United Way of Central Ohio's Board of Directors approved $7.6 million in funding for 93 nonprofits in the region to help the groups meet basic needs and improve student success.United Way made several changes to the application process that included making it open to more grassroots groups and requiring funded organizations to have diverse boards.
Officials say as a result, 40% of the winning nonprofits are led by people of color, and 40 organizations are first-time grant recipients. Of the people who reviewed the applications, 20 were United Way staff while 103 were community volunteers.
Among the groups receiving grants, Action for Children, Columbus Urban League, Gladden Community House, Directions for Youth & Families, Community Shelter Board, and South Side Early Learning.
