United Way’s $4 Million Grant Investment Brings Opportunity to Area Nonprofits

WICHITA, Kan., May 1, 2025 – Throughout the month of April, United Way of the Plains announced the investment of $4,649,177 into 61 local programs provided by 49 area nonprofit organizations.

United Way of the Plains President and CEO Pete Najera commented on this unique grant process, “Thanks to the generosity of donors, advocates, and volunteers, we are able to invest in local charities that strengthen our community, and we believe it is fostering a nonprofit ecosystem that is a force for good in south-central Kansas.”

Opportunity on the Plains is the largest annual investment program from United Way of the Plains to help meet the most pressing needs in our community. Funded entirely through the generosity of local donors and workplace giving campaigns, this initiative reflects a community-powered approach to philanthropy. This program provides grants to health and human service programs in the focus areas of health, financial stability, education, and basic needs through a framework based on the social determinants of a strong and healthy community. Applications are reviewed by panels comprised of nearly 130 community volunteers, ensuring that funding decisions are not only strategic, but truly representative of local priorities. Final recommendations are reviewed and approved by the United Way Board of Directors.

This year, volunteers reviewed more than $9 million in requests, demonstrating both the scale of community need and the importance of strategic philanthropic investment.

Executive Director of Family Promise of Greater Wichita Dawn Epp shared her appreciation for the continued support from United Way of the Plains. “I have seen this increased effort from United Way to really engage with nonprofits in our community and focus in on what funded partners really need to better serve their unique clients. United Way’s support allows us to make a greater impact every day.”

View a list of all grant recipients at https://unitedwayplains.org/opportunity.

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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.