(BLACKHAWK REGION) – United Way announces Community Grant awards of more than $2.6 million to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of individuals and families in the Blackhawk Region.
United Way Blackhawk Region’s (UWBR) volunteer board of directors approved $2,638,497 in grants for 30 local health and human service programs.
To conduct its due diligence, UWBR enlisted 50 diverse volunteers and local subject matter experts to examine each application and vet programs on their ability to deliver the greatest community impact and measurable outcomes and help our most vulnerable populations. Community Grant volunteers donated an estimated 762.5 hours to the highly competitive process.
“The integrity of United Way’s volunteer-driven Community Grant process assures donors that responsible stewardship is our top priority,” said Derek Hahn, United Way Blackhawk Region Board Chair. “Three tiers of review are conducted and no fewer than 10 volunteers review each application.”
Community Grants are awarded to programs, not agencies. A nonprofit organization may receive more than one Community Grant depending on the number of applicant programs approved under a single agency’s umbrella. Programs awarded grants in the July 2023 – June 2025 funding cycle will be administered by 16 nonprofit agencies.
United Way works hard to identify every donor and dollar possible to move the needle on tough-to-solve issues, including our region’s pressing problems such as poverty and financial instability, homelessness, food insecurity, lack of affordable childcare, youth development, and mental health care. For example:
Health
$312,847 will be invested in 6 programs to:
- Improve community wellness by ensuring access to medical, dental, and mental health care.
- Afford children opportunities to enhance their health, as well as empower youth about how to make healthy choices and avoid risky behaviors.
- Provide individuals and families with services to lead healthy and productive lifestyles.
Education
$995,000 will be invested via 6 programs to:
- Help kids be ready to learn and succeed in school through access to quality early care and education, and parent/family awareness and engagement.
- Support youth to be successful inside and outside the classroom through mentoring and enrichment opportunities.
- Provide students with pathways to high school graduation, post-secondary success, and workforce preparedness.
Financial Stability
$1,330,650 will be invested across 18 programs to:
- Stabilize families in crisis by providing emergency food, shelter, transportation, rent assistance, and advocacy.
- Help adults become self-sufficient through access to quality and affordable childcare, job training, and wrap around support to overcome barriers to sustaining employment.
- Improve the education level or employability of adults and create more financially secure situations for individuals and their families.
The two-year Community Grant process is designed to award funds to programs demonstrating community need, articulating program efficacy and results. In this funding cycle, 23 applicant programs were awarded 100% of their grant request and the average grant amount is $87,949.
“United Way’s ability to meet the needs of our community is contingent on the generous financial support of individual donors and successful workplace campaigns,” said United Way Blackhawk Region President & CEO Mary Fanning-Penny. “While we consider last year’s campaign and GIVE & WIN Sweepstakes a success, fundraising still has not rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.”
In addition to Community Grants, UWBR also allocates resources for emergency grants and other initiatives. United Way will also continue its investment to provide 211 for the region; 211 is a 24/7 information and referral helpline that can connect residents to local resources.
To find out how to facilitate an employee giving campaign, donate, or learn more about United Way’s work, visit LiveUnitedBR.org or call (608)757-3040.
