For more than 30 years, United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) has been changing lives, helping people and strengthening communities in Shelby County. Recently, community partners gathered to kick off the county’s 2026 United Way Campaign and recognize 14 local agencies, programs and projects that were awarded UWCA Community Project Grants. In collaboration with Shelby County Advisory Board Co-Chairs Kevin Morris and Cynthia Todd, UWCA brought together community leaders, partner agencies, volunteers and supporters to rally around this year’s campaign theme THE POWER OF US. Morris recognized the combined efforts of community partners in providing more than 348,000 individual services to Shelby County residents in 2025 alone.
“These organizations play an important role in the fabric of who we are in Shelby County – [people] being aware of these needs and serving them,” said Morris.
Support for Positive Impact
UWCA Community Project Grants are awarded each year to support short-term projects or one-time expenses that create a meaningful, positive impact for residents specifically in Shelby County. These grants empower community organizations to expand their reach, increase their impact and help more families thrive.
The 2026 Community Project Grant winners:
- Arc of Shelby County
- BirthWell Partners
- Blanket Fort Hope
- Dunnavant Community Center
- Epilepsy Foundation Alabama
- FBC Alabaster Food Pantry
- Grace Klein Community
- King’s Home
- Manna Ministries
- Point of Life Resource Center
- Shelby Emergency Assistance, Inc.
- The HANDS Program
- The Hyperemesis Gravidarum Relief Project
- Vineyard Family Services of Central Alabama, Inc.
A Garden to Grow In
Catherine Alexander-Wright, Executive Director at Owens House, spoke about the impact of United Way grants on that organization’s programs supporting children and families who have experienced abuse and trauma. “At Owens House, we do a lot with a little. What enables us to do that is the fact that we receive support from United Way,” said Wright. The grant money awarded to Owens House in 2025 allowed them to build a sensory garden for their young clients to enjoy.
“We wanted the environment at Owens House to feel supportive and encouraging, and United Way helped make it a reality,” said Wright.
In addition to the grant money itself, UWCA’s LEARN United program offers opportunities to connect with – and learn from and alongside — other nonprofits. Through LEARN United, free training sessions are offered on subjects including grant writing, financial management, crisis communications and more. A full list of topics can be found here.
Thanks to organizations such as Owens House and volunteers, community partners and generous donors, United Way continues to improve lives, address community needs and expand resources across Shelby County. To learn more about UWCA’s impact in Shelby County, click here.