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 seek to invest in the work of organizations through the Nonprofit Catalyst Fund, providing strategic grants tailored to the unique needs of organizations and priorities established by their leaders. These investments are focused on organizations serving BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities as well as organizations led by BIPOC leaders 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.
DEBIT CARD INFLATION RELIEF
United Way of Greater Kansas City is pleased to announce a one-time inflation relief package in the form of direct payment to our most vulnerable neighbors in need. A total of $1 million of assistance has been delivered in the form of prepaid debit cards in amounts ranging from $600-$1400, based on family size. This has been accomplished by working with trusted community partners and our 211 community resource navigators to identify and select recipients.
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.
Real-Time Solutions Announcements and Updates
- United is the Way™: We Invest in Our Community’s Future
- How United Way’s Family Empowerment Initiative Helped Stephanie’s Family Overcome Hardship
- One Woman’s Story of Finding Stability After Trauma and Struggle
- From Crisis to Confidence: How One Kansas Citian Found Stability and Hope Through Community SupportÂ
