$1.1 million distributed to six nonprofits improving financial and social stability for local families
Evansville, IN – United Way of Southwestern Indiana (UWSWI) today announced distribution of $1.1 million in grant funds as part of its Social Stability & Growth Pathways to Potential initiative.
The focus of this Pathway grant is social connection. Strong support networks offer emotional support, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging, which can be vital for navigating challenges and building resilience. By strengthening these bonds, low-income families create the stable foundations they need to build a better life.
Six local, nonprofit organizations were selected to receive grant funding because they demonstrated the ability to help struggling, working families move from a state of constant crisis toward long-term financial and social stability.
Grant Recipients
- Evansville Christian Life Center – $250,000
The GAIN Initiative is a community-based program helping individuals and families overcome barriers through meaningful relationships and practical support. Participants are connected with caring partners and resources that help them move away from in-crisis or extremely unstable situations toward social and financial stability. The majority of this grant funding supports program expansion into Warrick and/or Spencer County.
- Dream Center Evansville – $246,000
Grant funds support expansion of their current “cradle to career” model by training additional volunteer community members to serve as peer mentors and coaches for Dream Center families.
- Community One – $224,300
SS&G grant dollars support expansion of their neighborhood revitalization efforts, including strengthening relationships with residents and completing action projects.
- Habitat for Humanity – $192,749
Pathway grant funds will support a pilot program that helps applicants previously denied homeownership due to debt challenges improve their financial situation. Mentors will work directly with the participants and connect them to relevant resources.
- Catholic Charities (Neighbor to Neighbor Program) – $94,000
The Neighbor to Neighbor program provides individuals and families with the opportunity to move away from financial dependence on social service agencies and toward self-sufficiency. After five weeks of life skill development and financial literacy classes, participants develop four goals to replace negative behaviors with productive and healthy behaviors. SS&G grant dollars will provide support for an additional eight months to program graduates to ensure progress toward financial stability and goal achievement.
- Hospitality & Outreach for Latin Americans (HOLA) – $90,000
SS&G funds will help prepare the younger generation for higher education and career achievements by providing mentors to assist with college visits, financial aid, college applications, and job shadowing.
United Way’s Expert Taskforce members set the parameters for grant applications based on their personal or professional expertise related to generational poverty, social support systems, and programs proven to move the needle on this complex topic. All grant applications were evaluated through a blind review process for quality, fit, financial health of the organization, and program efficiency.
This is the second round of funding for the Social Stability & Growth Pathway. Five organizations received a total of $634,000 in 2023. United Way of Southwestern Indiana’s Pathway Grants are designed to address root causes of poverty and are made possible through the generous donations of individuals and businesses in our community. To support this work, please visit unitedwayswi.org/give.