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United Way of the Big Bend Announces 2025-2027 Community Investments to Address Root Causes of Poverty and Support ALICE Families Across Eight Counties
TALLAHASSEE, FL – MAY 22, 2025
The United Way of the Big Bend (UWBB) Board of Directors approved $1.24 million in funding allocations today that will support sixty-three critical programs in the eight-county region it serves including Leon, Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla counties. These strategic investments are targeted to the needs of each community and address the complex challenges facing individuals and families in the ALICE population – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – and stabilizing those living at the edge of poverty.
UWBB’s funding decisions are deeply rooted in data, community collaboration, and a commitment to long-term impact. According to the recently released United Way 2025 State of ALICE Report, 53% of households in the Big Bend region live in ALICE or below. This includes families who are working, often multiple jobs, but still struggling to afford the basic cost of living.
Through these investments, United Way of the Big Bend is making an impact that reaches tens of thousands of individuals annually with a collective impact totaling more than $3.6 million. Funding for these programs serves a wide range of vulnerable populations including low-income seniors, unhoused individuals, children & families, and food-insecure households. This two-year funding cycle supports local nonprofits whose programs align with UWBB’s focus areas: housing, early learning and education, health and mental health, safety net, and skills development -- all essential for moving families out of poverty and into a more secure future. These new allocations will address essential needs like food, housing & rental assistance, childcare, education, and health and mental health services.
“Being good stewards of our donors’ dollars is both a responsibility and a privilege,” said Bethany H. Corum, Chair of the United Way of the Big Bend Board of Directors. “Through careful planning and deliberate investment in programs that address the root causes of poverty, we are able to drive meaningful, measurable change in the lives of our neighbors. Every dollar invested is done with purpose – to create a pathway to stability and self-sufficiency for families in our region.”
This two-year funding cycle is the result of a rigorous nine-month community investment process engaging trained volunteers who provided 904 volunteer hours evaluating funding applications, conducting organizational finance and programmatic reviews, and measuring outcomes and community impact to ensure accountability and alignment with UWBB’s strategic goals.
“As the region faces increasing economic uncertainty, the role of United Way of the Big Bend is more critical than ever. With continued support from donors, partners, and community members, UWBB can remain a lifeline for families in need and a leader in the support of our ALICE neighbors,” said Berneice Cox, President and CEO of United Way of the Big Bend.
“Now more than ever, we invite you to stand with us. Your support makes it possible to create a collective impact and improve lives throughout the Big Bend. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient community --- one family at a time.”
To learn more or make a contribution, please visit uwbb.org.
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