United Way awards $100K in pitch competition

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United Way of Central Indiana has awarded more than $100,000 to seven nonprofits as part of Propel, the organization’s pitch competition. The winning teams shared their ideas on how to reduce barriers for those from under-resourced communities or asset-limited backgrounds.

In February, nonprofits were invited to submit a video about their project or idea. A panel of community members and United Way staff reviewed 35 submissions and selected four finalists. Members of the public voted to select the remaining competitors.

Winners included:

• Ivy Tech Foundation was awarded $35,000 for its ELEVATE program, which assists those who have been involved in the criminal justice system and aims to reduce recidivism through workforce development.
• Family Support Services of West Central Indiana received a $50,000 prize. The Putnam County-based organization addresses domestic violence in rural Indiana and will use the funds toward its supportive housing program – with the goal of ending homelessness.
• Project WILL Inc. received an $18,000 prize for its program that works with young adults ages 17 to 35 with behavioral health challenges and helps them through life transitions. It aims to address the disability employment gap and racial employment disparities.

Four other organizations pitched their ideas and received $2,000, including Circle City Village, Fathers and Families Center, Fight for Life Foundation, and Indianapolis Legal Aid Society.