United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) has announced its FY 2026-2027 community investments totaling $1,459,499 in direct funding to local nonprofit organizations. Thirty-four partner agencies will deliver forty-six programs across three key impact areas: Health ($569,500), Education ($478,550), and Financial Stability ($411,449). These investments will improve lives and strengthen support systems for Indian River County residents.
These investments, determined through United Way’s annual Community Investment Process, will support programs from July 2026 through June 2027. The process engaged nearly 90 trained community volunteers serving on Citizens’ Review Panels. These volunteers reviewed grant applications, conducted agency site visits, and helped recommend funding allocations to ensure funding decisions reflect local needs and priorities.
“The Citizens’ Review Panel process is one of the most important parts of United Way’s work,” said Jamie Bell, incoming Board Chair and Community Impact Committee Co-Chair. “This is where the rubber meets the road. Community volunteers bring their expertise, ask thoughtful questions, and take a close look at programs to ensure donor dollars are invested where they can make the greatest difference. It is stewardship in action and reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and community-driven decision-making.”
United Way’s work addresses the broad and interrelated needs of the community, knowing that housing, food access, early learning, job skills, and health services all play a role in long-term stability. One agency alone cannot provide all of these, but through a collaborative network of funded partners, families can receive holistic and coordinated care.
Without United Way funding, local residents could lose access to critical services, including:
- Mental health screenings for 1,002 individuals
- Employment assistance that helped 37 individuals increase their wages
- Nutritious food for 17,982 individuals
- High-quality childcare and early learning opportunities for 383 young children
Beyond immediate impact, many partner organizations rely on United Way funding to leverage federal, state, or private grant dollars. These allocations often serve as matching funds, making them essential to sustaining and expanding local services.
“Behind every allocation is a local family, child, senior, or individual whose life may be changed because help is available when they need it,” said Meredith Egan, Chief Executive Officer. “These investments strengthen the programs and partnerships that make our community more resilient, more connected, and better prepared to meet challenges today and in the future. Every donor who gives to United Way helps make that possible.”
Funded Partners and Programs
| 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast, 211 Helpline |
| Big Brothers, Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River & Okeechobee Counties, Inc., Community Based Mentoring and Passport to Early Literacy |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County, Project Learn |
| Camp Haven, Inc., Pathways to Financial Stability |
| Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach, Samaritan Center for Homeless Families |
| Center for Memory and Movement, Respite: Caring for the Caregiver |
| Childcare Resources of Indian River, Subsidized High Quality Childcare and Wellness & Early Intervention Program |
| Children’s Home Society of Florida, Treasure Coast Region, Dodgertown Elementary Community Partnership School |
| Crossover Mission, Accelerate My Potential (AMP) Program and Healthy Kids Program |
| Drug Abuse Treatment Association, Inc., Norman C. Hayslip Treatment Center, Fort Pierce and Outpatient Treatment Center |
| Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin, and Okeechobee Counties, Inc., Strategies for Success in Early Learning Classrooms |
| Economic Opportunities Council, Early Head Start |
| Hibiscus Children’s Center, Inc., Career Pathways to Independence Program, and Supporting Families in Crisis |
| Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition, Inc., Healthy Families, Parents as Teachers, and Babies and Beyond |
| Indian River Habitat for Humanity, Critical Home Repair Program |
| Literacy Services of Indian River County, Inc., Adult Education and Workforce Support |
| Mental Health Association in Indian River County, Walk-In & Counseling Center |
| Mental Health Collaborative of Indian River County, Inc., McCabe Connections Center |
| Redlands Christian Migrant Association, Inc., Enhancing Early Learning and Family Support Services |
| SafeSpace, Inc., SafeSpace Domestic Violence Services |
| Senior Resource Association, Inc., DayAway Program, and Meals on Wheels/Emergency Meals on Wheels |
| Sunshine Physical Therapy, School Readiness through Occupational and Speech Therapies |
| The Arc of Indian River County, Behavioral Analysis Program and Supported Employment Program |
| The Hope for Families Center, Inc., Helping Homeless Families Achieve Success |
| The Learning Alliance, Inc., Moonshot Academy |
| The Salvation Army, Homelessness Prevention and Social Services Program |
| Thrive, Prevention Works! and Recovery Works! |
| Treasure Coast Food Bank, Inc., Mobile Pantry Treasure Coast Girls Coalition, Seeds of Change STEAM Pathway |
| Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council, Inc., Homeless Resource Center |
| Tykes and Teens, Mental Health Consultation |
| United Against Poverty, Inc., Success Training for Employment Program (STEP) |
| Veterans Council of Indian River County, Inc., Veteran Stabilization Program |
| Youth Guidance Mentoring Program, The Mentoring Academy and Pre-Apprenticeship Program |
For more information about United Way of Indian River County’s impact or how to become involved in the Citizens’ Review Panel process, visit www.UnitedWayIRC.org or contact Deana Shatley at gro.CRIyaWdetinU@yeltahS.anaeD or (772) 567-8900 ext. 114.
These investments are made possible by the generosity of thousands of local donors and corporate partners through United Way’s annual community campaign. United Way is committed to serving as a strategic steward of these community dollars. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient Indian River County. To make a donation, please visit UnitedWayIRC.org.
About United Way of Indian River County
United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that brings people, partners, and resources together to address local challenges and create lasting solutions. Through investments in local programs, direct services initiatives, and strategic partnerships, we work year-round to improve health, education, financial stability, and resilience, creating opportunities for people to thrive throughout Indian River County. By mobilizing the caring power of our community, we help households become more secure and prepared for the future while ensuring our community can respond at the speed of need. For more information about your local United Way, please call (772) 567-8900 or visit our website, UnitedWayIRC.org.
