Nonprofit Investment Opportunities

We invest in nonprofit programs that help all individuals achieve their human potential in the areas of health, education, financial stability and basic needs – the building blocks for a good quality of life and a strong community.

We invite nonprofits in south central Kansas who provide services in these areas to review our funding opportunities below.

Investment opportunities will be announced through our website. To receive communications regarding investment opportunities when they become available, contact Abel Frederic, United Way Vice President of Community Impact, at afrederic@unitedwayplains.org or (316) 267‑1321, ext. 4211.

UNITED WAY’S CORE COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS

United Way of the Plains invests in the community through three nonprofit grant opportunities: Promise on the Plains, Impact on the Plains and Opportunity on the Plains. Each supports our work to advance the common good in our focus areas of health, education, financial stability and basic needs.

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Promise on the Plains

Apply in the Spring

Helps nonprofits close gaps and disparities in traditionally underserved communities.

  • Open to health and human service nonprofits in our ten-county service area* who are led by and serve diverse communities, including black, indigenous and people of color.
  • Recipients announced on Juneteenth.
  • Investments, up to $10,000, awarded for immediate use.
  • Recipients will submit semiannual success stories.

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Impact on the Plains

Apply in the Summer

A “Shark Tank”-style social innovation competition in pursuit of bold solutions to community issues.

  • Open to health and human service nonprofits in our ten-county service area* with bold, innovative solutions to make an impact in one of our focus areas.
  • Finalists make their pitch to a panel of community judges at a live, “Shark-Tank” style event in September.
  • Four grants, ranging from $40,000 to $10,000, are awarded, plus a special People’s Choice Award for $5,000.
  • Semiannual reporting required.

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Opportunity on the Plains

Apply in the Fall

The largest, annual investment program from United Way of the Plains to help meet the most pressing needs in our community.

  • Open to health and human service nonprofits in our ten-county service area* who are making an impact in one of our focus areas.
  • Community volunteers review applications and make funding recommendations to our board of directors for final approval.
  • Recipients announced in the late spring. Funding cycle is July to June.
  • Quarterly reports required.

QUESTIONS?

Headshot of Abel Frederic.

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

Contact for questions regarding education and financial stability. 

Headshot of Sarah Crick Milligan.

Sarah Crick Milligan
Community Impact Manager for Health
scmilligan@unitedwayplains.org
(316) 267-1321 ext. 4212

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

OUR FOCUS

Our focus is on healtheducationfinancial stability and basic needs—the building blocks for a good quality of life and a strong community. Click below to learn more about what we’re doing, the programs we invest in and our lasting impact in each area.