United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County
United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County is a public charity based in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. It supports local human-service programs through funding for partner agencies and operates programs including Success By 6, heating assistance, and tax assistance.
Key facts about United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County
In short: United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County gave $1.2M across 42 grants in 2025 (avg $28K), mostly in Pennsylvania. 7% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 23-1552261
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,171,668
- Grants made (2025)
- 42
- Average grant
- $27,897
- Median grant
- $19,682
- New grantees (estimate)
- 7% first-time grantees (3 of 42, 2025)
- Total assets
- $3,053,279
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (98% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Deadline
- The Paul and Patricia Strickler Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Fund lists July 1, 2026.
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$3.1M
+1.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.2M
-11.3% YoY
Grant Count
42
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$28K
-11.3% YoY
Is United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County open to new grantees?
7%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 3 of 42 grantees (7%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $6K; repeat grants $30K. How we count
Medians: $6K first-time, $22K repeat.
- 86% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−1%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
Its mission is to unite people and resources to build a stronger, healthier Carlisle and Cumberland County. Its funding priorities are Health, Education, Financial Stability, and Safety Net.
The organization funds partner agencies and programs. Examples of the kinds of organizations receiving support include Safe Harbour, whose mission is to provide housing and supportive services for homeless and nearly homeless people and families; Employment Skills Center, which provides adult education and training; and Sadler Health Center Corporation, which works to advance community health through inclusive, high-quality care. These are the grantees’ stated missions.
United Way also operates Success By 6, which supports early learning and kindergarten readiness. Separately, the Paul and Patricia Strickler Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Fund provides 50% tuition assistance for eligible children enrolled in approved Pennsylvania Keystone Star 3 or Star 4 preschool programs. Families must demonstrate financial need.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, United Way reported 42 grants totaling $1,171,668. Grants ranged from $5,123 to $102,283, with a median grant of $19,682.
The largest reported grants included $102,283 to Project Share for core program and designated support; $96,502 to Carlisle Family YMCA for program support including camp and child-care scholarships, a community youth program, and designations; $83,623 to Community CARES for resource-center and designated support; and $81,622 to Safe Harbour for its James Wilson Emergency Shelter and designations. Other substantial awards included $68,313 to Carlisle Early Education Center and $42,500 to Joseph T. Simpson Public Library.
Nonprofit agencies with programs serving one or more of the organization’s focus areas in its Carlisle and Cumberland County service area may apply to become partner agencies. Applications are reviewed by community volunteers, staff, and the board. Community Impact Panels review program applications, budgets, outcomes, and agency materials; panelists also visit programs and make funding recommendations, with the board approving funding levels.
Review Cycle
The Paul and Patricia Strickler Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Fund lists July 1, 2026.
Ready to take the next step with United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The organization describes its service area as Carlisle and Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. In 2025, 98% of reported grant dollars went to recipients in Pennsylvania; the remaining reported shares were 1% each to Virginia and Washington, DC, with less than 1% to New York.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 42 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.1M (2023) to $1.3M (2024). In 2025 it made 42 grants totaling $1.2M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Project Share ($102K). Together the top 10 received $641K.
Grant Size Distribution
209 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 177 grants of 209 (85%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Project Share Carlisle, PA | Program Specific Support - Core Program/Designations | $102,283 |
| Carlisle Family YMCA Carlisle, PA | Program specific support - camp scholarships/child care scholarships/community youth program/designations | $96,502 |
| Community Cares Carlisle, PA | Program Specific Support - Resource Center/Designations | $83,623 |
| Safe Harbour Carlisle, PA | Program Specific Support - James Wilson Emergency Shelter/Designations | $81,622 |
| Carlisle Early Education Center Carlisle, PA | Program Specific Support - Scholarships/Designations/Eitc Scholarships | $68,313 |
| Cumberland County Historical Society Carlisle, PA | Program Specific Support - Designations | $44,160 |
| Joseph T Simpson Public Library Mechanicsburg, PA | Program Specific Support - Designations | $42,500 |
| St Patrick's Catholic Church and School Carlisle, PA | Program Specific Support - Designations | $41,500 |
| YWCA Camp Hill, PA | Program specific support - community preschool/community youth education/crisis services/designation | $40,814 |
| The Arc of Cumberland and Perry Counties Carlisle, PA | Program Specific Support - Advocacy/Designations | $39,339 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grant sum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3,053,279 | $1,868,003 | $1,905,731 | $1,171,668 |
| 2024 | $3,002,372 | $1,979,740 | $1,951,773 | $1,321,248 |
| 2023 | $2,835,944 | $1,756,380 | $1,783,634 | $1,090,298 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $3,053,279 | $3,002,372 | $2,835,944 |
| Revenue | $1,868,003 | $1,979,740 | $1,756,380 |
| Expenses | $1,905,731 | $1,951,773 | $1,783,634 |
| Net Investment Income | $101,675 | $98,110 | $75,964 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS December 19, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 31, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 13, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS November 19, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Mary Cathrine Mellen as executive director, serving from July 2024 to the present, and Lucy Zander as former executive director through May 2024. It also lists Brenda Kaufman as finance director; Melissa Kelso as president; Laurel Williams as past president; Lisa Thomas as vice president; Kelly Murray as treasurer; David Zimmerman as secretary; and Katie Clark and Susan Dworsak as board members.
