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    5. United Way of Central Ohio
    United Way of Central Ohio logo

    United Way of Central Ohio

    ActivePhilanthropy & Voluntarism
    COLUMBUS, OHWebsite6142272700

    About United Way of Central Ohio

    Improve the lives of others by mobilizing the caring power of our community.

    Focus Areas

    EducationEarly childhood developmentStudent successYouth and familiesFood securityHousing stabilityBasic needsPoverty alleviationHealthWorkforce and financial wellnessDiversity, equity and inclusionCommunity development

    Funding Style

    donor-designated (restricted) fundingvolunteer-designated program support

    About United Way of Central Ohio

    United Way of Central Ohio Inc. channels its grantmaking around Success by Third Grade, a long-running funding priority tied to student success, early literacy, family stability, and the nonacademic barriers that can keep children from reading on grade level by the end of third grade. The foundation pairs that focus with broader support for basic needs, housing stability, emergency response, and nonprofit capacity. Its recent awards show a mix of program operating support and donor- or volunteer-designated funding. Community Shelter Board received $735,000 for program operating costs, while YMCA of Central Ohio received $525,000 for the same purpose. Columbus Early Learning Centers was awarded $420,000, and Directions for Youth and Families received $375,000, both for program operating costs. These gifts sit alongside a sizable flow of designated support that moves through partner organizations and community fundraising channels. The foundation also funds emergency and community-response work, including short-term support during the COVID-19 period, and it has backed local efforts serving Haitian families in Springfield, Ohio. Across the record, the giving pattern is clearly local and centered on Central Ohio nonprofits, especially organizations working with children, families, and essential community services.

    What United Way of Central Ohio Funds

    Education is the clearest throughline in the grant record. United Way of Central Ohio Inc. awarded $525,000 to YMCA of Central Ohio for program operating costs tied to student success, and $420,000 to Columbus Early Learning Centers for program operating costs. Directions for Youth and Families also received $375,000 for program operating costs, reflecting support for children and family-centered service delivery. Basic needs and housing-related work appear as another major lane. Community Shelter Board received $735,000 for program operating costs, a sizable award connected to housing stability and community shelter services. Lifecare Alliance received $240,000 for program operating costs, showing support for essential services that reach people facing immediate needs. The foundation also supports emergency response. During the COVID-19 period, it created emergency community response funds for short-term assistance, food distribution, and basic needs support. Those grants were designed for fast-moving community needs rather than long planning cycles.

    Financial Snapshot

    Annual Giving

    $24.4M

    Total Assets

    $39.5M

    Total Revenue

    $24.3M

    Total Expenses

    $23.4M

    Typical Grant Size

    Most grants fall between $10K and $50K, with a median of $22K.

    25th Percentile

    $10K

    Median

    $22K

    75th Percentile

    $50K

    Geographic Reach

    Local11 states funded
    Funding intensity
    Low
    High
    Headquarters

    Leadership

    JULIANA HARDYMON

    Accepts unsolicited proposals

    Deep Analysis

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    Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceSystem Status
    EIN (Tax ID): 31-4393712Latest Form 990: 2025Total assets: $39.5M3 filings on recordFind their full 990 filing →
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    general operating support (unrestricted)
    program operating support (restricted)

    Topics

    program operating costs / operational supportgeneral organizational supportdonor/volunteer-restricted allocationsdesignation-based funding flowsoperational overhead and maintenance

    How United Way of Central Ohio Gives

    Typical grants cluster in the low-to-mid tens of thousands, with a p25 of $10,028, a median of $22,353, and a p75 of $50,000. The recent record also includes much larger operating and designated awards, which points to a structure that combines many smaller community grants with a few high-value allocations. Recipients appear across multiple years, including repeated support to the same local organizations in 2023 and 2025, which indicates ongoing relationships rather than one-time gifts. The organization is a mixed community foundation and does not fund individuals or make program-related investments. One active program uses a competitive process, while another LOI-based cycle accepts submissions through e-CImpact.

    Where United Way of Central Ohio Makes Grants

    Grantmaking is overwhelmingly local and centered in Ohio, with 95% of grants going to recipients in the foundation’s HQ state. Columbus is the main recipient city in the recent grant record, with repeated awards to local organizations there. Outside Columbus, Springfield, Ohio appears through the Springfield Unity Fund, which supports Haitian families and community efforts in Clark County. The recipient-country distribution is entirely U.S.-based, with 624 grants to U.S. organizations.

    Frequently Asked Questions About United Way of Central Ohio

    What are United Way of Central Ohio Inc.'s main funding priorities?

    The foundation supports education and early literacy through Success by Third Grade, along with basic needs, housing stability, emergency response and disaster relief, nonprofit capacity and program funding, and volunteer mobilization. Its program investment cycles also emphasize child and family stability, school readiness, attendance, inclusion, and early grade reading proficiency.

    Does United Way of Central Ohio Inc. fund outside Ohio?

