$100,000 will be awarded by United Way of the Plains at Impact on the Plains event on September 15

This is the second year the social innovation competition will be held for area nonprofits.

WICHITA, Kan., Monday, Aug. 1, 2022 — United Way of the Plains will award up to a total of $25,000 each to four area nonprofits in the second annual Impact on the Plains competition. Focusing on the human services areas of health, education, financial stability and basic needs, the goal is to enhance bold solutions in areas where the current needs are most critical.

Pete Najera, United Way of the Plains President and CEO, said his Board of Directors continues to champion inventive ways of strengthening area nonprofits outside the typical grantmaking cycle. Najera said, “Last year’s inaugural Impact on the Plains event was so well received that we are already receiving calls from nonprofits about when they can apply in 2022. We’re strongly encouraging both new and existing partners to participate and share their best program ideas. The application process is easy, and our Community Impact managers are available to answer questions about the guidelines and the event.”

COMPETITION TIMELINE AND DETAILS

• Monday, Aug. 1
  Online application portal opens at unitedwayplains.org/impact in each of four human services focus areas (health, education, financial stability and basic needs).
• Wednesday, Aug. 24 – Noon
  Application portal closes at noon and community judges begin the review process.
• Wednesday, Sept. 7
  Two finalists from each of the four categories are announced.
• Thursday, Sept. 15
  During Impact on the Plains, a live, invitation-only event, a representative from each finalist organization will make a five-minute presentation about how new funding could help them scale their innovative programs. A panel of community leaders acting as judges will select a winner in each category. The final decisions of the judges will be announced at the conclusion of the event. Successful funding recipients will receive up to $25,000 in a one-time grant that must be utilized by Dec. 31, 2023.

COMPETITION GUIDELINES

• Programs must have been in existence for no more than 4 years and no less than 1 year at the time of application.
• Each of the four focus areas will be awarded grants up to $25,000.
• Proof of 501(c)(3) status required.

Check unitedwayplains.org/impact for more guidelines, the application and additional information. Businesses interested in event sponsorship opportunities should contact Anne Chandler, United Way Vice President of Philanthropy, at achandler@unitedwayplains.org or 316-267-1321. The news release about last year’s winners is available in the Newsroom on the United Way of the Plains website.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Angie Prather, Vice President of Marketing and Chief Community Engagement Officer, (316) 267-1321, aprather@unitedwayplains.org

United Way of the Plains is a nonprofit and for-impact organization that focuses on health, education, financial stability and basic needs – the building blocks for a good quality of life and a strong community. Our mission is to improve lives by harnessing the caring power of our community to advance the common good in south central Kansas. Follow us on these social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.