CINCINNATI, Ohio (August 3, 2021) -

Dear friends,

The pandemic year was devastating not only to families throughout our community, but also to so many nonprofits, faith-based groups, and countless other organizations committed to being a resource for the vulnerable.

At United Way, we realized that we were uniquely poised to effectively stabilize and support our community’s nonprofit system of care. With your financial investment and shared determination, we were able to accomplish so much:

COVID-19 Regional Response Fund: At the start of the pandemic, we quickly helped to raise and grant more than $7.2 million dollars in responsive grants.

• Mobilized 13 funding partners, five media partners and 46 community supporters
• Provided grants that supported more than 250 community nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and neighborhood groups 
• Moved more than 330 individuals and families from emergency shelters or congregating living into hotels/motels before transitioning to permanent housing
• Opened five pandemic childcare centers for essential workers
• Helped hospital systems across the region purchase critical equipment and supplies
• Supported nonprofits to provide more than 600,000 meals

Flexible Program Funding: We invested $20.6 million in grants to 136 organizations in support of more than 200 social services and programs.

• Provided greater flexibility, allowing nonprofit partners to shift funding to meet the immediate needs of our community and access resources ahead of traditional payment schedules


• Programs funded by United Way fulfilled more than 715,000 needs, a 47% increase from 2019

Advocating and Investing in System Change: United Way invested $279,000 in six policy partners to continue to advance systems change.

• Along with United Way Worldwide, advocated in support of the CARES Act and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s eviction moratorium


• Supported the renewal of Preschool Promise in Cincinnati, continuing to ensure a strong early-education system of care for Cincinnati families

Administration of CARES Funding to Nonprofits: Advocated for CARES to support nonprofit agencies as they responded to community needs, and administered nearly $2 million of CARES grants to 43 organizations.

• United Way, funded by Hamilton County government, created and administered nearly $1 million in grants to support services to 9,000 county youth 
• Administered nearly $900,000 in CARES grants across Hamilton, Clermont, Grant, Kenton, and Boone counties to support emergency shelter, food and financial assistance for rent, mortgage, and utility payments.

I believe that the numbers tell a story, and I believe in transparency. However, personal stories best capture the true impact of our work. Please watch LeAmber’s story – another compelling reminder of why we do what we do.

As always, thank you for your partnership with us, and for your abiding support of the community we love.

Moira Weir
President/CEO
United Way of Greater Cincinnati