Human Services Professional Renewal Program

Human Services Professional Renewal Program is sponsored by Lilly Endowment Inc. (administered by United Way of Central Indiana). This program invites employees of United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI) member agencies to apply for grants that will fund renewal experiences, nurturing professionals in social service sectors to enrich the lives of their communities.

Human Services Professional Renewal Program — United Way of Central Indiana The Human Services Professional Renewal Program, through the financial support of Lilly Endowment, Inc., invests in the wellness of hard-working, dedicated human services professionals by providing opportunities to engage in an individually designed plan for renewal.

Professional renewal is a deliberate process of restoration and personal growth that enables individuals to reconnect with their sense of purpose, enhance their well-being, and sustain their impact in the workplace. It involves engaging in activities that foster relaxation, learning, creativity, and self-care, ensuring continued professional fulfillment and effectiveness.

Eligible human services professionals may submit an application of up to $15,000 to engage in activities designed for professional renewal.

Eligible human service professionals must: Be an employee of United Way of Central Indiana or an employee of a United Way of Central Indiana accredited organization; AND Have been employed by their current organization five (5) or more consecutive years as of the application deadline; AND Primarily serve clients in United Way of Central Indiana’s service area (Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, and Putnam counties); AND Have been employed eight (8) or more consecutive years by a human services nonprofit organization as of the application deadline; AND Not have previously received a Human Services Professional Renewal Program award; AND Submit their application prior to the deadline of noon ET on Monday, June 1, 2026.

Submit a detailed budget of proposed renewal activities; AND Enter into a written agreement with United Way of Central Indiana which states the rights and obligations of both parties; AND Complete an IRS W-9 form (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification); AND Bear the responsibility for paying federal, state and local taxes on the grant (Please note: recipients may allot up to 25 percent of their requested grant total); AND Participate in a follow-up seminar to share experiences and learnings with other grantees; AND Complete a final report detailing expenditures, activities and learnings; AND Return any unused funds to United Way of Central Indiana upon the end of the grant period unless granted written exception.

2026-2027 Application Dates: Applications Open: April 13, 2026 Applications Close: June 1, 2026 | noon ET 2026-2027 Notification and Award Dates Award Notifications: August 2026 Celebration Event: October 2026 Contract Start Date: November 1, 2026 Post-Award Seminar: November 2027 Grant Period Ends: November 30, 2027 Final Reports Due: December 14, 2027 Before beginning your application, please be sure to carefully review the eligibility and award requirements to ensure you meet all criteria.

If you have any questions regarding your eligibility, please email dejah. cyrus@uwci. org .

Click below to view the application guide or to begin your application. Application Scoring Rubric An organization may request a supplemental grant of up to $5,000 if it can demonstrate the necessity to hire substitute staff in order for the applicant to participate in the renewal program. Organizations can only receive one supplemental per grant period.

Applications must be submitted before the deadline, June 1, 2026, at noon ET. Click below to view the application guide or to begin your application. Supplemental Application Guide Professional renewal is a deeply personal and individualized experience.

Applicants are encouraged to reflect on what activities will provide them with a true sense of renewal. While these guidelines highlight a range of previously funded activities, they serve only as examples. In the application, applicants will be asked to outline their proposed renewal activities and articulate why these experiences will be meaningful for their renewal journey.

The following are examples of renewal activities that have been funded through this program. These illustrate the wide range of experiences applicants have pursued, but they are not an exhaustive list. Applicants are encouraged to propose activities that are personally meaningful and aligned with their own renewal needs.

Culinary & Cultural Exploration Traveling to Greece for a hands-on food and cooking experience Exploring Israel during Holy Week to deepen cultural and spiritual connections Taking a European music tour to attend lectures, concerts, and play historic organs Visiting London to experience Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and other historical sites Family & Heritage Connections Traveling to Japan to reunite with family and explore ancestral roots Visiting family members who make quilts and documenting family oral history Traveling to Peru to renew family ties and immerse in cultural traditions Taking a family vacation to Morocco to learn about its rich history and heritage Adventure & Nature-Based Renewal Learning to surf in New Zealand to embrace challenge and mindfulness Exploring caves across the United States to experience nature and solitude Visiting Kenya to learn more about elephant conservation and wildlife preservation Taking a guided trek through Iceland’s landscapes for personal reflection Wellness & Spiritual Growth Staying in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora for deep rest and relaxation Taking a Nepalese pilgrimage to visit sacred sites for spiritual renewal Participating in a wellness retreat focused on mindfulness and self-care Traveling to Australia to attend the World Transplant Games in support of health advocacy What types of experience count toward the required eight (8) or more consecutive years with a human services nonprofit organization?

United Way of Central Indiana is currently developing clear and consistent guidelines to define human service nonprofit organizations for the sake of the Human Services Professional Renewal Program. Experience at organizations that meet United Way’s accreditation criteria will qualify automatically.

Other experiences will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with preference given to roles and/or organizational missions aligned with United Way’s goal of accelerating financial stability and upward mobility for individuals and families in or near poverty.

The following criteria comprise the requirements of accredited organizations: Being a legally recognized not-for-profit organization incorporated by the state or a not-for-profit agency with its own governing or advisory board operating as an identified part of another incorporated organization. Maintaining incorporation for at least five years. Employing a minimum of two full-time employees.

Not falling under an organization type excluded from United Way accreditation eligibility.

The following organization types are not eligible for United Way accreditation and, therefore, will need to be considered on a case-by-case basis: Animal welfare organizations Permanent affordable housing development entities Religious organizations, including churches, ministries, or faith-based entities that require religious instruction or primarily support religious institutions Hospital systems, health clinics, diagnostic facilities, and direct health care providers Educational institutions (e.g., schools, colleges, universities) Nursing homes and long-term care facilities Arts and cultural organizations Environmental organizations Do I have to choose an activity related to my specific career, or can I select something different?

No, your renewal activities do not have to be directly related to your profession, but they can be if you choose. The goal is to engage in experiences that provide renewal, whether that’s through rest, creative exploration, cultural immersion, or skill-building. Do I have to travel for my renewal activities?

No, travel is not required. While some applicants choose to take trips, others design renewal experiences that take place locally or at home. Your plan should reflect what will be most meaningful and restorative for you.

I’m not sure how to create a budget—will that be a problem? Not at all! In the initial application, you only need to provide a general overview of your anticipated expenses.

If selected, you will receive guidance on developing a more detailed budget. Am I required to pay taxes on this grant? Is there a specific percentage I should budget for taxes?

Yes, you may allocate up to 25% of your total request (maximum of $3,000) toward taxes to help cover any potential tax liability associated with receiving the grant. Can I include the cost of souvenirs in my budget? All expenses are required to be directly related to your plan for renewal.

If you are able to make the argument that the purchase of souvenirs is integral to your renewal experience, you may include the cost of souvenirs to be reviewed by the committee. Does my Executive Director need to approve my application? No, your Executive Director’s approval is not required to apply.

However, you may choose to discuss your renewal plans with your leadership team if you feel it would be beneficial. Is there a limit on how many people from the same organization can apply each year? No, there is no limit to the number of applicants from a single organization.

Each application will be evaluated individually based on its merits.