Basic Needs Fund

Geographic Scope: Seven-county Central Indiana service area: Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, and Putnam counties

Focus Areas:

• Safe and affordable housing
• Healthy food access
• Transportation
• Health services
• Support for the region's most vulnerable neighbors

Eligibility:

• Nonprofits not currently accredited with United Way
• Organizations serving low-income and vulnerable populations
• Open to organizations outside United Way's accredited partner network

What They Fund:

• Essential basic needs services
• Housing assistance
• Food access programs
• Transportation support
• Healthcare services

Program Details:
In 2026, $480,000 was awarded to 23 nonprofits through this fund. This is the second year United Way has opened this fund to nonprofits outside its accredited network. A total of 75 organizations submitted letters of intent in the most recent cycle, with 38 invited to submit full applications. Two committees composed of United Way staff, board members, and volunteers reviewed applications and selected recipients. Expected to serve over 59,000 people across Central Indiana.

• Phone: 317-923-1466
• Address: 2955 North Meridian Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46208
• Website: uwci.org

Application Process

1. Letter of Intent Submission
   • Organizations submit letters of intent
   • Approximately 75 organizations submitted in 2026 cycle
   • 38 were invited to submit full applications
   • Specific deadline varies by year
2. Full Application
   • Invited applicants submit full applications
   • Applications reviewed by committees
   • Committees composed of United Way staff, board members, and community volunteers
3. Review and Selection
   • Competitive review process
   • Selection based on alignment with fund priorities and organizational capacity

Required Application Components

Specific details not provided in available content, but based on structure:

• Letter of intent describing organizational mission and need
• Full application (when invited)
• Demonstration of serving low-income populations
• Description of basic needs services provided
• Budget and financial information
• Evidence of organizational capacity