Community Investments

 

INVESTING IN SOLUTIONS THAT CREATE LASTING IMPACT.

 

At United Way of Reno County, we don’t just fund programs—we invest in solutions that get to the root of community challenges. Our approach to funding is strategic, equitable, and community-informed. Whether we’re supporting established nonprofits or seeding innovative ideas through events like Spark Tank, we focus on making meaningful, measurable change in education, financial stability, health, and community resiliency.

 

Our Investment Philosophy

We believe that public dollars, private donations, and collective resources should go where they can do the most good—for the long term. That’s why our investment strategy is built around:

  • Equity: Prioritizing historically underserved and under-resourced populations.

  • Upstream Thinking: Funding programs that address root causes, not just symptoms.

  • Collaboration: Supporting organizations that work together for greater impact.

  • Results: Funding work that is data-informed and outcome-driven.

  • Community Voice: Grounding decisions in the lived experience of Reno County residents.

     

How We Invest

Our investments fall into several categories to meet different needs, spark innovation, and support systemic change.

Trusted Partner Agencies

Each year, we invest in high-impact local nonprofits through a community-led allocation process. These trusted partners deliver vital services aligned with our strategic focus areas.

Trust Partner Agencies

Collective Impact & Spark Tank Grants

In addition to annual funding, we offer targeted grant opportunities that support innovative, collaborative solutions.

  • Collective Impact Grants fund smaller-scale partnerships that work together toward shared outcomes.

  • Spark Tank, our newest grant opportunity, invites established programs to pitch bold ideas in a live event format—seeking funding, volunteer support, and increased community visibility.

About Spark Tank
About Collective Impact Grants

Student

Public Grant Stewardship

We secure and manage over $1 million in federal and state funding annually, channeling those dollars into local programs that strengthen the health, education, and financial stability of our residents.

Volunteerism

Volunteer Mobilization

We connect people who want to help with meaningful opportunities—from Community Work Days to skill-based volunteering—creating hands-on impact across Reno County.

Volunteer

Community Meeting

Community Conversations & Bridgebuilding

We lead and host conversations around root causes and systems-level change, helping the community envision and take steps toward a more equitable and thriving future. We bring organizations and sectors together to align services, eliminate duplication, and maximize impact—ensuring the best use of community resources.

 

How Funding Decisions Are Made

All investment decisions are guided by community input and reviewed through a transparent process that includes:

  • Community volunteers and experts

  • Equity and data review

  • Alignment with our strategic goals and Thriving United Framework

We believe in accountability to both the organizations we fund and the communities we serve.

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