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

Calendar
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 presentations
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.

Championship Ribbon
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

Club Parkinson's logo.

Exercise and Wellness Program
Provides research based, comprehensive wellness and treatment programs for persons with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers.

EDUCATION

ICT Launchpad logo. Summer Enrichment and Exploration Program
Helps low-income students maintain academic skills over the summer while also providing social activities and meals.

FINANCIAL STABILITY

Destination Innovation logo. 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

Hope Ranch for Women logo.

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

Sojourners Coffee House logo.

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

Ad Astra Debate League logo.

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

Children First logo. 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 logo. 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: Logo for Textron Aviation.

Logo for Emprise Bank.
Logo for EY.
Hutton logo.
Spirit AeroSystems logo.

QUESTIONS?

Abel Frederic
Vice President of Community Impact
afrederic@unitedwayplains.org
(316) 267-1321 ext. 4211

Contact for questions regarding health programming. 

Headshot of Heather Crump.

Heather Crump
Community Impact Manager for Education
hcrump@unitedwayplains.org
(316) 267-1321 ext. 4234

Headshot of Michelle Presnell, United Way Community Impact Manager for Financial Stability.

Michelle Presnell
Community Impact Manager for Financial Stability
mpresnell@unitedwayplains.org
(316) 267-1321 ext. 4232

Headshot of Matt Lowe, United Way Community Impact Manager for Basic Needs.

Matt Lowe
Community Impact Manager for Basic Needs
mlowe@unitedwayplains.org
(316) 267-1321 ext. 4233