2026 Community Engagement Data Initiative Application

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About the Community Engagement Data Initiative: 
The Community Engagement Data initiative (CEDI) is an eight-month, hands-on initiative designed to help organizations harness the power of data to drive impact and support fundraising efforts. Building on early pilot learnings and insights from three cohorts, the initiative responds to the ongoing need for education and support to help grassroots and faith-based organizations strengthen how they collect, use, and share data to improve access to funding in Central Indiana. Ten organizations will be selected to participate and will work alongside United Way to strengthen their data collection and program outcome tracking. Through individualized, one-on-one project support, participants will address their specific data needs to better capture impact, improve reporting, and increase their competitiveness for funding.


Eligibility:

Participating organizations must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Be a 501(c)3 organization with an annual budget of less than $1 million, or a faith-based organization with a mission aligned with United Way of Central Indiana (link to mission statement: https://www.uwci.org/mission-and-vision) 
  • Provide standard organizational and financial documentation, including a W-9, 501(c)3 determination letter, certificate of insurance and recent proof of budget
  • Serve high-need communities in United Way of Centra Indiana's service area
  • Be located in or primarily serve neighborhoods with high ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and poverty rates. To help determine eligibility, applicants are encouraged to reference United Way of Central Indiana's ALICE and poverty data: ALICE & Poverty Data - United Way of Central Indiana
  • Not have a dedicated data, research, or evaluation staff

Considerations for Success:
Organizations selected to participate will make the following commitments:

  • Commit to attending the welcome session and final celebration, and actively participate in at least five of the six monthly trainings, including completing any related applications and activities
  • Identify one to two individuals from the organization to participate in the initiative (e.g., executive director, staff member, dedicated volunteer, board member, and/or organizational founder)
  • Complete required pre- and post- assessments, and a project planning document to support individualized coaching sessions with the United Way team

About the Application to Participate in the 2026 Community Engagement Data Initiative:

This application will capture organizational information to understand the make-up, mission, and history of your organization. It also asks questions specifically related to your organization’s data and reporting. It should take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. If you have any questions about the application, the initiative, or any other related points, please contact us at research@uwci.org (include Community Engagement Data Initiative in the subject line) and we will be happy to assist you. 

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Part 1: Required Documents
Please attach the following documents:




Part 2: Organizational Questionnaire
Address




Application Contact
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Executive Director










Part 3: Organizational Data Use








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