Taft Indianapolis is pleased to announce it has raised more than $150,000 in its United Way Campaign.

Since 2011, Taft has donated more than $1 million to Ralph Waldo Emerson School (IPS 58) through its partnership with United Way. The funds support an after school program as well as other initiatives to support and increase academic achievement.

In addition to the firm’s ongoing partnership with IPS 58, Taft is stepping up to sponsor life-changing microgrants through Centers for Working Families (CWF). Taft has pledged a $40,000 gift to the Breaking Barriers Grant Program to help put Central Indiana’s most vulnerable neighbors on the path to financial stability.

Through the CWF network, coaches work with clients to help them identify barriers to financial stability. Case managers then apply for a Breaking Barriers Grant, powered by Taft, which can range from $500-$2,000 – depending on the specific need of the client. These grants go beyond survival expenses, such as rent and utilities. Rather, the requests typically fall into the categories of education, transportation and small business/enterprise.

“We are grateful for our partnership with Taft and their generosity in underwriting the Breaking Barriers Grant Program,” said United Way of Central Indiana’s director of financial stability, Michelle Beer. “Taft’s commitment to the mission of United Way, specifically the microgrant program, will leave a lasting impression on Central Indiana families who are struggling to move up the economic ladder. The size of these grants may seem nominal, but the impact that they have on families is significant.”

“Taft’s support of the Breaking Barriers Grant Program brings our partnership full circle – supporting both students and families in our community to fulfill their potential,” said Brad Schwer, Partner-in-Charge of Taft’s Indianapolis office. “This two-generation approach of supporting both IPS 58 and Centers for Working Families provides students access to quality education and families with opportunities to strengthen their financial literacy and stability.”