Basic Needs Fund
Funding Amount
Varies by organization
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Grant Type
foundation
Overview
Basic Needs Fund
Geographic Scope: Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties in Central Indiana
Focus Areas: Life's essentials including:
Eligibility: Nonprofits outside United Way's accredited partner network
Status: Active. In 2026, United Way awarded $480,000 to 23 nonprofits, expected to serve over 59,000 people across Central Indiana.
Background: This is the second year United Way has opened the fund to nonprofits outside its accredited network as part of expanding investments across Central Indiana's seven-county service area.
Contact: United Way of Central Indiana, 2955 North Meridian Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46208; 317-923-1466; Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
How to Apply
Application Process
1. Letter of Intent Stage: Submit letter of intent in August
2. Full Application: Invited organizations submit full applications
3. Review: Applications reviewed by committees composed of United Way staff, board members and community volunteers
4. Selection: Grant recipients announced
Note: In 2026, 75 organizations submitted letters for Basic Needs funding, with 38 invited to submit full applications.
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
Categories
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