United Way of Whitewater Valley’s board has announced its 2026-27 grantees.
Community grants are fueled by those participating in United Way of Whitewater Valley’s annual workplace campaign and generous contributions from local individuals and businesses.
Nineteen health and human services agencies in Wayne and Union counties received grants to advance youth opportunity, healthy community or financial security.
United Way officials say their focus on supporting individuals and families who work hard but struggle financially means that many grants under youth opportunity and healthy community also advance financial security via equitable access.
Youth Opportunity
Youth Opportunity grants totaling $26,000 went to Amigos, Birth to Five, Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County, Brighter Path, Communities in Schools, Cope Environmental Center, Every Child Can Read, Junior Achievement, Richmond Family YMCA and Townsend Community Center Inc.
Programs funded by UWWV will support early childhood development and parenting, expand childcare access, provide academic and mentoring support, promote youth mental and behavioral health, build leadership and financial literacy skills, and offer culturally relevant experiences.
Healthy Community
Healthy Community grants totaled $16,500 for Achieva Resources, Food Bank Inc. (doing business as Gateway Hunger Relief), Girls Inc. of Wayne County, Housing Authority of Richmond, Justice and Advocacy (JACY) House, Richmond Parks and Recreation, and Sunrise Therapeutic Riding Center.
Programs will improve access to food and basic needs, teach youth health and safety, support disability-related legal advocacy, and expand access to physical and therapeutic activities that support overall well-being.
Financial Security
Urgent needs are met while barriers to long-term success are removed for multiple generations. Grants to Natco Community Empowerment Center and Refuge of Hope totaled $7,500.
Programs will provide financial literacy and workforce connections, and support stable housing and transitional services for women and children experiencing homelessness.
The 19 awards enhance collaboration built during UWWV’s quarterly nonprofit lunch and learn gatherings, further shared community goals, and complement UWWV’s direct programming to ensure that resources are used effectively.
For details on funded programs, go to givetheunitedway.com/program-partners or call 765-962-2700.
A version of this article appeared in the July 15 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.