FINDLAY, Ohio (Feb. 2, 2026) — United Way of Hancock County is pleased to announce that its 2025 Campaign raised nearly $2 million that will be used to strengthen safety net services supporting local children, families and individuals.
Funding will be distributed among 19 local programs focused on fighting hunger, championing children’s success, promoting safety and health, supporting safe housing, and fostering financial stability. These priority areas were identified by a team of diverse volunteers in a grant review process that is repeated yearly as part of United Way’s commitment to regularly assessing the community’s changing needs and responding accordingly.
“Times are increasingly tough for working families and retirees who are being forced to stretch their dollars to keep up with the rising costs of food, housing, utilities and everyday necessities. The United Way team works year-round to raise money to help support local programs that act as a safety net for our most vulnerable population, and we are proud to be distributing these dollars to our partners working to ensure that vital and basic needs are being met for all members of our community,” said United Way of Hancock County CEO Kelley McClurkin.
The funds being distributed were raised through United Way’s 2025 Annual Campaign, which engages individual donors and retirees, as well as employees through workplace philanthropy. This year’s Campaign surpassed its goal and raised $1.9 million. All funds raised here will stay in Hancock County.
“What a privilege it is to live and work in a community such as ours! The United Way is blessed by the unwavering generosity of so many philanthropic businesses and individual donors,” McClurkin said. “We are sincerely thankful to our fundraising team and to everyone who trusts us with their financial gifts. You all are making a real difference in our friends’ and neighbors’ lives.”
Fighting hunger
Local food security programs have been allocated $330,000 — a 13% increase from the previous year’s amount. United Way’s partner agencies have reported a significant increase in individuals and families seeking help through local food assistance programs, prompting an increase in United Way funding in this area.
Food security funds will support the YMCA’s Feed-A-Child program, which provides weekend backpack meals for students; vouchers for individuals and families in need of supplemental grocery items through Christian Clearing House; West Ohio Food Bank’s distributions to Hancock County food pantries; and the emergency food pantry at the Salvation Army.
Championing children’s success
Local programs falling under United Way’s Vulnerable Children Initiative will receive a total of $307,500 in support of advocacy, prevention and crisis response efforts designed to protect kids and put them on a path to success.
Children’s funding will be distributed among The Center for Safe and Healthy Children’s forensic interview program that follows a report of child abuse; child victim services offered by Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services; Children’s Mentoring Connection of Hancock County’s various youth mentoring programs; Scouting and Exploring programs offered through Scouting America and Girl Scouts of Western Ohio; the Salvation Army’s summer enrichment camp; and Findlay City Schools’s Cares program, a comprehensive initiative that supports students, families and staff through various services.
Promoting safety and health
Safety and health allocations focused on strengthening Hancock County residents’ physical and mental health will receive a total of $347,500.
Funds distributed for safety and health will provide direct financial assistance for cancer patients living or working in Hancock County through Cancer Patient Services; adult victim services offered by Open Arms; equine-assisted therapy for veterans and people of all ages with disabilities through Challenged Champions Equestrian Center; and disaster response services programs though the American Red Cross.
Supporting safe housing
A total of $260,000 has been awarded to two Hope House programs aimed at helping people who are unhoused or who are at risk of becoming homeless. The family shelter and independence programs work to provide housing solutions, support and education to individuals and families.
Fostering financial stability
Financial stability funds totaling $55,000 will support HHWP Community Action Commission’s Hancock Area Transportation Services (HATS) program, the county’s sole public transportation program which provides low-cost rides to employment, medical appointments and more.
Additional funding will continue to help United Way deliver its free tax preparation service, called VITA, which is taking place now; as well as the Halt Hunger Initiative.
All money raised in Hancock County stays local to support essential services, unless otherwise designated by the donor. United Way of Hancock County regularly seeks state and federal grants to help bolster funds raised locally and to allow the organization to use campaign dollars most effectively.
Visit uwhancock.org to donate or to learn more about the United Way’s mission and work.