United Way of Central Indiana Inc
United Way of Central Indiana is a public charity based in Indianapolis, Indiana. It supports programs and systems intended to advance financial stability and upward mobility for people and families living in or near poverty, with work focused on Central Indiana’s basic needs, early care and learning, economic mobility, and safe and affordable housing.
United Way of Central Indiana Inc at a glance
In short: United Way of Central Indiana Inc gave $29.9M across 370 grants in 2025 (avg $81K), mostly in Indiana. 27% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $29,891,414
- +5.5% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 370
- +20.5% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $80,788
- -12.4% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $16,239
- Total assets
- $255,154,897
- +0.5% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 27% first-time grantees (72 of 271, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Indiana (89% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to United Way of Central Indiana Inc
- Contact
Mailing address: 2955 N Meridian St Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Phone: (317) 923-1466
Website: https://uwci.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from United Way of Central Indiana Inc
Who United Way of Central Indiana Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was The Damien Center ($1.8M across 2 grants). Together the top 10 received $9.1M.
Grant Size Distribution
1,988 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 1,412 grants of 1,988 (71%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The stated service area comprises Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, and Putnam counties in Central Indiana. In 2025, 89% of grant dollars went to Indiana recipients; the filing also reports grants to recipients in Illinois, Florida, Maryland, and Iowa.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 370 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is United Way of Central Indiana Inc open to new grantees?
27%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 72 of 271 grantees (27%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $79K; repeat grants $122K. How we count
Medians: $15K first-time, $30K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $28.3M (2024) to $38.8M (2022). In 2025 it made 370 grants totaling $29.9M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Damien Center Indianapolis, IN | Program and/or operating support | $1,741,460 |
| The Salvation Army (Central Territory) Hoffman Estates, IL | Program and/or operating support | $1,125,000 |
| Martin Luther King Multi-Service Center Indianapolis, IN | Program and/or operating support | $1,027,425 |
| Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana Indianapolis, IN | Program and/or operating support | $818,005 |
| Lutheran Child & Family Services of Inky Indianapolis, IN | Program and/or operating support | $740,271 |
| Flanner House of Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN | Program and/or operating support | $738,713 |
| Indianapolis Urban League Indianapolis, IN | Program and/or operating support | $729,120 |
| Edna Martin Christian Center Indianapolis, IN | Program and/or operating support | $715,283 |
| Hawthorne Community Center Indianapolis, IN | Program and/or operating support | $698,208 |
| Community Alliance of the Far Eastside Indianapolis, IN | Program and/or operating support | $673,834 |
Ready to take the next step with United Way of Central Indiana Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $255,154,897 | $51,112,879 | $61,528,735 | $29,891,414 | 370 | $17,258,396 |
| 2024 | $253,818,330 | $77,143,888 | $62,378,816 | $28,319,794 | 307 | $7,739,385 |
| 2023 | $221,459,629 | $54,398,251 | $55,648,307 | $32,706,719 | 373 | $13,870,343 |
| 2022 | $217,442,591 | $59,941,831 | $60,103,440 | $38,828,267 | 422 | $10,217,194 |
| 2021 | $243,230,085 | $87,284,758 | $58,787,628 | $38,247,389 | 516 | $7,968,806 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s mission is to partner to design, support, and grow systems that accelerate financial stability and upward mobility for individuals and families living in or near poverty. Its website describes a two-generation approach that supports children and adults together.
Its stated focus areas include basic needs, early care and learning, economic mobility, and safe and affordable housing. Grantmaking and related initiatives also support family opportunity and the human services sector. The organization describes basic-needs investments as helping community organizations provide essentials such as shelter, food, health services, and transportation. Its sector-support work includes organizational capacity, infrastructure, leadership development, technical assistance, and technology.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate the range of community work represented among its grantees. The Damien Center describes its mission as providing comprehensive health care, education, and services for people living with or at risk for HIV and people seeking a safe and welcoming home for care. The Martin Luther King Community Center says it focuses primarily on youth, seniors, and families. Flanner House describes work to empower individuals, children, and families through educational, social, and economic resources.
