United Way of the Wabash Valley (UWWV) is investing $80,000 to help more children enter school ready to learn through a new grant opportunity focused on improving kindergarten readiness.
The funding will support innovative programs and services that strengthen early childhood development and improve kindergarten readiness for children from birth through age five throughout the Wabash Valley. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 are available to eligible organizations seeking to expand existing programs or launch new initiatives that prepare young children for success in school.
The investment is intended to help local organizations expand access to high-quality early learning opportunities and strengthen the supports that help children enter kindergarten ready to learn. Research shows that the first five years of life lay the foundation for lifelong learning. Children who enter kindergarten ready to learn are more likely to succeed academically, develop strong social-emotional skills, and thrive both in school and beyond. Through this investment, United Way aims to strengthen the network of organizations helping children reach those important milestones.
The Kindergarten Readiness Grant is part of United Way’s ongoing commitment to investing in community partners that help children build a strong foundation for lifelong success while strengthening families across the Wabash Valley.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to begin kindergarten ready to learn and succeed,” said Michele Bennett, Community Impact Director at United Way of the Wabash Valley. “The organizations doing this work every day know what children and families need to thrive. These grants allow us to invest in those organizations so more children have the opportunity to start school with the skills and confidence they need for long-term success.”
Funding may be used to expand the capacity of childcare and early learning programs that support kindergarten readiness, improve program quality, support childcare licensing efforts, provide professional development for educators and caregivers, strengthen parent education, and increase access to early literacy and social-emotional learning opportunities. United Way encourages innovative, evidence-based proposals that demonstrate measurable outcomes for children and families.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, childcare providers, school corporations, local government entities, and other organizations serving children from birth through age five throughout United Way’s service area including Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo Counties in Indiana, and Clark County, Illinois.
Applications are due by 4 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, with funding expected to be announced in November.
Organizations interested in applying can access the online application and complete grant guidelines at uwwv.org/funding. Questions about the grant opportunity may be directed to Jennifer Hopper, Community Impact Specialist, at [email protected] or 812-235-6287.
