United Way of Story County Announces $100,000 Financial Empowerment
Major Grant Opportunity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 24, 2026
AMES, Iowa – United Way of Story County is pleased to announce $100,000 is available to be allocated through the 2026 Financial Empowerment Major Grant Program.
Guided by its mission to unite people, ideas, and resources to transform lives in Story County, UWSC continues to invest in strategies that move families from surviving to thriving. The 2026 Financial Empowerment Major Grant will support innovative programs and initiatives that address the root causes of financial instability and build pathways to long-term financial security.
Across Story County, many families are working hard but struggling to make ends meet:
- 49% of households spend 30% or more of their income on rent (2024 American Community Survey, 5 Year Estimates)
- 34% report worrying about rent or mortgage payments (2025 Community Health Needs Assessment)
- 26% do not have $400 available for an emergency expense (2025 Community Health Needs Assessment)
- 6% of households are unbanked (2023 Prosperity Now Scorecard)
“When families have access to the right tools, whether that’s affordable child care, safe housing, or financial coaching, they gain the stability needed to plan for the future,” said Ashley Thompson, President and CEO of United Way of Story County. “This investment reflects our commitment to bold, innovative solutions that strengthen financial security and create lasting change for households across Story County.”
A Unique Investment in Innovation
The Financial Empowerment Major Grant is designed to fund work that:
- Pilots new solutions that address root causes or systemic barriers
- Implements innovative or emerging approaches that improve outcomes for families
- Fosters collaboration by leveraging shared expertise, resources, or service delivery
These dollars will support programs and initiatives that are not currently funded by UWSC or through the Story County ASSET process, providing flexibility to invest in new, expanded, or reimagined services for children and adults. While current ASSET-funded agencies are eligible to apply, funds may not be used to supplement existing ASSET-supported services.
Priority consideration will be given to proposals that align with UWSC’s Financial Empowerment Goal: investing in tools that build long-term financial stability for 1,000 households annually.
“This grant opportunity is about thinking differently and working together,” said Sarah Mansell, Community Impact Director at United Way of Story County. “We are seeking collaborative, forward-looking ideas that remove barriers, strengthen systems, and expand access to financial tools so families can weather challenges and build brighter futures.”
Interested agencies are encouraged to review guidelines carefully and submit Letters of Intent to unitedway@uwstory.org by Monday, March 23 at noon, 12:00 P.M.
Applications and eligibility details are available at uwstory.org/2026-major-grant.
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About United Way of Story County
United Way of Story County mobilizes our community to create lasting change. Founded in 1953, we unite people, ideas, and resources to transform lives across Story County, working toward our vision of a connected and thriving community.
As a trusted leader and convener, our approach is simple yet powerful: we believe transformation happens when neighbors, businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers unite around shared goals. Through strategic investments in Bright Futures, Financial Empowerment, and Collective Well-Being, we tackle root causes of community challenges while building the connections that make Story County stronger.
True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our community, United Way of Story County is there — listening, responding, and creating solutions that last. Learn more at www.uwstory.org.
Media Contact:
Allee Wengert
Marketing Director, United Way of Story County
awengert@uwstory.org