United Way for Clinton County’s 2024-25 fundraising campaign fell well short of its goal, forcing local nonprofits to brace for tighter budgets even as community needs continue to rise. Executive Director Anita Stewart discussed the shortfall and several upcoming outreach events during a recent appearance on WILO’s Party Line program.
Campaign Falls $96,000 Short
Stewart said this year’s United Way campaign was “probably been the worst year of our campaign,” citing the federal government shutdown and the end of enhanced SNAP benefits as major factors. The organization set a goal of $450,000 but raised $353,537, leaving the drive about $96,000 short.
“When the campaign’s down, that means we don’t have as much money to give out to our agencies, so it’s gonna be tough,” Stewart said. “There are some agencies that we’ve helped year after year that do a great job, and the dollars just won’t go as far this year.”
She added that inflation and rising costs are still hitting many local families. “People are still struggling to get food and make sure their needs are met…gas is going back up obviously, and so I do think it’s kind of a sign of the times.”
People can still donate to the 2025 campaign through June if they want to specify and earmark it for last year’s campaign, but under normal circumstances, the proceeds going forward benefit next years 26-27 campaign, Stewart said. The summer activities, like funds raised during the “Splash Bash” will go toward next year’s campaign with the traditional kick off with Pacesetters in August and General Campaign starting in September 2026.
How Grants Will Work This Year
United Way supports about 15 nonprofits in Clinton County in the areas of health, education, and financial stability. Stewart emphasized that the group sets its budget annually and runs its grant cycle only after campaign totals are known, so funding decisions can reflect actual dollars raised.
“Just because you apply for a grant doesn’t always mean that you get it,” Stewart said. “Some people will get grants, some won’t…and it’ll be a lot smaller this year.”
The organization currently has its only open grant cycle of the year underway. The window opened March 2 and runs through March 31 at 4 p.m. Any Clinton County nonprofit may apply, as long as projects fall within health, education, or financial stability. Interested agencies can call the United Way office, visit the “United Way for Clinton County” Facebook page, or email Stewart for an application.
Grant requests are reviewed by an allocations committee, which meets with each applicant via Zoom. Committees rate applications based on the level of need in the community before making final awards.
Heroes of Hope Returns May 2
Despite tighter finances, United Way is moving ahead with several free community events this year. The third annual Heroes of Hope event is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, at Clinton Hall at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. United Way is partnering with Healthy Communities, Rotary, IU Health and other groups to provide no-cost resources and services to residents.
“It is the same thing we’ve done every year,” Stewart said. “We provide resources, free things—Bomba socks, books, there’s all kinds of goodies out there and just information that’s free to anybody in the community.”
This year’s event will add short educational sessions, about 15 minutes each, where participants can hear directly from presenters on specific topics. Families can also expect children’s activities, including a bounce house, free haircuts, family photos, and other services aimed at lowering everyday costs.
New “Splash Bash” Combines Summer Events
United Way is also launching a new “Splash Bash” on July 23 at TPA Park, combining several popular summer fundraisers and outreach projects into one evening. The event will run from 5 to 8 p.m.
– Photo courtesy of United Way for Clinton County
In past years, the organization hosted a Jeep show, the Wacky Quacky Duck Derby, backpack giveaways, and Bomba sock distributions across multiple dates. This year, those activities will be brought together at Splash Bash. United Way will hand out 500–600 school backpacks filled with supplies, offer free or low-cost services, and stage the Jeep show and duck derby at the park pool.
Meridian Health will provide children’s sports physicals for $10, and vaccines and vision screenings will be available near the Kids’ Kingdom area. Partner agencies such as Boys & Girls Club, Coach Kids, and Open Door Clinic are expected to host tables so families can learn about programs and sign up on-site.
“We’re pretty excited about that night,” Stewart said. “Combining it all, we think it’ll be a big event, especially with the kids being able to get their backpacks before school starts.”
Volunteer Opportunities and Community Impact
Stewart said United Way continues to rely on volunteers for everything from stuffing envelopes and packing food bags to helping at large events like Splash Bash. Residents interested in volunteering can follow the United Way for Clinton County Facebook page or call the office to be connected with local needs.
She pointed to food assistance, summer food programs, Christmas meal grants, and early childhood education at St. Matthew’s Early Learning Center as examples of United Way’s ongoing impact. “Anytime you’re doing the basic needs of people, which we do a lot, I think that’s probably the biggest impact,” Stewart said.
United Way’s annual meeting is set for April 2 at 8:30 a.m. at Trinity Hope, where the organization will review the campaign, celebrate accomplishments, and announce additional plans for the year.
