United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) kicked off its Annual Campaign in Chilton County this week in conjunction with recognizing 17 local agencies, programs and projects that have been awarded $25,000 in UWCA Community Project Grants.
UWCA worked with the Chilton County Advisory Board led by Liz Huntley, Senior Counsel and Director of Community Relations and Engagement at Lightfoot, Franklin & White and Chilton County Commissioner Alan Childress to bring together community leaders, partner agencies, volunteers and supporters to rally around this year’s powerful campaign theme “WHY WE UNITE.” Campaign messaging centers on the fact that we can do more for the causes we care about — and help more people — when we all work together by supporting United Way.
Community Support for Local Projects
Among the many benefits of that support are UWCA’s Community Project Grants. Grant recipients are awarded funds by a local board to support short-term projects or one-time expenses that create a meaningful, positive impact for residents specifically in that community. The concept originated in Chilton County and has now been extended to each of the six counties in United Way’s Central Alabama service area.
Huntley, along with Chilton County Campaign Chair Darren Wilson of River Bank & Trust, recognized the work of the County Advisory Board in making local funding decisions. “I believe in local autonomy,” said Huntley. “Nobody knows your people better than your people. Allowing local folks to make determinations about these grants ensures that people who live and thrive in the community can determine what is needed and will make an impact.”
The 2025 Community Project Grant winners:
- BondFire
- Chilton Bread of Life
- Chilton County Emergency Assistance Center, Inc.
- Chilton County Schools
- Chilton-Shelby Mental Health Board
- Clanton Intermediate School
- Clanton Library
- Epilepsy Foundation Alabama
- Heart of Alabama Food Bank
- Isabella High School FFA
- Jemison Youth Athletics
- Prayer Pillow Ministry Outreach
- Rotary Club of Chilton County
- Senior Connection of Chilton County
- SPAN of Chilton County
- Thorsby High School
A Well-Rounded Approach
In addition to the grant money itself, UWCA’s LEARN United program will offer these organizations free training opportunities on subjects including public speaking, financial controls, marketing, volunteer management and more. A full list of topics can be found here.
In broader terms, Lori Patterson, CEO of YMCA of Chilton County, shared how UWCA provides vital support for her organization’s programs that directly benefit youth in the community. “We serve about 50 kids each morning starting at 5:45 a.m.,” said Patterson. “United Way has helped us remove the barrier of transportation to these programs [by providing funds for a bus] so that kids participate in academics, physical fitness and mental health and wellness.”
Learn more about UWCA’s impact in Chilton County here.