    The grant record is local, and 95% of grants go to recipients in Ohio. The recent grants listed are all to U.S. organizations, with 624 U.S. grants in the country distribution.

    How does United Way of Central Ohio Inc. structure its grants?

    The foundation uses a mix of program operating costs, donor-designated general support, donor- and volunteer-designated program support, and emergency response funding. Recent awards include recurring operating support, designated funding flows, and competitive program investment cycles tied to strategic priorities.

    Is there an application process for any of its programs?

    Yes. The 2024-2025 Program Investment (Success by Third Grade) cycle accepts a Letter of Inquiry through the e-CImpact portal, while the annual Program Investment process is described as competitive. Some other programs, including designated funding flows, do not appear to use open unsolicited applications.

    Do grants repeat across years?

    Yes. The recent record shows multiple organizations receiving support in both 2023 and 2025, including Community Shelter Board, YMCA of Central Ohio, Columbus Early Learning Centers, Directions for Youth and Families, and Lifecare Alliance. That pattern suggests ongoing funding relationships.

    Latest 990 Filing

    2025

    Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.

    Open Grant Opportunities

    Current and upcoming funding from United Way of Central Ohio that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.

    Open nowRolling / open intakeAward: Varies

    In-Kind Donations

    Nonprofit operational supportGoods and services donationsCommunity services

    Who can apply: Organizations may coordinate in-kind fundraisers or donate goods and services directly to United Way of Central Ohio. Individuals may also donate new or gently used household items, clothing, tools, computers, printers, and other office equipment. Donations may be coordinated with a United Way Relationship Manager or Amie Grubbs if no Relationship Manager is assigned.

    Deadline: No deadline stated; donations can be coordinated on an ongoing basis.

    View & apply

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    Deadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.

    Recent Grants

    Most recent grants reported to the IRS.

    RecipientLocationAmountYearPurpose
    FUNDING FOR INTERNAL INITIATIVESCOLUMBUS, OH$766,5232025DONOR/VOLUNTEER DESIGNATED FOR PROGRAM SUPPORT
    FUNDING FOR INTERNAL INITIATIVESCOLUMBUS, OH$766,5232025DONOR/VOLUNTEER DESIGNATED FOR PROGRAM SUPPORT
    COMMUNITY SHELTER BOARDCOLUMBUS, OH$735,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    COMMUNITY SHELTER BOARDCOLUMBUS, OH$735,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    AGENCIES 5KCOLUMBUS, OH$627,9092025DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
    COMMUNITY SHARES OF MID-OHIOCOLUMBUS, OH$573,3292025DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
    COMMUNITY SHARES OF MID-OHIOCOLUMBUS, OH$573,3292025DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
    YMCA OF CENTRAL OHIOCOLUMBUS, OH$525,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    YMCA OF CENTRAL OHIOCOLUMBUS, OH$525,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    COLUMBUS EARLY LEARNING CENTERSCOLUMBUS, OH$420,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    COLUMBUS EARLY LEARNING CENTERSCOLUMBUS, OH$420,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    CHC CREATING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES (CHC)ALEXANDRIA, VA$376,0852025DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
    CHC CREATING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES (CHC)ALEXANDRIA, VA$376,0852025DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
    DIRECTIONS FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIESCOLUMBUS, OH$375,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    DIRECTIONS FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIESCOLUMBUS, OH$375,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    AMERICA'S BEST CHARITIESLARKSPUR, CA$311,0642025DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
    AMERICA'S BEST CHARITIESLARKSPUR, CA$311,0642025DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
    LIFECARE ALLIANCECOLUMBUS, OH$240,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    LIFECARE ALLIANCECOLUMBUS, OH$240,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    SALVATION ARMY - COLUMBUSCOLUMBUS, OH$215,4582025DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
    SALVATION ARMY - COLUMBUSCOLUMBUS, OH$215,4582025DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
    GODMAN GUILD ASSOCIATIONCOLUMBUS, OH$205,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    GODMAN GUILD ASSOCIATIONCOLUMBUS, OH$205,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    MID-OHIO FOODBANKGROVE CITY, OH$203,5082025DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
    MID-OHIO FOODBANKGROVE CITY, OH$203,5082025DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
    BIG BROTHERS-BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL OHIOCOLUMBUS, OH$200,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF COLUMBUSCOLUMBUS, OH$200,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    BIG BROTHERS-BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL OHIOCOLUMBUS, OH$200,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF COLUMBUSCOLUMBUS, OH$200,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    ST STEPHEN'S COMMUNITY HOUSECOLUMBUS, OH$190,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    ST STEPHEN'S COMMUNITY HOUSECOLUMBUS, OH$190,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    ACTION FOR CHILDRENCOLUMBUS, OH$160,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    ACTION FOR CHILDRENCOLUMBUS, OH$160,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    GLADDEN COMMUNITY HOUSECOLUMBUS, OH$155,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    GLADDEN COMMUNITY HOUSECOLUMBUS, OH$155,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    ST VINCENT FAMILY CENTERSCOLUMBUS, OH$150,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    ST VINCENT FAMILY CENTERSCOLUMBUS, OH$150,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    SALVATION ARMY - COLUMBUSCOLUMBUS, OH$145,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    SALVATION ARMY - COLUMBUSCOLUMBUS, OH$145,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    SOUTH SIDE LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT CENTERCOLUMBUS, OH$142,5002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    SOUTH SIDE LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT CENTERCOLUMBUS, OH$142,5002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    COLUMBUS URBAN LEAGUECOLUMBUS, OH$142,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    COLUMBUS URBAN LEAGUECOLUMBUS, OH$142,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    CENTRAL COMMUNITY HOUSECOLUMBUS, OH$140,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    CENTRAL COMMUNITY HOUSECOLUMBUS, OH$140,0002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR ALL PEOPLECOLUMBUS, OH$139,5002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR ALL PEOPLECOLUMBUS, OH$139,5002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS
    EARTHSHARE (NATIONAL)WASHINGTON, DC$139,0262025DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
    EARTHSHARE (NATIONAL)WASHINGTON, DC$139,0262025DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
    THE OSU FOUNDATIONCOLUMBUS, OH$137,5002025PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    FUNDING FOR INTERNAL INITIATIVES

