United Way invests $800,000 into 18 Lane County programs
We are excited to announce our newest funded partners! Starting July 1, United Way of Lane County is investing $800,000 over the next two years to strengthen 18 local initiatives addressing some of Lane County's most pressing challenges, from food security and childcare access to youth mental health and disaster resilience.
United Way’s grants are supported through ongoing local fundraising efforts and the generosity of individuals, businesses, and workplace partners. Thank you for your support of Lane County communities!
“We are extremely grateful to be supported by funding from United Way of Lane County and honored to be a partner agency. The next cycle of United Way funding will be used to support Oakridge Food Box general operating costs, allow the Oakridge Food Box truck to make weekly off-site food box deliveries and help purchase foods for the holiday food box program.”
Photo Credit: Oakridge Food Box
Funded Organizations and Programs
68% of each year’s funding in this grant cycle is being invested in Community Support Grants. These grants range from $6,000 to $20,000 annually, and are intended to help cover day-to-day needs and programmatic expenses for local organizations providing critical programs and services. The 16 initiatives receiving Community Support Grant funding in this grant cycle include:
Florence Food Share
Friends of the Children Lane County
Kids FIRST
McKenzie School District - Little Eagles Childcare Center
Plaza de Nuestra Comunidad
St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County
Upper Willamette Community Development Corporation - Oakridge Food Box
White Bird Clinic
Black Cultural Initiative
Boys & Girls Club of Emerald Valley
CASA of Lane County
Center for Rural Livelihoods - Lane County Organizations Active In Disaster (COAD)
Circle of Friends School
Creswell Clubhouse
Deadwood Creek Services
Eugene Springfield NAACP
32% of each year’s funding will go towards Community Transformation Grants. These grants range from $54,000 to $75,000 annually, and are intended to support cross-sector, multi-agency collaborative efforts creating long-term, systemic solutions to complex challenges facing our communities. Two initiatives were selected to receive Community Transformation Grant funding:
The Connected Career Fellowship, led by Connected Lane County (pictured here)
The Deadwood Resilience Collaborative, led by Siuslaw Vision
“Connected Lane County is honored to receive a Community Transformation Grant from United Way of Lane County. This investment makes it possible to launch our inaugural Connected Career Fellowship, a two-year experience linking career-connected learning opportunities for high school youth. Through internships, job shadows, industry tours, and career navigation, participants will build skills, develop confidence, and create a network of support that will equip them for life after high school. United Way has been a valued partner throughout our organization’s growth. Their leadership strengthens community collaboration and expands opportunities for youth to thrive in their transition to adulthood. ”
Photo Credit: Connected Lane County
Community-led and Community-centered
Investment decisions are made by the volunteer-led Community Investment Steering Committee, with recommendations from local volunteer panels, informed by their lived experience and community insight.
This year's grant cycle underscores both the strength of Lane County's nonprofit community and the scale of unmet need. United Way received 136 applications requesting nearly $4.8 million in annual funding, far exceeding the resources currently available for investment.
As a United Way supporter, your investment is what makes this work possible! Thank you for your commitment to supporting Lane County communities.