Impact on the Plains
Celebrating nonprofits with big ideas
Impact on the Plains is an annual ‘Shark Tank’ style social innovation competition in pursuit of bold solutions to complex community issues. In 2022, United Way of the Plains awarded $120,000 to programs that transform how social issues are addressed in our focus areas of health, education, financial stability and basic needs. The 2022 live event was held on Thursday, Sept. 15.
Want to meet this year’s recipients? Keep reading.
THE PROCESS
APPLICATIONS
Nonprofits submitted bright, innovative ideas for a complex community issue.
REVIEW
Applications were reviewed and the competition narrowed down to the top two in each focus area. Finalists were announced Sept. 7.
PITCH
The top two contenders in each focus area made their final pitch to the ‘Shark Tank’ panel of community leaders at an exclusive event on Sept. 15.
GAME CHANGERS ANNOUNCED
The event culminated with the judges announcing the winner in each focus area at the conclusion of the event.
2022 WINNERS
Finalists in each focus area pitched their program in just five minutes to a panel of live judges at the event on Thursday, Sept. 15. At the end of the event, judges announced the winner in each focus area who received grants of $25,000 each.
HEALTH
Exercise and Wellness Program
Provides research based, comprehensive wellness and treatment programs for persons with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers.
EDUCATION
Summer Enrichment and Exploration Program
Helps low-income students maintain academic skills over the summer while also providing social activities and meals.
FINANCIAL STABILITY
Wings Up: A Pathway to Economic Stability
Nurtures young adults who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) through career training, hands-on experience and mentoring to create pathways to financial security.
BASIC NEEDS
Emergency Help for Victims of Trafficking
Offers restorative services to women survivors of trafficking, abuse and trauma.
2022 RUNNERS UP
Judges awarded $5,000 each to four runners up.
HEALTH
Trauma-related Support for Vets
Facilitates a safe, confidential space for service members, veterans and their families who are battling addiction and anxiety to come together and gain community in a healthy environment.
EDUCATION
Empowering Youth Through Debate
Teaches students effective communication, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills to be prepared for college and careers in the 21st century.
FINANCIAL STABILITY
Bridges Out of Poverty
Helps low-income families move from instability and poverty to long-term resource stability through education and credit coaching.
BASIC NEEDS
Shower Up Wichita
Restores dignity, self-esteem and humanity to those experiencing homelessness through mobile showers, hygiene and personal care.
EVENT PARTNERS
Special thanks to our partners: 
QUESTIONS?
Abel Frederic
Vice President of Community Impact
afrederic@unitedwayplains.org
(316) 267-1321 ext. 4211
Aubrey Mentis Jr.
Community Impact Manager for Health
amentis@unitedwayplains.org
(316) 267-1321 ext. 4212
Heather Crump
Community Impact Manager for Education
hcrump@unitedwayplains.org
(316) 267-1321 ext. 4234
Michelle Presnell
Community Impact Manager for Financial Stability
mpresnell@unitedwayplains.org
(316) 267-1321 ext. 4232
Matt Lowe
Community Impact Manager for Basic Needs
mlowe@unitedwayplains.org
(316) 267-1321 ext. 4233