Findlay, OH (January 31, 2021) - United Way of Hancock County’s 2020 annual campaign has raised slightly more than $2 million for distribution to programs improving lives in Hancock County in the areas of health, education and financial stability.
“We want to thank our cabinet members and the organizations who were presented with extraordinary challenges due to the onset of COVID and still chose to give their employees the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people in our community who may be struggling with very basic needs,” said Angela DeBoskey, CEO of United Way of Hancock County.
“All nonprofits, including United Way, lost special event and other fundraising revenue, so we deeply appreciate everyone who made a decision to stand with us this year,” DeBoskey said.
The largest portion of campaign funds are issued to United Way’s partner agencies through grant awards and designations. This year, $1,631,597 will be issued to 26 programs.
Partner agency program grants are evaluated by trained community volunteers. Programs are vetted for alignment with UWHC’s mission and how well-positioned the agency is to carry out the program and achieve the proposed outcomes. Fifty-three local volunteers were involved in this year’s grant process.
The following is a list of local agencies receiving United Way funding from grant awards and designations through the campaign efforts:
• American Red Cross of Central Ohio will have access to $24,213 for its disaster services and Service to Armed Forces programs
• Boy Scouts of America, Black Swamp Council, $23,140 for Scouting and Exploring programs
• Cancer Patient Services, $130,409 for direct patient services
• CASA/GAL of Hancock County, $147,216 for child advocacy
• The Center for Civic Engagement, $30,000
• The Center for Safe and Healthy Children, $31,641 for forensic interview program
• Challenged Champions Equestrian Center, $36,074 for equine-assisted therapy
• Children's Mentoring Connection, $92,320 for its Mentoring Youth at Risk program
• Family Resource Center, $57,431 for peer support and community prevention
• Findlay City Schools, $66,779 for pre-kindergarten
• Findlay Hope House for the Homeless, $192,193 for shelter and independence programs
• Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, $6,950 for Scouting
• HHWP Community Action Commission, $196,688 toward Hancock Area Transportation Services (HATS)
• Hancock County Educational Service Center, $26,312 for pre-kindergarten
• Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services, $264,696 for adult and child victims services, and violence recovery programs
• Raise the Bar Hancock County, $30,552 for Raise the Bar and Leader in Me programs
The following organizations received grant funding, agency, program and Halt Hunger Initiative designations:
• Christian Clearing House, $28,175 for Caring Cupboard food vouchers
• Findlay Family YMCA, $43,700 (Feed-A-Child will receive $76,672)
• Salvation Army, $45,574 for emergency food pantry
• West Ohio Food Bank, $80,860 for distribution services to Hancock County food pantries
United Way will also issue $3,944 in donor designations to other United Ways or nonprofits with which the donor may have a special affiliation.
In addition to its annual campaign efforts, United Way raised $111,153 in crisis relief funding in 2020. Crisis relief grants were awarded to seven agencies meeting the basic needs of households during the pandemic. United Way will be initiating another round of crisis relief funding in early 2021.
In addition to the above funding, United Way of Hancock County supports community development and additional Halt Hunger Initiative programs like the Community Gardens project, assesses Hancock County needs and priorities, and develops volunteer opportunities that support nonprofits. Approximately 15% will go to operating costs.
For more information about United Way of Hancock County, visit https://LiveUnitedHancockCounty.org