United Way of Washington County-East's Community Investment Grant process is moving to its next step, bringing together local volunteers to help guide investments that strengthen our community.
In May, 34 dedicated volunteers from Stillwater and surrounding communities gathered to begin reviewing this year's grant applications. Together, they are evaluation 37 program applications submitted by local nonprofit organizations requesting a total of $731,798 in funding to support services that improve lives of individuals and families across Washington County.
To help inform the review process, David Brummel, Director of Public Health and Environment with Washington County, presented local data highlighting some of our most pressing needs. His presentation really emphasized that even in a strong community, many residents continue to face significant barriers:
- 8% of Washington County residents lack adequate access to food
- 3.8% of residents don't own a vehicle
- The average family spends 34% of its income on childcare for two children
As Brummel shared with the volunteer panel, "Public health works at the speed of trust. We are able to build those trusted relationships by meeting people where they are at."
The Community Investment process extends beyond reivewing applications. Throughout the last couple weeks, volunteers are conducting site vitits with the nonprofit organizations that applied for funding, allowing them to learn firsthand about each program, meet the people bhind the work, and better understand the impact grand funding can have.
This week volunteers will reconvene to discuss their observations and make final funding recommendations. We truly love how unique this process is, and that it's 100% community driven.
The selected nonprofits will become United Way of Washington County-East's 2026-2027 Partner Agencies, helping deliver vital programs and services that support Youth Opportunities, Healthy Community, Basic Needs, and Self-Sufficiency.
Want to be the first to hear which nonprofits are selected? Sign up for our email list to receive the announcement; you'll also learn how your local United Way is investing in the community, and be connected to stories of impact.
