Nonprofit Investment Opportunities
We invest in nonprofit programs that help all individuals achieve their human potential in the areas of health, education, financial stability and basic needs – the building blocks for a good quality of life and a strong community.
We invite nonprofits in south central Kansas who provide services in these areas to review our funding opportunities below.
Investment opportunities will be announced through our website. To receive communications regarding investment opportunities when they become available, contact Abel Frederic, United Way Vice President of Community Impact, at afrederic@unitedwayplains.org or (316) 267‑1321, ext. 4211.
UNITED WAY’S CORE COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS
United Way of the Plains invests in the community through three nonprofit grant opportunities: Promise on the Plains, Impact on the Plains and Opportunity on the Plains. Each supports our work to advance the common good in our focus areas of health, education, financial stability and basic needs.
Promise on the Plains
Apply in the Spring
Aims to invest in the capacity of grassroots organizations.
- Open to health and human service nonprofits in our service area that help underserved communities.*
- Recipients announced in June.
- Investments, up to $10,000, awarded for immediate use.
- Recipients will submit a biannual success story.
Impact on the Plains
Apply in the Summer
A “Shark Tank”-style social innovation competition in pursuit of bold solutions to community issues.
- Open to health and human service nonprofits in our service area* with bold, innovative solutions to make an impact in one of our focus areas.
- Finalists make their pitch to a panel of community judges at a live, “Shark-Tank” style event in September.
- Four grants, ranging from $40,000 to $10,000, are awarded, plus a special People’s Choice Award for $5,000.
- Semiannual reporting required.
Opportunity on the Plains
Apply in the Fall
The largest, annual investment program from United Way of the Plains to help meet the most pressing needs in our community.
- Open to health and human service nonprofits in our service area* who are making an impact in one of our focus areas.
- Community volunteers review applications and make funding recommendations to our board of directors for final approval.
- Recipients announced in the late spring. Funding cycle is July to June.
- Quarterly reports required.
*United Way of the Plains’ service area includes Sedgwick, Butler (all ZIP codes except 67042), Barber, Cowley, Harper, Kingman, Pratt, and Sumner Counties, and the following ZIP codes: 67001, 67025, 67035, 67068, 67108, 67135, 67147, and 67154.
CURRENT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The 2026 – 2027 Opportunity on the Plains grant application is now open. Please visit the Opportunity on the Plains webpage for details and a link to the application portal. Applications must be submitted by noon on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025.
To receive communications regarding investment opportunities when they become available, contact Abel Frederic, United Way Vice President of Community Impact, at afrederic@unitedwayplains.org or (316) 267‑1321, ext. 4211.
QUESTIONS?
OUR FOCUS
Our focus is on health, education, financial stability and basic needs—the building blocks for a good quality of life and a strong community. Click below to learn more about what we’re doing, the programs we invest in and our lasting impact in each area.