United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County is led by Mary Cathrine Mellen, Executive Director on the 2025 filing; 3 of 21 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Mary Cathrine Mellen
Executive Director
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$70K (2025)
Melissa Kelso
President
Treasurer → Vice President, 2024
Vice President → President, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brenda Kaufman
Finance Director
On filings since 2021
25 hrs/week
$33K (2021) → $35K (2025)
Lucy Zander
Former Executive Director
Executive Director → Former Executive Director, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
$63K (2021) → $33K (2025)
Joel Flinchbaugh
Board Member
Treasurer → Board Member, 2022
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Katie Clark
Board Member
Board Member → Secretary, 2023
Secretary → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Laurel Williams
Past President
Vice President → President, 2024
President → Past President, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cortney Woolslayer
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kelly Murray
Treasurer
Board Member → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Susan Dworsak
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chad Searer
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Zimmerman
Secretary
Board Member → Treasurer, 2024
Treasurer → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lisa Thomas
Vice President
Board Member → Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Titichia Jackson
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bob McAvoy
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Daniel Ridenour
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dottie Warner
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Roderick Frazier
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Salim Makhlouf
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeffery Gayman
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Gogoj
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (18)
- Former: Ellen Peters (2021–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Erik Olsen (2021–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Jeff Bell (2021–2024) — Past President
- Former: Maggie Livelsberger (2022–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Jeff Gayman (2023–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Adam Shaffer (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Debra Hargrove (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Gerald Piper (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Jennifer Burd (2021–2023) — Past President
- Former: Patrick Bartoli (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Mindy Vanderlyke (2023) — Board Member
- Former: Chris Farrands (2021–2022) — Past President & Co- Chair Campaign
- Former: Cynthia Pensinger (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Mindy Loftus (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: David Park (2021) — Secretary & Past President
- Former: Dean Glick (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Kim Kamowski (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Paulo Oliveira (2021) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $70K, to Mary Cathrine Mellen (Executive Director (July 2024 - Current)). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 145 South Hanover Street, Carlisle, PA 17013
Phone: (717) 243-4805
Website: https://uwcarlisle.org
Frequently asked questions about United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County
How much does United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County give each year?
United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County gave $1.2M across 42 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.3M across 42 grants.
What is United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County's typical grant size?
United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County's median grant in 2025 was $19,682, and its average grant was $27,897, across 42 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County that year got $6K on average.
Where does United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County give grants?
United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County gives mostly in Pennsylvania: 98% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Carlisle, PA (29 grants), Harrisburg, PA (4 grants) and Camp Hill, PA (3 grants).
Does United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 42 grants with a stated purpose on United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Program Specific Support - Designations" (20 grants).
Who are United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County's largest grantees?
United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County's largest 2025 grantees include Project Share ($102,283), Carlisle Family YMCA ($96,502) and Community Cares ($83,623), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 24% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County?
United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County reported $3.1M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $1.9M.
What does United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County fund?
Its mission is to unite people and resources to build a stronger, healthier Carlisle and Cumberland County. Its funding priorities are Health, Education, Financial Stability, and Safety Net. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County?
United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check uwcarlisle.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County's EIN?
United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-1552261. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County by hand.
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