FINDLAY, Ohio (Sept. 2, 2026) — Each year, a crucial team of community volunteers helps United Way of Hancock County in its funding decisions by reviewing grant applications and providing input as to where campaign dollars can have the most positive local impact. These volunteers make up Impact Teams, and the United Way is looking to recruit approximately 40 Impact Team volunteers by Sept. 28.
United Way of Hancock County is entering its grant review season for 2027 Partner Agency funding. Each year, local nonprofit agencies apply for and receive funding generated through United Way’s Annual Campaign, which in 2025 raised $1.9 million for disbursement in 2026. Funding is recommended by Impact Team volunteers, who are trained to review partner agencies' grant applications and make recommendations to the United Way board of directors on which nonprofits to fund and at what level.
Each fall, United Way makes it a priority to engage a diverse array of volunteers to provide input on this important process.
“The community’s involvement in this process is vital, and we work hard to ensure that all demographics are engaged throughout the process,” said Kelley McClurkin, CEO of United Way of Hancock County. “Giving our community members the opportunity to review local resources and learn more about the population each nonprofit serves is often an eye-opening experience for our volunteers. These volunteers’ experience, combined with United Way’s collective review process, helps us ensure that the most critical needs in Hancock County are being addressed."
Impact Team members attend a short training course at the beginning of October and review four to five applications at their own pace throughout October. No grant reading experience is needed. The volunteers will attend one meeting in mid-November to discuss the applications with their teammates and make recommendations for funding.
United Way of Hancock County has set this year’s Campaign goal at $1.9 million. All money donated to the organization stays in the community to help measurably improve people’s lives.
To learn more about Impact Team involvement or to sign up, email Sarah Woods at impact@uwhancock.org or call 419-423-1432.