Grantmaking
The 2025 filing reports 370 grants totaling $29,891,414. Grant amounts ranged from $86 to $1,741,460, with a median of $16,238. The filing lists program and/or operating support as the purpose of each of the largest grants. The website says grant applications are reviewed using an objective rubric and scored by a team of board members, staff, and community volunteers.
Largest listed 2025 grants included $1,741,460 to the Damien Center; $1,125,000 to The Salvation Army (Central Territory); $1,027,425 to the Martin Luther King Multi-Service Center; $818,005 to Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana; $740,271 to Lutheran Child & Family Services of Indiana; and $738,713 to Flanner House of Indianapolis. Other large recipients included Indianapolis Urban League ($729,120), Edna Martin Christian Center ($715,283), Hawthorne Community Center ($698,208), and Community Alliance of the Far Eastside ($673,834).
The Family Opportunity Fund supports organizations with programs intended to improve the education, financial stability, and well-being of families. Funds may support existing, new, or expanded programs; awarded organizations must report outcomes, participate in a longitudinal data partnership with the State of Indiana, and submit annual gross household income reports for people served. The published application cycle for awards beginning January 1, 2027, closed July 2, 2026. The funder says the grant cycle for organizations outside its accredited partner network will not continue beyond the current period ending March 31, 2027.
The Community Engagement Data Initiative is an eight-month program for 10 grassroots and faith-based organizations, including direct-service nonprofits with annual budgets under $1 million serving people living in or near poverty. It offers data learning sessions, coaching, tools, peer learning, and a $5,000 grant for organizational data strategy. Its listed deadline, April 1, 2026, has passed.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Fred Payne as President and CEO; Dick Hester as Treasurer and Secretary; and Jeff Harrison as Chair. Directors listed include Amanda Bonilla, Andre Franklin, Andrew Michie, Ann Merkel, Brian Garrison, Bryan Mills, and Chris Lowery.
United Way of Central Indiana Inc is led by Fred Payne, President & CEO since 2024 (on filings since 2023); 9 of 61 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Fred Payne
President & CEO
President & Chief Executive Officer → President & CEO, 2024
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$156K (2023) → $454K (2025)
Jeff Harrison
Chair
Director → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Andre Franklin
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ann Merkel
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Brian Garrison
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bryan Mills
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Deborah Daniels
Director
Vice Chair → Chair, 2023
Chair → Director, 2025
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Grace Findley
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Greg Pemberton
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jean Wojtowicz
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeb Banner
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jimmie McMillian
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Johna Norton
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Julie Singer
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kalen Jackson
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lisa Harris
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mary Boelke
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael Becher
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael O'Connor
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mike North
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rafael Sanchez
Director
Director & Board Chair → Chair, 2022
Chair → Director, 2023
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Scott Beier
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Scott Luc
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Stephanie Kim
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tory Callaghan Castor
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Amanda Bonilla
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Denny Sponsel
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Geoff Gailey
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
James Starbuck
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jason Eckerle
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kaye Vitug
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lauren James
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mandy Parris III
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Maria Wiley
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tekiah Tunstall
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Daniel Diehl
Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Max Harper
Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Shelly Smith
Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Andrew Michie
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Chris Lowery
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dennis Andres
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Diana Nolting
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer Ping
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeremy Buchanan
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joseph Smith Jr.
