Impact on the Plains

Celebrating nonprofits with bright ideas

Impact on the Plains is a ‘Shark Tank’-style social innovation competition in pursuit of bold solutions to complex community issues.

United Way awarded $105,000 in grants to four entrepreneurial nonprofit programs to transform how social issues are addressed in our focus areas of health, education, financial stability and basic needs at a live event on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023. Read the event press release here.

Group photo of 2023 Impact on the Plains recipients.

THE PROCESS

APPLY

Nonprofits submit applications with their innovative approach to a complex social issue.

REVIEW

Applications are reviewed and narrowed down to the top contenders.

PITCH

Finalists pitch their program to the ‘Shark Tank’ panel of community leaders at a live, exclusive event.

GAME CHANGERS ANNOUNCED

The event culminates with the judges announcing the winner and runners-up at the conclusion of the event. A special, People’s Choice Award is given to one finalist.

2023 WINNERS

FIRST PLACE: $40,000
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD: $5,000

Financial Stability

BeyondFoster – Restorative Justice Youth Circles for Kansas Foster Youth Transitioning to Adulthood
Transitions young people out of foster care with the support, education and resources that lead to holistically healthy lives while empowering them on their journey toward independent adulthood.

SECOND PLACE: $30,000

Education

Aspire Academy Childcare Center
Delivers enhanced self-sufficiency skills through quality early education for children and resources for parents seeking advanced employment opportunities

THIRD PLACE: $20,000

Health

HealthBridge Initiative: Connecting Communities to Comprehensive Care
Provides improved access to quality healthcare for low-income and uninsured individuals with a cost-free pathway that eliminates financial, geographical, documentation and linguistic barriers through telemedical consultations.

FOURTH PLACE: $10,000

Basic Needs

Journey Home – Homeless Family Housing Program
Helps stabilize homeless families with financial assistance and wrap around services that include family peer support.