Special Announcement - Up to $80,000 Grant Funding
United Way Blackhawk Region is requesting proposals from local nonprofit organizations to implement a Housing and Resource Navigator position. A Housing and Resource Navigator helps clients to develop an action plan in order to secure safe, affordable and sustainable housing based on their unique needs.

“Housing and Resource Navigators play a key role connecting individuals and families with a safe place to call home,” said Kelly Bedessem, volunteer Chair of United Way’s Community Impact Council. “Based in the field, these positions help people overcome barriers to achieve their housing goals.”

United Way’s volunteer board of directors has authorized utilization of up to $80,000 in reserve funds, over and above its current 2021-2023 Community Grants investment (more than $3.1 million dollars) to further meet the evolving needs of the Blackhawk Region.

“Despite pandemic-related declines in our annual fundraising, our volunteer leadership has prioritized this additional investment because United Way understands the criticality of this issue and serving our most vulnerable neighbors,” said United Way Blackhawk Region President and CEO Mary Fanning-Penny. “This is yet another example of United Way identifying a pressing community need and stepping up in a meaningful way.”
United Way Blackhawk Region encourages nonprofit organizations with proven success serving homeless persons to submit proposals for this funding.

“As with all United Way funding, this process is highly competitive,” Bedessem stated. “Volunteers will fully vet applicants. Any program awarded this funding will be accountable for results and measurable outcomes.”

The deadline for proposals is Friday, April 1, 2022 by 4:30 p.m. Late submissions will be ineligible for consideration. The volunteer-driven Community Impact Council will oversee all requests and make final determinations; awards will be communicated publicly.
Top Rated Charity 2022
For another consecutive year, sound fiscal management practices, commitment to accountability and transparency have earned United Way Blackhawk Region a 4 out of 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. Again in 2022,

United Way Blackhawk Region has also earned a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (formerly GuideStar), its highest rating available.
Our unwavering commitment to responsible stewardship is reinforced by consistently earning top ratings from two of the nation’s most trusted nonprofit evaluators. We do not take for granted the significance of this accomplishment year after year. The board of directors and lean team is incredibly proud of what these ratings symbolize to donors – a gift to United Way is a wise investment in our community.
Director of Corporate Campaigns
Do you have a talent for relationship building and dynamic presentation skills with a passion for inspiring generosity? Join a team that transforms charitable giving into meaningful community change!

United Way Blackhawk Region is seeking a results-driven, enthusiastic and donor-focused leader to orchestrate its annual corporate and employee giving campaign.
Community Campaign Update
We understand and empathize with the challenges our community and corporate partners have faced the past two years. Unfortunately, United Way has incurred pandemic-related losses in our annual community fundraising campaigns.

The best way to ensure 87,000 Blackhawk Region neighbors who access 35+ United Way-funded programs do not lose critical safety net and springboard services, is to GIVE today or initiate a new employee / workplace campaign.
Welcome, Kellie!
United Way Blackhawk Region is excited to announce Kellie Kahle as our new Administrative Assistant. This exciting addition adds capacity to our lean but tenacious team, at 4 FTE.

Kellie brings with her excellent customer service skills and office experience, as well as a passion for community. Welcome to the Team, Kellie!
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United Way helps give people the financial education and tools to build a solid foundation that improves their lives and the lives of their children.

For millions of Americans, tax refunds and credits are essential to their financial stability and success. That’s why United Way helps people save more of their hard-earned money. So far, more than 1.3 million people have used MyFreeTaxes, saving some $260 million in tax preparation fees.