June has been an especially exciting month for United Way of Story County. This spring, we launched a special grant cycle, turning to the people who know our community best – our local nonprofit organizations – and invited them to reimagine how we invest in our neighbors’ long-term financial futures. United Way exists to support our neighbors through difficult moments, and to invest in the conditions that make those moments less likely. We received a number of exceptional proposals, which were carefully reviewed by our volunteer Allocations Committee and board. Two standout initiatives were selected for these major awards, each tackling the root causes of financial instability and building pathways to security.
Empowering Independence: Friendship Ark
Friendship Ark was awarded $18,000 to purchase new technology and equipment to expand their Representative Payee program and assist more of their members in opening IAble savings accounts, a type of savings program in Iowa for individuals with disabilities.
This investment builds directly upon a proven model of success. United Way of Story County has long supported representative payee programs because we have seen firsthand how this structured support provides the foundation for long-term financial stability, giving individuals the tools and confidence they need to manage their resources and build a secure future. This grant award will give trained Friendship Ark staff additional tools needed to create a supported, hands-on environment where community members with disabilities can practice budgeting, explore online banking, and learn to manage their savings. It is a vital step toward autonomy, confidence, and financial literacy.
Fostering Resilience: Mustard Seed Farm
Mustard Seed Farm was awarded $50,000 to equip and staff a dynamic new community kitchen space. This initiative serves our community in two distinct ways:
By offering instruction, kitchen access, and fresh produce at no cost, the space will teach Story County residents how to process local produce into shelf-stable items without creating additional strain on monthly budgets.
By acting as a low-risk incubator, the kitchen will allow aspiring local entrepreneurs to borrow professional equipment, practice techniques, and test recipes to develop value-added products to sell and increase their household income.
By eliminating the steep overhead barriers of commercial kitchen space, we are opening doors to self-sufficiency and financial independence.
The Power of Collective Investment
These awards are a testament to the power of our community – and to what your generosity makes possible. Because of your investment and trust, United Way of Story County can fund bold, community-driven solutions. I am deeply grateful to our volunteer Allocations Committee and Board of Directors – and to each of you who made this possible through your support.
It is a privilege to make these investments in our community. Together, we don’t just fund programs – we transform lives across Story County.
United is the Way.