
| Expenses | $61,528,735 | $62,378,816 | $55,648,307 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $17,258,396 | $7,739,385 | $13,870,343 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from United Way of Central Indiana Inc
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2025 grants, the largest include Catholic Charities of Indianapolis ($524,336), American Red Cross Chapter 14164 ($315,000), Catholic Relief Services Usccb ($247,788).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AccessAbility INDIANAPOLIS, IN | Program and/or operating support | $6,250 |
| ADVOCATES FOR EDUCATION INC INDIANAPOLIS, IN | Program and/or operating support | $12,500 |
| ALTERNATIVES INC ANDERSON, IN | Donor Choice | $2,872 |
| ALTERNATIVES INC ANDERSON, IN | Program and/or operating support | $66,668 |
| ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION GREATER INDIANA INDIANAPOLIS, IN | Donor Choice | $11,028 |
| AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY (CENTRAL IN) INDIANAPOLIS, IN | Donor Choice | $12,136 |
| AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY (CENTRAL IN) INDIANAPOLIS, IN | Program and/or operating support | $35,000 |
| AMERICAN RED CROSS CHAPTER 14164 CHICAGO, IL | Donor Choice | $34,744 |
| AMERICAN RED CROSS CHAPTER 14164 CHICAGO, IL | Program and/or operating support | $315,000 |
| ARC OF GREATER BOONE COUNTY THE Lebanon, IN | Donor Choice | $1,723 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dick Hester | TREASURER & SECRETARY | 2 | — |
| Fred Payne | President and CEO | 40 | $453,828 |
| Jeff Harrison | CHAIR | 2 | — |
| Amanda Bonilla | Director | 2 | — |
| Andre Franklin | Director | 2 | — |
| Andrew Michie | Director | 2 | — |
| Ann Merkel | Director | 2 | — |
| Brian Garrison | Director | 2 | — |
| Bryan Mills | Director | 2 | — |
| Chris Lowery | Director | 2 | — |
| Christopher Barney | Director | 2 | — |
| Daniel Diehl | Director | 2 | — |
| Deborah Daniels | Director | 2 | — |
| Dennis Andres | Director | 2 | — |
| Denny Sponsel | Director | 2 | — |
| Denny Stephens | DIRECTOR (BEG 08/01/24) | 2 | — |
| Diana Nolting | Director | 2 | — |
| Geoff Gailey | Director | 2 | — |
| Grace Findley | Director | 2 | — |
| Greg Pemberton | Director | 2 | — |
| James Starbuck | Director | 2 | — |
| Jason Eckerle | Director | 2 | — |
| Jean Wojtowicz | Director | 2 | — |
| Jeb Banner | Director | 2 | — |
| Jennifer Ping | Director | 2 | — |
| Jeremy Buchanan | Director | 2 | — |
| Jimmie McMillian | Director | 2 | — |
| Johna Norton | Director | 2 | — |
| Joseph Smith Jr | Director | 2 | — |
| Julie Singer | Director | 2 | — |
| KALEN JACKSON | Director | 2 | — |
| Kaye Vitug | Director | 2 | — |
| Ken Britt | Director | 2 | — |
| Lauren James | Director | 2 | — |
| Lisa Harris | Director | 2 | — |
| Mandy Parris | Director | 2 | — |
| Maria Wiley | Director | 2 | — |
| Marvin Blade | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| Mary Boelke | Director | 2 | — |
| Max Harper | Director | 2 | — |
| Michael Becher | Director | 2 | — |
| Michael Dilts | Director | 2 | — |
| Michael O'Connor | Director | 2 | — |
| Mike North | Director | 2 | — |
| Neely Pierce | Director | 2 | — |
| Rafael Sanchez | Director | 2 | — |
| Samuel Odle | Director | 2 | — |
| Scott Beier | Director | 2 | — |
| Scott Luc | Director | 2 | — |
| Shelly Smith | Director | 2 | — |
| Stephanie Kim | Director | 2 | — |
| Tekiah Tunstall | Director | 2 | — |
| Tory Castor | Director | 2 | — |
| Jennifer Gallagher | Chief Financial Officer | 40 | $221,481 |
| Regina Ashley | Chief Operating Officer | 40 | $238,335 |
| Ashley Scruggs | VP Talent Management | 40 | $135,707 |
| Denise Luster | Chief Strategic Intelligence and Information Officer | 40 | $200,996 |
| Maarten Bout | VP Major and Transformational Gifts | 40 | $135,050 |
| Penny Keller | Chief Development Officer | 40 | $192,609 |
| Sara VanSlambrook | Chief Impact Officer | 40 | $203,788 |
| Lucia Downton | VICE PRESIDENT OF TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS | 40 | $133,791 |
Contact Information
Address: 2955 N. Meridian Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Phone: (317) 923-1466
Fax: (317) 921-1355
Website: uwci.org
EIN: 35-1007590
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does United Way of Central Indiana Inc fund?
**Mission:** To support programs and build systems that accelerate financial stability and upward mobility, especially for households facing multiple challenges at once. **Vision:** To create a Central Indiana where every person and family can thrive, neighbors lift up one another, and all are proud of the place they call home. The organization focuses on four key areas of community impact: • **Basic Needs** — providing essential services to neighbors in need • **Early Care & Learning** — incre…
How do I apply for a grant from United Way of Central Indiana Inc?
United Way of Central Indiana operates a significant grantmaking program, awarding millions annually to nonprofit partners across the region. **Recent Grant Activity:** • In 2023/24, the organization awarded $10 million in Family Opportunity Fund grants to 29 community-based organizations • Awarded $17.3 million to 71 nonprofits in the region through its accredited partner impact funds • Awarded $1 million to 28 nonprofits outside its accredited network • Awarded $1.2 million to 33 nonprofits o…
Where does United Way of Central Indiana Inc make grants?
United Way of Central Indiana serves six counties in Central Indiana: • Boone • Hamilton • Hancock • Hendricks • Marion • Morgan • Putnam
What size grants does United Way of Central Indiana Inc award?
In 2025, United Way of Central Indiana Inc awarded 370 grants totaling $29.9M — an average of about $81K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is United Way of Central Indiana Inc's EIN?
United Way of Central Indiana Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 35-1007590. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in United Way of Central Indiana Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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