United Way announces $105,000 in funding for 2025 Impact on the Plains winners

WICHITA, Kan., Sept. 19, 2025 – Big ideas took center stage last night at United Way of the Plains’ Impact on the Plains, a high-energy, “Shark Tank”-style competition that awarded $105,000 in community investments to four local nonprofits.

The sold-out event at Textron Aviation Activity Center drew more than 450 attendees and marked the fifth year of funding bold, and innovative programs. Fresh highlights this year included live music from DJ Sleepy Beatz and a partnership with Empower Commercial Kitchen, where 18 local caterers served up dishes that spotlight Wichita’s growing network of culinary entrepreneurs.

Finalists were selected from a competitive pool of nonprofit applications for their creative and impactful solutions to community challenges. During the event, they presented their programs on stage before a live audience, while community leaders serving as judges evaluated the presentations to determine the winning programs.

FIRST PLACE – $40,000 investment
Agency: Cairn Health
Program: Charitable Pharmacy
When prescriptions are out of reach, so is health. This program puts affordable medication within reach for Wichita and surrounding rural communities.

SECOND PLACE – $30,000 investment
Agency: The Pando Initiative
Program: Realidad U
Removing language barriers to unlock the potential of every student to acquire financial skills for a productive life.

THIRD PLACE – $20,000 investment
Agency: GO Project
Program: CarePortal
Technology meets compassion: connecting caring neighbors to identified needs that keep kids safe, families stable, and hope alive.

FOURTH PLACE – $10,000 investment
Agency: oneCommunity
Program: Child Development Network
Eliminating the impossible choice between the children you love and the job you need.

Audience members participated in the program by voting for the People’s Choice Award, which granted The Pando Initiative an additional $5,000 investment.

The 2025 Enduring Legacy Award was presented to the Bastian family and Fidelity Bank in recognition of their decades of generosity, leadership, and investment in Wichita. Their legacy, which traces back more than 80 years to the founding of Fidelity Investment Company, extends well beyond banking. It encompasses a long partnership with United Way and a strong culture of volunteerism, reflecting a tradition of vision, stewardship, and service that continues to strengthen the Wichita community.

Visit unitedwayplains.org/impact for more information about the competition.

Major sponsors include Textron Aviation, Cordell Wealth Management, Fidelity Bank, Hutton, and Valley Print Logistics.

Click here for a photo and video of the winners.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Stacy Ward Lattin, Manager of Public Outreach and Community Engagement, (316) 267-1321, ext. 4224, swardlattin@unitedwayplains.org

United Way of the Plains is a nonprofit and for-impact organization that focuses on health, education, financial stability and basic needs – the building blocks for a good quality of life and a strong community. Our mission is to improve lives by harnessing the caring power of our community to advance the common good in south central Kansas. Follow us on these social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok.