Family Support Services of West Central Indiana won the top prize – a $50,000 award – Thursday, April 27 at a United Way of Central Indiana pitch contest held in Indianapolis.
During Propel, the nonprofit was one of seven human services organizations to pitch ideas on how to reduce barriers for those from under-resourced communities or asset-limited backgrounds.
The event’s sponsor, media company Audiochuck, selected Family Support Services as the winner of the $50,000 prize. The organization addresses domestic violence in rural Indiana and will use the funds toward its supportive housing program – with the goal of ending homelessness.
In all, more than $100,000 was awarded to nonprofits at Thursday's event.
A $35,000 award, presented by United Way and selected by a panel of judges, went to Ivy Tech Foundation. Funds will support Ivy Tech’s ELEVATE program, which assists those who have been involved in the criminal justice system and aims to reduce recidivism through workforce development.
Members of the public voted for the Heritage Group People’s Choice Award, giving $18,271 to Project WILL, Inc. The organization 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.
The four other organizations that pitched their ideas live Thursday received $2,000:
Circle City Village
Fathers and Families Center
Fight for Life Foundation
Indianapolis Legal Aid Society
About 130 people attended Propel, held at High Alpha in Indianapolis. The event also was streamed live on United Way’s YouTube channel.
In February, nonprofits were invited to submit letters of interest and a five-minute 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.
This is United Way’s second Propel event. The first was held in June, in front of a live audience of about 100 people at The AMP at 16 Tech in Indianapolis.
Judging the $35,000 award presented by United Way on Thursday were:
Andre Franklin, Crowe (United Way board member)
Nashelle Frazier, Fifth Third Bank
Joanne Jones, Heritage Group
Roger Shuman, TechPoint
Keith Veal, Buckingham Foundation
