United Way for Greater Austin awarded a total of $2.2 million in strategic grants to 68 nonprofits in Travis and Williamson counties. The recipients represent a diverse set of community leaders collectively serving over 13,000 local children and families in the areas of education, health, and financial stability.
As an organization committed to changing inequitable systems and embracing inclusivity, United Way approached the grant selection process with these values in mind. In total, 66 recipients focus on clients who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC), and 25 recipients have BIPOC leaders.
“We are grateful to every donor who makes these strategic investments in our region possible,” said David C. Smith, CEO of United Way for Greater Austin. “Every dollar goes a long way to ensure everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. United Way is proud to support and work with such outstanding partners, and we look forward to changing lives the only way we know how: United.”
In January 2022, United Way for Greater Austin and United Way of Williamson County joined forces and merged into a regional organization supporting children, families, and individuals in Austin, Travis County, and Williamson County. This funding represents a continued investment in both counties. Because United Way brings local solutions to local issues within each community across the region, grants will support strategic priorities specific to each county.
In Travis County, the grants will advance the goals of two community coalitions powered by United Way:
- The Success By 6 Coalition (14 organizations): A network of child and family advocates committed to ensuring that all children enter Kindergarten happy, healthy, and prepared to succeed in school and beyond.
- The 2-Gen Coalition (19 organizations): A network committed to strengthening and expanding intergenerational economic opportunity for families with low income.
In Williamson County, the grants will support strategic work in the areas of:
- Education (13 organizations)
- Health (17 organizations)
- Financial stability (6 organizations)
View the full list of grant recipients.
United Way is proud to partner with these organizations to advance the powerful work they are currently doing, which impacts thousands of children, families, and individuals in our region.
As part of the grant selection process, United Way partnered with community members representing Travis and Williamson counties to review applications. Each proposal was reviewed by at least three different community members. In total, there were 41 reviewers, 56% of whom were BIPOC and 87% of whom were women.
These grants are made possible by the donations of thousands of community investors and corporate partners each year, and United Way is committed to serving as a strategic steward of these community dollars.
About United Way for Greater Austin
United Way for Greater Austin brings people, ideas, and resources together to fight poverty in our community. We address complex community issues by investing in the building blocks of opportunity that every person – and every community – needs to thrive: education, health, and financial stability.
United Way unites the community around collective goals, strategically invests in partners working to achieve those goals, and executes proven programs aligned with those goals. We lead systemic change that increases opportunity for people with low income in Greater Austin — so they can reach their full potential.