OUR IMPACT
What We Achieved Together
Together in 2025, we created more opportunities for our neighbors to thrive. You helped ignite real change — reflected not just in funds raised, but in lives uplifted and possibilities expanded through our network of partners, volunteers and supporters. Thank you for strengthening our community. These are just a few examples of what we achieved together last year.
A Word from Our CEO & Board Chair
United Way friends,
Because of supporters like you, United Way of Greater Cincinnati has served our community for 110 years — listening, learning and adapting to meet the challenges families face every day. Our legacy of impact continues because you believe in what we can achieve together.
We navigated a lot of uncertainty this past year — and our community felt it first. In response, we stepped in where people needed support most, listening closely and acting with care. What we learned along the way helps us move forward with clarity and intention.
We’re reminded that our ability to respond, adapt and lead has always been rooted in the collective commitment of this community. None of this would be possible without you. Your generosity, partnership and belief in our mission fuel the progress celebrated in this report and inspire the work ahead.
Thank you for standing with us. Your support helped deliver real change in our community this year.
Moira Weir
President & CEO
Brian Hodgett
Chair, Board of Directors
UNITED WAY HELPS CONNECT THE DOTS
Courthney knows the odds were stacked against her.
Raising her son, Chase, on her own, she left college to work full-time, yet she was still just scraping by.
“I don’t know how we made it, honestly. Lots of nights I thought, I don’t know how I’m surviving. What’s my way out?”
She didn’t know it at the time, but enrolling Chase in a United Way-supported preschool program 10 years ago would make all the difference. It gave Courthney the space to pursue her own goals — building skills, advancing her career and strengthening her family’s financial future.
She’s earned two degrees, works as a public health educator, is involved in her community and now owns the family’s home. Chase is thriving as a high school student athlete.
Courthney credits that early support with helping her family move forward. “We definitely wouldn’t be where we are without that.”
Stories like Courthney and Chase’s remind us that when we invest in families as a whole, lasting change follows.
Building a Better Future
As a trusted connector, United Way of Greater Cincinnati brings the community together to advance economic well-being across the region. Our three key focus areas are deeply connected — Educational Success, Financial Empowerment and Housing Security. A safe place to call home helps children concentrate in the classroom. Financial security makes housing and education attainable, and education unlocks pathways to better jobs and stronger futures.
Building a Better Future
As a trusted connector, United Way of Greater Cincinnati brings the community together to advance economic well-being across the region. Our three key focus areas are deeply connected — Educational Success, Financial Empowerment and Housing Security. A safe place to call home helps children concentrate in the classroom. Financial security makes housing and education attainable, and education unlocks pathways to better jobs and stronger futures.
Educational Success
Supporting Learning Opportunities for All
Thanks to your generosity, children and young people have the support they need at every stage of their learning journey. Through community-based programs and cross-sector partnerships, we create pathways to opportunities. Our region is stronger when tomorrow’s leaders can build a better foundation today.
Because of you, children got a strong start in learning — these examples show what your support made possible.
49,300 children
participated in community-based programs that help them achieve educational milestones.
7,600 young children
received books through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Clermont County.
4,600 people
explored advanced manufacturing careers through our Future of Manufacturing Fund in partnership with the GE Aerospace Foundation.
780 families
gained the tools they need to support their children’s social-emotional development, helping them start kindergarten ready to learn.
Partner Perspective
“To reach their potential, children need to start strong, and families need stability along the way for learning to take hold. From early learning to career readiness, United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s work supports students and families holistically, recognizing that education, financial stability and housing security are deeply connected. As an educator and board member, I strongly believe in this approach because when families are supported, students are better positioned to thrive.”
Dr. Monica Posey
President
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
United Way Bridges Barriers to Early Learning
Courtney enrolled in an early learning program introduced to parents in Southeast Indiana by United Way of Greater Cincinnati. The goal: empower parents to be their children’s first teacher.
Many families lack access to high-quality preschool due to affordability or waitlists. This home-based program helps bridge that gap.
Since starting the program, Courtney says she’s seen her boys’ listening skills improve. Their love for books has grown. They’re better able to follow directions.
“As a mom, just being able to see the progression is amazing.”
United Way Bridges Barriers to Early Learning
Courtney enrolled in an early learning program introduced to parents in Southeast Indiana by United Way of Greater Cincinnati. The goal: empower parents to be their children’s first teacher.
Many families lack access to high-quality preschool due to affordability or waitlists. This home-based program helps bridge that gap.
Since starting the program, Courtney says she’s seen her boys’ listening skills improve. Their love for books has grown. They’re better able to follow directions.
“As a mom, just being able to see the progression is amazing.”
