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United Way announces $352,000 in grants supporting 42 programs

By Lightning Reports, Published: June 18, 2026

United Way of Henderson County has awarded grants totaling $352,000 in support of 42 programs at 25 local nonprofit agencies in the coming year, the nonprofit announced.

The Community Investment Fund is one of United Way’s strategies to support education, financial stability, health, and basic needs in Henderson County. This is in addition to a robust local community impact portfolio that includes seven internal programs and initiatives, direct designated funding to nonprofits, grants to support 16 local food pantries, Helene Relief and Recovery Grants, support for Henderson County Rescue Squad, and so much more.

The recent grant announcements conclude the third year of 2024-2027 funding to the local programs recommended through the Community Investment Fund panel review process. In 2024, more than twenty local volunteers spent dozens of hours reviewing and vetting each application to make recommendations for these funds.

“The volunteers who make up the CIC are earnestly committed to the positive development of our neighbors,” said Debi Gould, Community Investment Council Chair. “The grant review process is a thorough analysis of the applicant’s proposed programming, use of funds, and trackable results. We could not do this without their generous volunteerism.”

These funds support nonprofit programs that address kindergarten readiness and school success, affordable housing and economic self-sufficiency, healthy youth behaviors, physical activity and nutrition, and basic needs and crisis services.

“Our nonprofit partners are deeply embedded within our community and expertly help our neighbors build stronger, more stable lives,” commented Kat Carlton, Executive Director of UWHC. “The programming offered by our nonprofit community is targeted to serve the greatest needs faced by our community. We are honored to be able to assist in the success of our neighbors by granting support to these programs.”