Impact on the Plains promotes an entrepreneurial ethos in the nonprofit ecosystem to transform how complex social issues are addressed in the United Way’s focus areas of health, education, financial stability and basic needs. Community leaders, serving as judges, narrow nonprofit applications down to the best of the best, who pitch their solutions in front of a live audience. Winners walk away with an investment to support scaling their programs and transform their work to help our neighbors achieve their potential.
United Way awarded $105,000 in grants to four nonprofit programs to transform how social issues at a live event on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. Read the event press release here or scroll down to meet this year’s winners.
❯❯ THE PROCESS
APPLY
Nonprofits submit applications with their innovative approach to a complex social issue.
REVIEW
Applications are narrowed down to the top four proposals.
PITCH
Four finalists make their pitch to a “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.
❯❯ 2026 RECIPIENTS
❯❯ EVENT SPONSORS
Host Sponsor:
People’s Choice Award Sponsor:
Bar Sponsor:
VIP Welcome Reception Sponsor:
Nonprofit Champion:
Nonprofit Champion:
Community Investors:
Table Sponsors:
6 Meridian
Bank of America
Burns & McDonnell
Cargill
Camarena Adelante Foundation
Credit Union of America
Conrade Insurance
Emprise Bank
EY
Fidelity Bank
Forvis Mazars
Friends University
Great Plains Ventures
Greater Wichita Partnership
HumanKind Ministries
Icon Structures
INTRUST Bank
The Pando Initiative
PB Hoidale
Purposeful Wealth Partners
Sheet Metal Workers: Local Union #29
Thrive Restaurant Group
US Logo
Wichita State University
WSU Barton School of Business
WSU Tech
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