The United Way of Ohio Valley (UWOV) announced that there is an increase in 2026 Impact Funding to support local nonprofit agencies via a press release issued last week. The United Way focuses on helping to support “education, financial stability and health”, which the entity calls “the building blocks for a good life and a strong community”, according to the organization’s website.
Last year, the organization, which consists of around 1,800 community-focused United Way chapters around the world, offered $140,000 in grants to area nonprofit agencies “to help strengthen three key pathways of intervention, affordable housing, homelessness and financial stability”, according to this week’s press release. For 2026, the organization has $180,000 to award to area nonprofit agencies as part of the Impact Funding campaign.
The $180,000 is only a portion of the funds acquired through the UWOV’s annual fundraising campaign. Grants of up to $30,000, an increase from last year’s top award of $20,000, are available to area nonprofit agencies that are not currently United Way Legacy partners — nonprofits that have a current standing relationship and receive annual funding from the United Way.
“United Way is more than a funder; we’re a partner in creating solutions,” said Vikki Embry, Director of Community Impact and Investment with the UWOV. “Our mission is to unite communities to improve the lives of individuals and families, and that means listening first.”
The UWOV has collaborated and funded between 15 and 20 nonprofit organizations in Daviess County, along with an additional 20 to 30 organizations in surrounding counties, through Legacy Partner funding over the past 75 years.
And reducing poverty in our community has been a primary focus of the United Way, Embry said.
“Reducing poverty takes collaboration and innovative solutions,” said Embry. “By increasing both the total pool of funds and the maximum grant size, we hope to strengthen the ability of nonprofits to meet critical needs in our community.”
Impact Funding, according to the press release, “is a pivotal opportunity for UWOV to evolve with the needs of the community…nonprofit organizations that have not previously received United Way support will be eligible to apply (for the grant funding), provided their programs align with the focus areas of the organization. Past Impact grantees will also have the opportunity to apply again to continue their work.”
To be eligible to receive Impact Funding, agencies must be IRS-recognized as the 501© charitable organization and provide services in at least one of the following areas: affordable housing, homelessness or financial stability. Organizations interested in receiving the grant must first submit a Letter of Intent, through the UWOV’s JotForm platform, at https://form.jotform,com/233374324421045.
The deadline to submit a letter of intent is Friday, Sept. 26.
Once all of the letters are received, they are then reviewed and scored based on alignment with the organization’s focus areas. A Community Investment Panel will then select which area nonprofits advance in the grant application process.
“Impact Funding allows us to invest in strategies that make the greatest difference for families across the Ohio Valley,” Embry said. “It’s about building long-term solutions to reduce poverty and strengthen our communities.”
Nonprofits in Daviess, Hancock, McLean, Ohio, Union and Webster counties are eligible to apply for the Impact Funding grants.
“Through (providing Impacting Funding), UWOV remains committed to its mission of uniting communities and delivering solutions that improve lives, one family, one neighborhood and one county at a time,” the press release detailed.
Donations to UWOV can be made by visiting www.uwov.org, or businesses interested in developing an employee pledge campaign can reach out to Savannah Gatton, the Director of Resource Development for the UWOV, at 270-684-0668, extension 28.
Questions about the grant application process can be directed towards Embry by phone at 270-684-0668 extension 25 or via email at vembry@uwov.org.