WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – The United Way of Whitewater Valley has awarded $50,000 in community grants to 19 nonprofit organizations serving Wayne and Union counties for the 2026-2027 grant year.
The funding supports programs in three focus areas: youth opportunity, healthy community and financial security. Grants are supported through employee workplace giving campaigns and donations from local individuals and businesses.
A total of $26,000 was allocated to youth-focused programs aimed at supporting early childhood development, educational access, after-school enrichment and youth mentoring.
Organizations receiving funding in this category include Amigos, Birth to Five, Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County, Brighter Path, Communities in Schools, Cope Environmental Center, Every Child Can Read, Junior Achievement, Richmond Family YMCA and Townsend Community Center Inc.
Healthy community initiatives received $16,500 in funding. Recipients include Achieva Resources, Gateway Hunger Relief (Food Bank Inc.), Girls Inc. of Wayne County, Housing Authority of Richmond, JACY House, Richmond Parks and Recreation and Sunrise Therapeutic Riding Center.
An additional $7,500 was awarded to financial security programs, including Natco and Refuge of Hope. These grants support services such as financial education, workforce development and emergency housing assistance.
United Way of Whitewater Valley said the funding reflects its ongoing efforts to support local nonprofits addressing community needs across multiple service areas.
