May 19, 2023
"To increase the organized capacity of people to help others."
News & Resources
United Way Small Businesses Love Big grant cycle opens
The Catawba County United Way’s newest grant cycle will begin accepting applications on May 22.
The Small Businesses Love Big initiative started last summer. It is an opportunity for small companies in Catawba County (50 employees or less) to invest back into their communities by supporting local non-profit programs.
Each participating company contributes $365 a year, which will be used to fund this new Catawba County United Way allocation process focused on local small and start-up non-profits.

Criteria for Applying for a Grant:
·    The non-profit agency and its program being funded is focused on helping Catawba County residents.
·    Program impacts individuals/families in need in one or more CCUW impact area: health, education, income.
·    Provide proof of 501c3 status.
·    Provide impact report after use of funds, including demographics.
·    Asking for a grant between $2,000 and $5,000.
·    Not currently receiving funds for the program through the annual CCUW grant process. 
 
SBLB Grant Timeline
·    May 22 – SBLB application OPENS on CCUW website.
·    June 12 – SBLB applications DUE.
·    June 15 – applications reviewed by SBLB representatives.
·    Grants will be announced end of June.
 
Learn more at THIS LINK or call 828-327-6851.
United Way looking for School Supply Drive partners
We’re still in May, but the Catawba County United Way wanted to reach out to anyone who'd be interested in supporting this year's Stuff the Bus school supply drive.
Last year’s drive was excellent, and the CCUW would like to get a jump on planning for this year’s drive…at least get it on everyone’s calendar.


Results from the 2022 School Supply Drive
·        Individual items collected                                                    8,653  
·        Shirts donated (mix of tee, long sleeve, hoodies)                1,116
·        Monetary donations (including from Facebook)                  $1,800
·        Collection partners/sites                                                        26/33
·        Volunteers to sort/count                                                        43 for 78 hours
·        $6,000 donated by Publix – distributed (3-1-1) to school districts

The drive benefits all three local public school districts: Catawba County, Hickory Public and Newton-Conover City. Supplies will be distributed to school districts in August.
This year, the drive will run from June 30 to July 31. 
If you'd like to be a collection site or help in any way call the United Way at 828-327-6851.
And THANK YOU to everyone who's helped in the past.
American Fire & Security joins Small Businesses Love Big
American Fire & Security recently joined the more than 25 other local businesses who have signed up to be part of the Catawba County United Way's Small Businesses Love Big initiative.
This is an opportunity for small companies in Catawba County (50 employees or less) to invest back into their communities by supporting local non-profit programs.
Representatives of the businesses will meet to review the grant applications and decide what programs to fund.
For more information about Small Businesses Love Big or to join the initiative, call the United Way at 828-327-6851 or visit THIS LINK.
What's Happening
We've all heard the phrase - "It takes a village," and in the non-profit world it's true. The Catawba County United Way enjoys building relationships with its community partners and sees how much greater our impact is because of our collective efforts every day.
Below are some upcoming programs and events from just a few of those partners...please share, and if you're interested, the Catawba County Interagency Council meets the second Thursday every month at the United Way office - 2760 Tate Blvd SE in Hickory.
Call 828-327-6851 for more information or email jbailey@ccunitedway.com
Find local resources at NC 211
NC 211 is the health and human services information line provided by United Way of North Carolina. From help with housing, food, medical needs, legal aid, transportation, elderly health, NC 211 works to connect anyone to local resources. Catawba County United Way is one of several community partners who help fund this program. Dial 2-1-1 to find local resources or visit nc211.org.
Since 1944, the Catawba County United Way has been dedicated to increasing the capacity of people to help others. To learn more about the CCUW's mission contact us at 828-327-6851 or visit ccunitedway.com.

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