Real-Time Solutions
United Way works to bring people and resources together to solve community needs in real time. We work to address the most pressing issues and gaps in our community. Just as you would hire a financial advisor to make your dollars work harder for you; United Way is your giving advisor, we can help you amplify your dollar’s impact and make the most of your investment, working alongside a network of community partners to drive solutions that change lives, helping ensure everyone in our community has an opportunity to thrive.
Current Initiatives
NONPROFIT CATALYST GRANT
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and United Way of Greater Kansas City have invested in the work of small organizations through the Nonprofit Catalyst Fund, providing strategic grants tailored to the unique needs of organizations and priorities established by their leaders. These investments have been focused on organizations serving historically marginalized communities in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
FAMILY EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE
The Family Empowerment Initiative (FEI) is a mission-driven partnership of the United Way, the Siemer Institute (a national leader in homeless prevention), and a network of local social service agencies. This program takes a collective impact approach to helping families that have either become homeless, are at risk of homelessness, or have a history of frequent moves. Children experiencing multiple moves are at risk of adverse outcomes associated with emotional well-being, academic performance, and health. To date, United Way has empowered more than 995 families. Last year, 93% of school-aged children remained in school and avoided a disruptive move.
FINANCIAL SECURITY THROUGH DEBIT CARDS
United Way of Greater Kansas City has invested nearly $2M to support the financial security of households dealing with high rent, utility, and food costs, along with challenges in meeting expenses like childcare, healthcare needs, transportation, school supplies and more. Using prepaid debit cards in cooperation with 20 United Way partner agencies, 211 and through other United Way direct support programs, individuals needing assistance have been provided cards averaging $930 each. While there is no restriction on how funds can be used, recipients report funds have been spent on helping to meet basic, everyday expenses.
EVICTION PREVENTION INITIATIVE
United Way’s eviction prevention initiative has helped prevent more than 3,000 households from experiencing the trauma of eviction since it’s launch in the summer of 2020, by providing financial assistance and connecting them with an attorney to represent them in housing court, when needed. In addition, United Way has helped local governments design and coordinate a region-wide response that has helped more than 18,000 families avoid eviction through a network more than 25 social service agencies since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
CRITICAL MEDICAL NEEDS
Launched in the summer of 2024, the Critical Medical Needs program is designed to stop disconnection or restore services for households with people who have critical medical needs. This new program works with health system partners and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to identify eligible patients, speed up securing assistance, and provide additional supports for households that are struggling with major medical needs.
Urban Neighborhood Initiative
The Urban Neighborhood Initiative (UNI) evolved as one of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s “Big 5” initiatives, and with the help of United Way of Greater Kansas City. UNI was established to ensure that all families can live in an environment of overall health and safety—where communities are strong, children learn and play, families live in quality housing, and parents work in stable jobs.
Click here to learn more about the Urban Neighborhood Initiative.
Choice Neighborhood Initiative
The Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI) is a project-based grant authorized by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to the Housing Authority of Kansas City (HAKC). At the beginning of this initiative, United Way led efforts to create, sustain and support the health, education and employment for target households that opted in to services offered through CNI.
