FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United Way of Champaign County Awards Nearly $615,000 in Financial Security Grants to Strengthen Community
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, IL – United Way of Champaign County (UWCC) is proud to award $614,987 in Financial Security Grants to 17 programs from 13 nonprofit agencies serving Champaign County. These investments support programs that help individuals and families build financial stability, secure safe housing, and achieve long-term economic success.
The mission of United Way of Champaign County is to bring people and resources together to create positive change and lasting impact in our community. Through these grants, UWCC collaborates with local organizations to expand access to critical services that help residents overcome financial barriers and improve their quality of life.
“We are committed to investing in solutions that address the root cause of financial insecurity,” said Beverley Baker, President and CEO. “Addressing financial insecurity requires more than short-term assistance; it requires coordinated investments in programs that expand opportunities and build safety nets. These grants help strengthen the network of services that allows individuals and families to move toward lasting stability."
The 2026-2028 Financial Security Grant recipients include:
• Champaign County Regional Planning Commission
• Community Services Center of Northern Champaign County
• Courage Connection
• C-U at Home
• Daily Bread Soup Kitchen
• Greater Community AIDS Project of East Central IL
• Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County
• Land of Lincoln Legal Aid
• PACE Inc. Center for Independent Living
• Rape Advocacy, Counseling, & Education Services
• The Refugee Center
• Urbana School District #116
• Wall Street Jewelers (UWCC serving as fiscal administrator)
Funded programs provide a broad range of services, including safe housing and shelter, legal assistance, emergency financial assistance, case management, and other resources that promote financial independence. Organizations selected for funding demonstrated strong leadership, sound fiscal stewardship, inclusive practices, collaborative partnerships, and measurable community impact.
Through its four impact areas—Financial Security, Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, and Community Resiliency—United Way of Champaign County provides multi-year grant funding to support programs that address the community's most pressing needs. These investments are strengthened thanks to the generosity of UWCC donors.
For information on this year’s Financial Security awards and to learn how to support this grant or other impact areas, visit: www.unitedwaychampaign.org/financial-security
For media inquiries, please contact:
Sarah Buckman
Director of Marketing & Communications
United Way of Champaign County
sarah@unitedwaychampaign.org
(217) 352-5151