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ken Britt
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Neely Pierce
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christopher Barney
Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Denny Stephens
Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Marvin Blade
Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael Dilts
Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Samuel Odle
Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sara VanSlambrook
Chief Impact Officer
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$168K (2021) → $204K (2025)
Penny Keller
Chief Development Officer
Chief Fundraising & Engagement Officer → Chief Fundraising Officer, 2024
Chief Fundraising Officer → Chief Development Officer, 2025
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$174K (2022) → $193K (2025)
Lucia Downton
Vice President of Technology & Operations
Technology & Operations Vice President → Vice President of Technology & Operations, 2024
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$159K (2023) → $134K (2025)
Denise Luster
Chief Strategic Intelligence & Information Officer
Chief Strategic Intelligence Officer → Chief Strategic Intelligence & Information Officer, 2025
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$188K (2024) → $201K (2025)
Jennifer Gallagher
Chief Financial Officer
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$192K (2024) → $221K (2025)
Regina Ashley
Chief Operating Officer
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$212K (2024) → $238K (2025)
Ashley Scruggs
Vice President Talent Management
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$136K (2025)
Maarten Bout
Vice President Major & Transformational Gifts
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$135K (2025)
Dick Hester
Treasurer & Secretary
Secretary → Treasurer & Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (55)
- Former: Kelley Karn (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Mike Dilts (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Natalie Guzman (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Sam Odle (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Chris Barney (2022–2024) — Director
- Former: Heather Harris (2022–2024) — Treasurer
- Former: Josh Fleming (2022–2024) — Director
- Former: Kimberly Roop (2022–2024) — Director
- Former: Leah Arenz (2022–2024) — Director
- Former: Mike Becher (2022–2024) — Director
- Former: Mike O'Connor (2022–2024) — Director
- Former: Nirav Shah (2022–2024) — Director
- Former: Peter Hanscom (2024) — Vice President of Marketing
- Former: Ann D Murtlow (2021–2023) — President & Chief Executive Officer
- Former: Georgiana Reynal (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Gina A Miller (2021–2023) — COO, CFO & Assistant Treasurer
- Former: John Mason (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Julianne Burns (2021–2023) — CEO & Jumpin
- Former: Kristina Lund (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Mamon Powers III (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: MeChelle Callen (2021–2023) — Chief Talent & Culture Officer
- Former: Ninad Thanawala (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Rebecca Lynch (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Troy Gilstorf (2022–2023) — Director
- Former: Jim Wispinski (2023) — Director
- Former: Marianne Wiley (2023) — Director
- Former: Chris Rigsbee (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Claire Fiddian-Green (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Connie Bond Stuart (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Darrin Orr (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Gregory Fennig (2021–2022) — Chief Marketing, Communications & Community Relations Officer
- Former: Mark Lemieux (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Matt Cohoat (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Patzetta Trice (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Rod Cotton (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Scott Bruns (2021–2022) — Treasurer
- Former: Susanne Wasson (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Clay Robbins (2022) — Director
- Former: Dan Diehl (2022) — Director
- Former: James Macdonald (2022) — Director
- Former: Abbe Hohmann (2021) — Director
- Former: Claudette Einhorn (2021) — Director
- Former: Dennis Sponsel (2021) — Director
- Former: Geoffrey Gailey (2021) — Director
- Former: Heather Willey (2021) — Director
- Former: Jim MacDonald (2021) — Director
- Former: Joe Gilbert (2021) — Director
- Former: Lauren Peterson (2021) — Director
- Former: Mark Ratekin (2021) — Director
- Former: N Clay Robbins (2021) — Director
- Former: Nicole Lorch (2021) — Director
- Former: Penny Lee (2021) — Chief Fundraising & Engagement Officer
- Former: Richard Hester (2021) — Director
- Former: Terry Yen (2021) — Director
- Former: Tobin Richer (2021) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $454K, to Fred Payne (President and CEO). 9 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about United Way of Central Indiana Inc
How much does United Way of Central Indiana Inc give each year?
United Way of Central Indiana Inc gave $29.9M across 370 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $28.3M across 307 grants.
What is United Way of Central Indiana Inc's typical grant size?
United Way of Central Indiana Inc's median grant in 2025 was $16,239, and its average grant was $80,788, across 370 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from United Way of Central Indiana Inc that year got $79K on average.
Where does United Way of Central Indiana Inc give grants?
