United Way Announces 2026 Impact on the Plains Finalists

WICHITA, Kan., Sept. 1, 2026 — United Way of the Plains has announced four finalists that will compete in this year’s Impact on the Plains, our community’s premier social innovation competition. Chosen from dozens of applicants, the finalists will pitch their innovative programs that address complex community issues in a “Shark Tank”-style competition.

At stake is $105,000 in funding to help the finalists grow their capacity and increase the impact of their bold solutions. Finalists will take the stage Thursday, Sept. 17, before more than 400 attendees to pitch their entrepreneurial programs to a panel of community leaders, who will serve as judges. Investments will be presented at the conclusion of the event. The first-place finalist will receive $40,000, followed by $30,000 for second place, $20,000 for third place, and $10,000 for fourth place. An additional $5,000 People’s Choice Award will be presented based on audience voting.

“Some of our community’s toughest challenges require us to think differently about how we respond,” said Marty Baumbach, United Way of the Plains Vice President of Community Impact. “These finalists are bringing that entrepreneurial spirit to their work, developing approaches that challenge traditional ways of doing things and creating new opportunities for our neighbors to thrive.”

The four finalists and their programs are:

• Breakthrough Episcopal Social Services
  Recovery Bridge
  Building belonging beyond housing for people living with serious mental illness.
• LegacyWorks
  Youth Employment & Development
  Brewing brighter futures through job training and personal development.
• Masters and Mentors
  Youth Enrichment Strategies (YES)
  Teaching youth to think before they move – on the chessboard and in life.
• Wichita Library Foundation
  Book Bus
  Taking kindergarten readiness on the road, one stop at a time.

Learn more about Impact on the Plains at unitedwayplains.org/impact. The event will be held Thursday, Sept. 17, at 5 p.m., at Textron Aviation Activity Center. Tickets are available at unitedwayplains.org/ticketsforimpact through Thursday, Sept. 10.

The event is sponsored by generous corporate partners, including Textron Aviation, Cordell Wealth Management, Hutton, Kansas Health Foundation, Koch Industries, and Meritrust Credit Union.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Kindra Goertzen, Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications, (316) 267-1321, ext. 4104, kgoertzen@unitedwayplains.org

United Way of the Plains mobilizes our community to action so all can thrive. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working towards a future where every person in south-central Kansas can reach their full potential. Follow us on these social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok.