Seven local nonprofits have been awarded a collective $100,000 in grant money through the United Way of the Ohio Valley’s new Impact Funding initiative. The grant process was opened to local agencies not currently funded by UWOV and that offer services aimed at reducing poverty in the community.
UWOV and its board of directors completed research and an evaluation of community needs assessments and held conversations with community stakeholders to decide the criteria agencies must meet. Nonprofits had to address reducing poverty and its barriers through 1 of 3 pathways: affordable housing, prevention and intervention of homelessness, and financial stability/income for individuals and families.
“The purpose of United Way of the Ohio Valley Impact Funding is to help local nonprofits that are in the trenches providing the valuable services needed to reduce and eliminate poverty barriers for individuals and families in our community,” said Vikki Embry, Director of UWOV Community Impact and Investment states. “When barriers are removed, a person can move forward in being more self-sufficient and help break poverty cycles. Poverty not only weakens the family unit but also weakens communities.”
Nonprofits receiving a grant are as follows:
- Crossroads Women’s Shelter – $15,000
- Daniel Pitino Shelter – $20,000
- Friends of Sinners – $10,000
- Owensboro Regional Recovery – $10,000
- The Center – $20,000
- The Help Office – $5,000
- St. Benedict’s Shelter – $20,000
“United Way does not do this alone,” said UWOV CEO and President Paula Yevincy. “United Way is so thankful to our donors that give back to our community because a thriving United Way helps build thriving communities. ”
