United Way of Central Indiana

Strong reading skills create stronger futures.

United Way of Central Indiana has awarded more than $400,700 in literacy grants to child care providers, schools and nonprofits working to help children build the language and reading skills they need to succeed.

These investments support programs across Central Indiana that are helping create brighter futures through literacy and early learning.

👉 Read more: https://www.uwci.org/blog/2026-literacy-fund

United Way awards over $400,700 in literacy grants to child care providers, schools, nonprofits — United Way of Central Indiana Funding will help serve about 6,000 children across the region

What happens when community leaders come together around a shared purpose?

CONNECT is bringing together nonprofits, businesses, philanthropists and community partners for an immersive experience focused on alleviating poverty and expanding opportunity across Central Indiana.

We’re also honored to welcome newly awarded Pulitzer Prize Winner Brian Goldstone as our featured speaker. His nationally recognized reporting explores housing instability, financial insecurity and the realities facing working families today.

Join us July 20 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for interactive impact experiences, storytelling, networking and meaningful conversations designed to inspire action and connection across our community.

Learn more and register: give.uwci.org/connect

Behind the scenes at the Catalyst Design Lab 👏

Throughout the past few weeks, participants have been challenging assumptions, refining ideas and collaborating around real solutions for our community.

From big conversations to breakthrough moments, it’s been exciting to watch these ideas begin to take shape. We’re looking forward to seeing where the next several weeks lead ahead of the June 25 pitch event.

Learn more at uwci.org/catalyst.

$235,000 is being invested in solutions led by parents.

Through the Power to the Parent Fund, United Way of Central Indiana is supporting programs shaped by the voices and experiences of families across our community.

These grants will support work in areas like housing, mental health, mentorship, and financial stability — helping ensure families have what they need to thrive.

👉 Read more: uwci.org/blog/2026-power-to-the-parent-fund

Say hello to this year’s Catalyst Design Lab participants!

Throughout nine weeks, these leaders aren’t just talking about community challenges. They’re building solutions. They’ll test their ideas, refine what works and move closer to pitching for funding to bring their concepts to life.

We can’t wait to see where this journey leads.

Learn more about Catalyst: uwci.org/catalyst

Real change happens when we come together.

Join us for CONNECT, United Way of Central Indiana's inaugural convening focused on reducing poverty and expanding opportunity across our region.

This dynamic forum will bring together community leaders, partners and philanthropists to reflect on the impact we’ve made and explore what comes next. Expect meaningful conversation, interactive experiences and opportunities to build connections across sectors.

Featuring Brian Goldstone, author of There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America.

📅 July 20, 2026
🕒 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
📍 Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Join us in shaping what’s next for Central Indiana.

🎟️ Get tickets: give.uwci.org/connect

We’re grateful to be featured by WTHR-TV as we introduce Volunpair, our new volunteer hub for Central Indiana.

Thank you to our CEO Fred Payne and Volunpair Executive Director Melba Salmon for sharing how this initiative is making it easier to connect people with meaningful ways to give back.

We also appreciate our partner Society of St Vincent de Paul Indianapolis Council for joining the conversation and helping highlight the importance of expanding access to volunteerism across our community.

👉 Watch the segment: https://www.wthr.com/video/news/local/united-way-of-central-indiana-highlights-new-volunteer-hub-website/531-5c535674-cbdb-4660-be0b-8193536786d8

After 35 years at Eli Lilly and Company, Steve Gillman didn’t step away from service. He expanded it.

Today, he volunteers with organizations like Society of St Vincent de Paul Indianapolis Council, Thriving Families, Starfish Initiative, and Brightlane Learning, while also advocating for policies that address food insecurity and support families across Central Indiana.

Mentorship remains at the center of his work. After mentoring more than 20 engineers during his career, he now continues to guide others in retirement, from youth to adults.

👉 Read more: uwci.org/blog/steve-gillman

In retirement, Steve Gillman found his purpose: to serve others — United Way of Central Indiana Since retiring from Eli Lilly and Company after 35 years, Steve has devoted himself to volunteering, advocating and mentoring young people throughout the community

Day is powered by partnership.

Today, more than 1,100 volunteers supported 80+ organizations across Central Indiana, and it would not have been possible without the support of our incredible sponsors.

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance
Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis
Main Event Merchandise Group
Centra Credit Union
BMO U.S.
INvestEd
NCAA
TWG Development, Management and Construction
CM Buck & Associates Inc.

Thank you for showing up for our community and helping create meaningful impact across the region.

We’re proud to partner with each of you.