The Shelby County United Way is better known for the funding close to $1,000,000 to twenty-seven partner agencies. However, many smaller projects, church-based programs, and all volunteer programs are awarded grants through the Shelby County United Way. Some projects are awarded annually.
Between $60,000 and $100,000 are awarded in Community Projects on an annual basis. Some examples include, the Presbyterian Church’s Munch Bunch Program where volunteers deliver weekend bags of food to Sidney Elementary and Houston Local Schools to minimize weekend hunger. Six churches in Jackson Center are collaborating to pack bags of food to minimize weekend hunger in their school district. Elizabeth New Life Center is awarded education-based grants and this year funds to help with their current renovation. Charity League, an all-female volunteer organization, delivers clothing items to any school district in Shelby County that refers a student. Workforce Partnership receives funds for Career Exploration held each fall supporting close to 1000 students. The Shelby County Historical Society receives funds for Pioneer Days and most recently lunches during an elementary Bi-Centennial Program.
Recently, a lead gift was made to launch the all-inclusive park under construction at Tawawa Park. A gift to the Lake Loramie Improvement Association was made to further the Adaptive Boat Launch initiative with a trail of swings, family glider, adaptive picnic tables, and side walk. Wilson Health was awarded a gift to support their Future Is Clear campaign to bring state of the art 3D Mammography to Shelby County. United Way President Scott Barr, “Through our many community grants, we are impacting lives in all communities in Shelby County, helping deliver outstanding educational and health programming, and improving the quality of life of our residents.”
The Shelby County United Way is a local 501c3 non-profit organization. Monies raised in the annual campaign are invested locally under the leadership and direction of our local volunteer Board of Directors and Community Allocation Volunteers. The Shelby County United Way is highly rated from Charity Navigator. Through the fifth week, the campaign total is $366,649. Donors can make payroll contributions with participating employers or make a one time or reoccurring donation by visiting www.shelbycountyunitedway.org or text SHELBY to 40403. Checks can be made payable to Shelby County United Way and mailed P.O. Box 751, Sidney.