19 local nonprofits receive community-directed grants in support of youth opportunity, healthy community, and financial security
(RICHMOND, Ind., April 20, 2026) – The Board of United Way of Whitewater Valley has announced grantees for its 2026/2027 grant year. Community grants are fueled by the generosity of employees participating in United Way of Whitewater Valley’s annual workplace campaign and generous contributions from local individuals and businesses. A total of $50,000 was awarded to 19 local health and human services agencies. Grants advance youth opportunity, healthy community, or financial security in Wayne and Union counties.
These awards enhance collaboration built during United Way’s quarterly nonprofit lunch and learn gatherings, further shared community goals, and complement United Way’s direct programming to ensure that resources in our community are used effectively.
United is the Way to Youth Opportunity.
Together, United Way and its community partners help young people realize their full potential. Youth Opportunity grants awarded in 2026 totaled $26,000.
Grantees included 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 United Way will:
- encourage new parents and support them as they learn and grow
- provide equitable access to childcare so parents can work
- ensure kids have access to books, classroom materials, basic needs supports, and afterschool mentors so they can be successful in school
- create an environment that promotes positive mental and behavioral health
- offer opportunities for youth to learn skills like leadership and financial literacy
- provide culturally relevant experiences for Latinx and African American youth
United is the Way to Healthy Community.
Together, United Way and its grantees are improving health and well-being for all. Healthy Community grants awarded in 2026 totaled $16,500.
Grantees included Achieva Resources, Food Bank Inc. (dba Gateway Hunger Relief), Girls Inc. of Wayne County, Housing Authority of Richmond, JACY House, Richmond Parks and Recreation, and Sunrise Therapeutic Riding Center.
Programs funded by United Way will:
- Ensure youth, struggling families, and homebound individuals have access to enough food and basic hygiene items to promote learning, health, and dignity
- Educate school age children on healthy habits and body safety so they have knowledge to protect themselves and develop a healthy foundation for life
- Advocate for and support the legal needs of adults with disabilities that are unable to make decisions for themselves, ensuring all individuals are given respect
- Provide equitable access to recreational and therapeutic health activities that promote good physical and mental health across the lifespan
United is the Way to Financial Security.
Together, United Way and its community partners are meeting urgent needs while removing barriers to long-term success so every generation can grow financially strong. Financial Security grants awarded in 2026 totaled $7,500.
Grantees included Natco and Refuge of Hope.
Programs funded by United Way will:
- Provide financial literacy training and connections to work that help struggling individuals and families move from surviving to thriving
- Ensure women and children experiencing homelessness have a safe place to stay and access to transitional supports that put them on the path to financial stability
In addition, United Way’s cross-cutting focus on supporting individuals and families that work hard but continue to struggle financially means that many grants under youth opportunity and healthy community also advance financial security via equitable access.
For details on programs funded, follow United Way of Whitewater Valley on Facebook or Instagram or go to givetheunitedway.com/program-partners.
