About United Way of the Capital Region
To improve lives in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties by identifying the most pressing community needs, finding solutions to those needs, and demonstrating how these solutions are making a difference.
Focus Areas
Health care accessEducation and school readinessWorkforce developmentFinancial securityFood insecurityHousing and utilities assistanceEmergency shelterChild careInformation and referral servicesTranslation and language supportBasic needsDiversity, equity and inclusion
Who They Fund
residents of Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties
About United Way of the Capital Region
United Way of the Capital Region channels most of its grantmaking into Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties through a community-driven model that supports local nonprofits and service providers. Its recent awards show a strong emphasis on human services and local coordination: Hamilton Health Center received $386,398 in 2024, and the Capital Area Intermediate Unit received $349,327 the same year. The foundation also backs organizations working across health, education, financial security, and basic needs, with grants to YWCA of Greater Harrisburg, The Salvation Army Harrisburg Capital, New Hope Ministries Inc, and American Red Cross Central PA appearing among the larger recent awards. The pattern points to funding that is tied to services residents use directly, including health navigation, school readiness, emergency assistance, and workforce supports. Across the recent grant list, the foundation favors established local institutions and collaborative providers that serve the Capital Region’s residents, especially low-income families, young children and early learners, and adults seeking job skills or help accessing care.
What United Way of the Capital Region Funds
Health, education, and emergency support are all visible in the foundation’s recent giving. In health care access, Penn State Health and College of Medicine received $65,877 in 2025, while Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical received $100,127 in 2024 for related health-oriented work. In school readiness, Nativity School of Harrisburg was awarded $79,987 in 2023 and Trinity High School received $111,855 in 2023, reflecting support for youth opportunity and education services. For basic needs and crisis response, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank received $168,247 in 2023, and Downtown Daily Bread received $62,640 in 2024. Workforce development also appears in the grant list, including $60,650 to South Central Workforce Investment Board in 2024 and $60,292 to Tri County Opportunities Industrialization Center Inc in 2024.
How United Way of the Capital Region Gives
Typical awards cluster in the five-figure range, with a p25 of $7,153, a median of $10,776, and a p75 of $25,078. The recent list also includes a smaller set of much larger operating grants, which suggests a layered approach that mixes broad program support with larger institutional awards. The foundation is a public charity, not a private family foundation, and it does not fund individuals or make program-related investments. Its active programs show both invited partner funding and some community-initiative channels that accept unsolicited requests, including Basic Needs (Community Initiatives) and Access to Health Care (Community Initiatives / Contact to Care).
Financial Snapshot
Annual Giving
$3.3M
Total Assets
$31.9M
Total Revenue
$11.2M
Total Expenses
$11.3M
Typical Grant Size
Most grants fall between $7K and $25K, with a median of $11K.
25th Percentile
$7K
Median
$11K
75th Percentile
$25K
Geographic Reach
Local16 states funded
Funding intensity
LowHigh
Headquarters
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