United Way of Central Indiana Inc gives mostly in Indiana: 89% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was Illinois (5%). The most frequent recipient cities were Indianapolis, IN (190 grants), Noblesville, IN (9 grants), Carmel, IN (9 grants) and Martinsville, IN (7 grants).
Does United Way of Central Indiana Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 32% of United Way of Central Indiana Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (117 of 370) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Donor Choice" (253 grants).
Who are United Way of Central Indiana Inc's largest grantees?
United Way of Central Indiana Inc's largest 2025 grantees include The Damien Center ($1,761,004 across 2 grants), The Salvation Army (Central Territory) ($1,125,000) and Martin Luther King Multi-Service Center ($1,038,811 across 2 grants), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 13% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is United Way of Central Indiana Inc?
United Way of Central Indiana Inc reported $255.2M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $51.1M.
What does United Way of Central Indiana Inc fund?
The organization’s mission is to partner to design, support, and grow systems that accelerate financial stability and upward mobility for individuals and families living in or near poverty. Its website describes a two-generation approach that supports children and adults together. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from United Way of Central Indiana Inc?
United Way of Central Indiana Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check uwci.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
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.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 12, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 12, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 29, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS November 6, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in United Way of Central Indiana Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Indiana
Duke Energy Foundation
Charlotte, NC
The Duke Energy Foundation funds workforce and local economic development, disaster resilience, conservation, clean water, and economic opportunity in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000; applications for grants of $20,000 or less are accepted year-round, after applicants discuss proposals with a state representative.
Assets
$1.9M
Grants
41
Total Given
$25.6M
Lilly Endowment Inc
Indianapolis, IN
Lilly Endowment funds community development, education and youth, and religion, with priority given to Indianapolis and Indiana and some national support, especially for religion. Its 2025 grants had a median of $100,000, though awards varied widely; for community development requests, it suggests starting with a brief preliminary letter.
Assets
$105.9B
Grants
2,285
Total Given
$3.9B
Central Indiana Community Foundation Inc
Indianapolis, IN
Through its funds and collaborative entities, CICF supports a broad range of charitable work, including equity, food access, childcare, arts, nature, and youth programs, primarily in Central Indiana. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $25,000; some funds offer competitive applications, while others are invitation-only, and CICF itself does not directly award grants.
Assets
$583.5M
Grants
525
Total Given
$31.1M
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports charitable and educational nonprofits in communities where Enterprise Mobility operates, focusing on health, education, arts, and disaster relief; applicants must be actively supported by an Enterprise Mobility team member, spouse, or domestic partner. Giving varies widely: it reported 9,499 grants in 2024, but its 2025 filing showed one grant of $101.4 million, so that amount is not a typical award. Applications are accepted at any time through eligible Enterprise-affiliated applicants; the Foundation does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
National Collegiate Athletic Association
Indianapolis, IN
The NCAA funds college sports, including member conferences and schools, championships, student-athlete programs, coaching and athletics administration, and academic initiatives. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $61.9 million, with a median of $16,228; recipients were across the United States, with the largest reported shares in Texas, North Carolina, Illinois, and Alabama. The profile does not state whether the NCAA accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
591
Total Given
$627.8M
University of Notre Dame du Lac
Notre Dame, IN
The University of Notre Dame supports student aid, Catholic education and mission, research, academics, athletics, and other university priorities, with grants reported to organizations and institutions in multiple U.S. states. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,500 to $36.5 million, with a median of $30,480; some specific programs solicit eligible proposals, but no general policy on unsolicited requests is stated.
Assets
$29.6B
Grants
462
Total Given
$84.8M
More similar funders
More Funders in Indiana
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). United Way of Central Indiana Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 9, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-central-indiana-inc-morg_29241e75645f4a079d0766a176819168
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_351007590_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{United Way of Central Indiana Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-central-indiana-inc-morg_29241e75645f4a079d0766a176819168},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-09. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from United Way of Central Indiana Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
United Way of Central Indiana Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?