    $766,523
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    DONOR/VOLUNTEER DESIGNATED FOR PROGRAM SUPPORT

    FUNDING FOR INTERNAL INITIATIVES

    $766,523
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    DONOR/VOLUNTEER DESIGNATED FOR PROGRAM SUPPORT

    COMMUNITY SHELTER BOARD

    $735,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    COMMUNITY SHELTER BOARD

    $735,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    AGENCIES 5K

    $627,909
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT

    COMMUNITY SHARES OF MID-OHIO

    $573,329
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT

    COMMUNITY SHARES OF MID-OHIO

    $573,329
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT

    YMCA OF CENTRAL OHIO

    $525,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    YMCA OF CENTRAL OHIO

    $525,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    COLUMBUS EARLY LEARNING CENTERS

    $420,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    COLUMBUS EARLY LEARNING CENTERS

    $420,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    CHC CREATING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES (CHC)

    $376,085
    ALEXANDRIA, VA2025

    DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT

    CHC CREATING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES (CHC)

    $376,085
    ALEXANDRIA, VA2025

    DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT

    DIRECTIONS FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES

    $375,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    DIRECTIONS FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES

    $375,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    AMERICA'S BEST CHARITIES

    $311,064
    LARKSPUR, CA2025

    DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT

    AMERICA'S BEST CHARITIES

    $311,064
    LARKSPUR, CA2025

    DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT

    LIFECARE ALLIANCE

    $240,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    LIFECARE ALLIANCE

    $240,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    SALVATION ARMY - COLUMBUS

    $215,458
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT

    SALVATION ARMY - COLUMBUS

    $215,458
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT

    GODMAN GUILD ASSOCIATION

    $205,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    GODMAN GUILD ASSOCIATION

    $205,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    MID-OHIO FOODBANK

    $203,508
    GROVE CITY, OH2025

    DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT

    MID-OHIO FOODBANK

    $203,508
    GROVE CITY, OH2025

    DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT

    BIG BROTHERS-BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL OHIO

    $200,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF COLUMBUS

    $200,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    BIG BROTHERS-BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL OHIO

    $200,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF COLUMBUS

    $200,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    ST STEPHEN'S COMMUNITY HOUSE

    $190,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    ST STEPHEN'S COMMUNITY HOUSE

    $190,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    ACTION FOR CHILDREN

    $160,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    ACTION FOR CHILDREN

    $160,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    GLADDEN COMMUNITY HOUSE

    $155,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    GLADDEN COMMUNITY HOUSE

    $155,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    ST VINCENT FAMILY CENTERS

    $150,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    ST VINCENT FAMILY CENTERS

    $150,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    SALVATION ARMY - COLUMBUS

    $145,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    SALVATION ARMY - COLUMBUS

    $145,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    SOUTH SIDE LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT CENTER

    $142,500
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    SOUTH SIDE LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT CENTER

    $142,500
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    COLUMBUS URBAN LEAGUE

    $142,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    COLUMBUS URBAN LEAGUE

    $142,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    CENTRAL COMMUNITY HOUSE

    $140,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    CENTRAL COMMUNITY HOUSE

    $140,000
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR ALL PEOPLE

    $139,500
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR ALL PEOPLE

    $139,500
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS

    EARTHSHARE (NATIONAL)

    $139,026
    WASHINGTON, DC2025

    DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT

    EARTHSHARE (NATIONAL)

    $139,026
    WASHINGTON, DC2025

    DONOR DESIGNATED FOR GENERAL SUPPORT

    THE OSU FOUNDATION

    $137,500
    COLUMBUS, OH2025

    PROGRAM OPERATING COSTS