Financial Empowerment
Building Foundations for Growth
Because of you, families have the tools, resources and support they need to make informed financial decisions. Together, we meet immediate needs and encourage long-term security. When families achieve economic security, our entire region benefits.
Your generosity helped families take meaningful steps toward financial stability — the examples below bring that impact to life.
10,400 families
families were connected to employment and income assistance resources through United Way 211.
9,600 households
households filed their taxes for free, claiming $10.7 million in refunds.
560 families
families received financial support paired with coaching to help them gain stability and plan for the future.
Rachel is Achieving Goals with United Way
Rachel’s young daughter is the center of her world. She wants to provide Peyton with stability, opportunity and ultimately a home to call their own. Until now, that felt out of reach.
“I had just started a new job and just had a baby recently, so there were other things coming first, and the house dream kind of got slowly put on the back burner,” Rachel said.
Most of her family has moved away, but Rachel found connection and support through financial coaching coordinated by United Way. “They are focused on educating you and setting you up for success,” she said.
Rachel’s been able to save with intention and feels empowered to turn her dream into a reality. “It’s super exciting. It’s the next chapter of our lives.”
Rachel is Achieving Goals with United Way
Rachel’s young daughter is the center of her world. She wants to provide Peyton with stability, opportunity and ultimately a home to call their own. Until now, that felt out of reach.
“I had just started a new job and just had a baby recently, so there were other things coming first, and the house dream kind of got slowly put on the back burner,” Rachel said.
Most of her family has moved away, but Rachel found connection and support through financial coaching coordinated by United Way. “They are focused on educating you and setting you up for success,” she said.
Rachel’s been able to save with intention and feels empowered to turn her dream into a reality. “It’s super exciting. It’s the next chapter of our lives.”
housing security
Supporting Stable Homes for Families
With your support, families stay in their homes and avoid eviction, while we work together to expand housing options that fit their needs. Stable housing provides a solid foundation to build wealth, succeed in school and excel at work.
You made it possible for families to stay in their homes during times of uncertainty — here’s a snapshot of the difference you made.
73,500 families
families got access to homeownership support and stable housing solutions to prevent homelessness.
35,400 people
were connected to housing resources through United Way 211.
322 families
families facing eviction were helped with legal support and rental assistance through a partnership with the City of Cincinnati, Legal Aid Society and Hamilton County Clerk of Courts Help Center.
United Way 211 Kept Ariel Housed
Less than a year into a new job, Ariel was laid off.
Bills started piling up as she searched for a new job, and she worried about being evicted from her home.
“I had a list of (social service) resources, but nothing checked out. I could never get in touch with anyone.”
That changed when she called United Way 211.
Instead of another dead end, she reached someone who helped her find the right program — fast — one she actually qualified for, connecting her to rent assistance and legal support. “It really restored my faith in humanity.”
Once her first paycheck arrived, Ariel felt she could finally exhale. The crisis was over, and she could start again on solid ground.
“I’m 100% stable. I’m thriving.”
United Way 211 Kept Ariel Housed
Less than a year into a new job, Ariel was laid off.
Bills started piling up as she searched for a new job, and she worried about being evicted from her home.
“I had a list of (social service) resources, but nothing checked out. I could never get in touch with anyone.”
That changed when she called United Way 211.
Instead of another dead end, she reached someone who helped her find the right program — fast — one she actually qualified for, connecting her to rent assistance and legal support. “It really restored my faith in humanity.”
Once her first paycheck arrived, Ariel felt she could finally exhale. The crisis was over, and she could start again on solid ground.
“I’m 100% stable. I’m thriving.”
Our How
Creating lasting change happens when we take action in meaningful ways, advocate for what works and invest with intention.
Our How
Creating lasting change happens when we take action in meaningful ways, advocate for what works and invest with intention.
Take Action
Responding to Community Need
United Way works alongside community partners to respond to immediate needs while supporting proven initiatives that make lasting progress possible. We take action to help children get a strong start, connect people to financial tools and career pathways, and help families stay in their homes.
Impact in Action
United Way’s Backpacks for Success project distributed $106,000 worth of backpacks and supplies to thousands of students.
Almost 850 people received holiday gifts through United Way’s Adopt-A-Family holiday program thanks to more than 160 donors.
United Way and other community partners joined 500 volunteers at five sites in Walnut Hills and one in Evanston for an annual Community Makeover service project.
United Way 211 responded to requests for assistance on behalf of our partners at 211 LA when wildfires tore through Southern California.
Corporate volunteers assembled 15,000 care kits for under-resourced communities.
