Community Impact
Heart of Missouri United Way invests in programs that move our community toward better health, greater financial stability, and stronger educational outcomes. Through our Community Investment Grants, we partner with nonprofits across Boone, Cooper, and Howard Counties to ensure local residents have the resources and support they need to thrive.
How Community Impact Grants Work
Community Impact Grants are awarded to programs — not organizations — so we can directly measure how each funded effort is improving lives. Grants support work in three key areas:
- Health & Basic Needs
- Financial Stability
- Education
Each year, one of these three focus areas is opened for applications on a rotating cycle, ensuring consistent investment across all areas of need.
A Volunteer-Led Review Process
Our grantmaking process is grounded in transparency, accountability, and community voice. Funding decisions are made by our Community Impact Advisory Council—a group of trained volunteers who review program proposals, evaluate financials and outcomes, and recommend which investments will make the biggest impact.
These volunteers bring diverse community perspectives to the table, ensuring that funding is guided by local insight and lived experience.
We are always seeking new volunteers to join this important work. If you’re interested in serving on the Advisory Council, please email us—we’d love to connect.
Grant Structure and Accountability
Awarded programs receive one year of funding, with the opportunity to renew for up to two additional years. Renewals are based on whether the program meets the outcomes and requirements outlined in the award contract.
This structure ensures that:
- Programs remain responsive to community needs
- Outcomes are measurable and meaningful
- Investments stay aligned with the greatest opportunities for impact
United Way staff provide ongoing partnership and support to funded agencies, and grantees regularly report successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
Our Impact, Together
During a typical funding cycle, our Community Impact Grants support dozens of programs across our region—addressing urgent needs, expanding opportunity, and strengthening the systems that help individuals and families build long-term stability.
This work is only possible because our community mobilizes, volunteers lead with compassion and expertise, and local nonprofits bring powerful solutions to life.
Currently Funded Organizations
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Boys & Girls Club of Columbia
Central Missouri Community Action
City of Refuge
Columba Housing Authority
Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture
Community Playground of Columbia, Inc.
Compass Health Network
First Chance for Children
Grade A Plus
Harrisburg Early Learning Center
Heart of Missouri CASA
Jabberwocky Studios
Job Point
Kingdom Konnections
KVC Behavioral Health
Love Columbia
Lutheran Family & Children’s Services
Mid-Missouri Legal Services
P.E.A.C.E.
Services for Independent Living
True North
Turning Point
United Cerebral Palsy Heartland
United Community Builders
Voluntary Action Center