When SNAP/WIC benefits were disrupted during the government shutdown, United Way 211 created a food resource map so families could find nearby food pantries, meal programs and grocery assistance.
Partner Perspective
“United Way 211 is one of our region’s most powerful assets. It’s more than a helpline — it links social services together to form a network of support. It provides the kind of infrastructure that strengthens our community by making help easier to find, faster to access and more effective for everyone involved.”
Greg Fischer
Chairman
The Fischer Group
The Power of Connection: United Way 211
For many of our neighbors, United Way 211 is a lifeline.
Requests for help come in every day, at any hour of the day. In the last year, the helpline fielded more than 53,000 requests for assistance from people in seven counties in Southwest Ohio and four in Northern Kentucky.
Our 211 resource navigators listen, ask questions, assess needs and connect people to a wide range of community resources, including mortgage, rent and utility bill assistance; employment services; transportation needs; home repairs; and more.
In 2025, we continued investing in our 211 platform. We followed up with callers and surveyed service providers to streamline the experience and strengthen the network. The result is a more powerful tool for the entire community.
The Power of Connection: United Way 211
For many of our neighbors, United Way 211 is a lifeline.
Requests for help come in every day, at any hour of the day. In the last year, the helpline fielded more than 53,000 requests for assistance from people in seven counties in Southwest Ohio and four in Northern Kentucky.
Our 211 resource navigators listen, ask questions, assess needs and connect people to a wide range of community resources, including mortgage, rent and utility bill assistance; employment services; transportation needs; home repairs; and more.
In 2025, we continued investing in our 211 platform. We followed up with callers and surveyed service providers to streamline the experience and strengthen the network. The result is a more powerful tool for the entire community.
Advocate
Driving Lasting Change
United Way listens to what families in our community are experiencing and works to expand opportunity for all. We support policies and practices that open doors, remove obstacles and make it easier for everyone to thrive.
Creating Change Through Advocacy
President and CEO Moira Weir spoke on a panel convened by the Government-University-Industry-Philanthropy Research Roundtable in Washington D.C. She discussed how United Way partners with industry leaders to strengthen career readiness and workforce pipelines.
United Way advocated for families during more than 60 meetings with policymakers in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.
We collaborated with 51 individuals who testified about their community and lived experiences at state capitols.
Cincinnati City Council recognized United Way with a proclamation in honor of Digital Equity Month for our work addressing the digital divide.
Amplifying Local Solutions
We help bridge the gap between local needs and national decision-making. In 2025, President and CEO Moira Weir was among a select group of United Way leaders who convened on Capitol Hill, bringing community voices directly to policymakers.
Moira shared real-time insights and proven solutions, helping inform bipartisan conversations that shape lives across the U.S.
Amplifying Local Solutions
We help bridge the gap between local needs and national decision-making. In 2025, President and CEO Moira Weir was among a select group of United Way leaders who convened on Capitol Hill, bringing community voices directly to policymakers.
Moira shared real-time insights and proven solutions, helping inform bipartisan conversations that shape lives across the U.S.
Partner Perspective
“United Way continues to show up for our community, and that consistency matters. Whether advocating for 211 funding or connecting neighbors to policymakers, our region needs partners like United Way. Their cross-sector connections and legacy of impact bring tremendous value to the area.”
Brendon Cull
President & CEO
Cincinnati Regional Chamber
Invest
Supporting Solutions
United Way invests resources where they can do the greatest good. We fund partners, ideas and strategies that help build solutions that benefit families today and create lasting impact for generations to come.
$40.3M invested in 2025
+ stewarded $5.2M in public grants
Partner Perspective
“United Way of Greater Cincinnati has been at the forefront of ensuring our neighbors have access to essential services when they need them most. That’s why Duke Energy partners with United Way to connect people to utility relief. Their team handles these requests with compassion, efficiency and integrity. As a utility provider, reliability matters, and we trust United Way to deliver support in ways that truly strengthen families and our community.”
Amy Spiller
State President (Ohio & Kentucky)
Duke Energy
A Look Ahead
Connecting People, Partners & Possibility
The need in our community remains urgent. Families across our region are navigating rising costs, housing instability and economic uncertainty. The challenges are real, and they require sustained commitment and collective action.
With your support, we’re taking action. We’re building momentum — aligning partners, strengthening proven regional strategies and going deeper at the neighborhood level where impact really matters.
In the year ahead, we’ll continue investing in what works, scaling practical solutions and advocating for policies that expand opportunity and stability. We’ll act boldly to ensure families have the support, resources and pathways they need, not just to get by, but to thrive.
Thank you for standing with us. Your partnership makes this work possible.
Be part of what comes next. Building a stronger future for our region is something we do together.