United Way of Cass-Clay
United Way of Cass-Clay is based in Fargo, North Dakota. It invests in programs and community solutions intended to address poverty and advance its goals of preventing hunger and homelessness, preparing children to succeed, and strengthening families.
United Way of Cass-Clay at a glance
In short: United Way of Cass-Clay gave $3.5M across 40 grants in 2024 (avg $87K), mostly in North Dakota. 18% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $3,495,554
- +4.9% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 40
- -4.8% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $87,389
- +10.2% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $65,404
- Total assets
- $9,164,524
- +1.1% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 18% first-time grantees (7 of 40, 2024)
- Primary geography
- North Dakota (72% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to United Way of Cass-Clay
- How to Apply
-
Follow the applicable pathway’s application process for Community Impact funding. Community Event Sponsorships are available on a rolling basis.
- Review Cycle
- February 22, 2026, for the 2027 Community Essentials and Community Building application cycles.
- Deadline
- February 22, 2026, for the 2027 Community Essentials and Community Building application cycles.
- Contact
Mailing address: 4351 23Rd Avenue South, Fargo, ND 58104
Phone: (701) 237-5050
Website: https://unitedwaycassclay.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from United Way of Cass-Clay
Who United Way of Cass-Clay funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Presentation Partners in Housing (PPiH) ($350K). Together the top 10 received $2.2M.
Grant Size Distribution
215 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 100 grants of 215 (47%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Eligibility guidelines specify that funded activities must serve residents of Cass County, North Dakota, and/or Clay County, Minnesota; organizations serving a larger area may apply if funding supports activities in those counties. In 2024, 72% of grant dollars went to recipients in North Dakota and 27% to recipients in Minnesota.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 40 itemized grants.
Cities
Is United Way of Cass-Clay open to new grantees?
18%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 7 of 40 grantees (18%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $57K; repeat grants $94K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $72K repeat.
- 80% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+6%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $3.3M (2021) to $3.6M (2020). In 2024 it made 40 grants totaling $3.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation Partners in Housing (PPiH) Fargo, ND | Support Agency Programs | $350,039 |
| CAPLP Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership Inc Moorhead, MN | Support Agency Programs | $306,431 |
| YWCA Cass Clay Fargo, ND | Support Agency Programs | $269,463 |
| YMCA of the Northern Sky Fargo, ND | Support Agency Programs | $250,999 |
| SouthEastern North Dakota Community Action Agency Fargo, ND | Support Agency Programs | $230,270 |
| Rape and Abuse Crisis Center Fargo, ND | Support Agency Programs | $202,397 |
| Great Plains Food Bank Fargo, ND | Support Agency Programs | $158,326 |
| Immigrant Development Center Moorhead, MN | Support Agency Programs | $157,039 |
| Churches United Moorhead, MN | Support Agency Programs | $131,442 |
| Youthworks Fargo, ND | Support Agency Programs | $116,368 |
Ready to take the next step with United Way of Cass-Clay?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The filing type is Form 990 (a public charity).
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $9,164,524 | $5,860,465 | $5,804,515 | $3,495,554 | 40 | $186,631 |
| 2023 | $9,069,107 | $6,260,900 | $5,862,532 | $3,331,892 | 42 | $120,860 |
| 2022 | $8,411,556 | $5,714,026 | $5,800,543 | $3,320,407 | 38 | $76,714 |
| 2021 | $8,673,446 | $5,532,076 | $5,474,664 | $3,306,929 | 46 | $79,340 |
| 2020 | $9,425,602 | $6,530,278 | $5,718,704 | $3,625,274 | 49 | $382,742 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s mission is to “inspire and activate our community to improve lives.” Its three Bold Goals are to prevent hunger and homelessness, prepare children to succeed, and strengthen families. Its funding strategy includes immediate-needs services as well as longer-term partnerships focused on systems change.
Its 2024 grantees illustrate the range of organizations it supports. For example, YWCA Cass Clay describes its mission as eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The Immigrant Development Center says it builds business and economic skills within the immigrant population to support economic self-sufficiency. Red River Children’s Advocacy Center says it works to facilitate healing and justice for victims of abuse, neglect, and exploitation and to engage the community in protecting and supporting children.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, United Way of Cass-Clay reported 40 grants totaling $3,495,554. Grant amounts ranged from $5,189 to $350,039, with a median of $65,404.
Among its largest 2024 grants were $350,039 to Presentation Partners in Housing, $306,431 to CAPLP Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership, $269,463 to YWCA Cass Clay, $250,999 to YMCA of the Northern Sky, and $230,270 to SouthEastern North Dakota Community Action Agency. Each was listed for “Support Agency Programs.”
The 2027 Community Impact Investment Cycle has two pathways: Community Essentials, a one-year programmatic investment for safety-net services and immediate needs, and Community Building, a three-year operational investment for collaborative, strategic work intended to build systems and long-term pathways out of poverty. New or evolving programs submit a Pre-Application Letter; current Verified Impact Partners move directly to the full application. The process includes internal application review and coaching, an external financial review, and volunteer-led evaluation. Eligibility guidelines require, among other things, service to Cass County, North Dakota, and/or Clay County, Minnesota; financial stability; a locally based volunteer board; and measurable program outcomes. Listed exclusions include capital campaigns, fundraising events or sponsorships, deficit reduction, and programs operated by religious organizations for religious purposes.
United Way also lists rolling Community Event Sponsorships for local nonprofit organizations and public agencies. Events must align with at least one Bold Goal; stated priorities include raising awareness of community issues, promoting equity, supporting long-term impact, and primarily serving low-income, historically underserved, or marginalized populations.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Officers and directors listed on the 2024 filing include Mike Arntson, Chair; Ashton Hansen, Chair Elect; Eric Christianson, Vice Chair; Tiffany Lawrence, Past Chair; and Stacie Heiden, Treasurer. The filing also lists Kimberly Busch, Kelly Dawson, Randy Gerhold, Lynn Johnson, and Jeff Schatz as board members; Schatz’s listing notes “Until Mar.”
United Way of Cass-Clay is led by Karla Isley, President & CEO on every filing since 2021; 4 of 17 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Karla Isley
President & CEO
On filings since 2021
50 hrs/week
$77K (2021) → $198K (2024)
Mike Arntson
Chair
Board Member → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christie Lewandoski
Director of Resource Development
New on the 2024 filing
45 hrs/week
$100K (2024)
Kaycee Wells - Sr Director
Of Brand & Marketing
On filings since 2023
45 hrs/week
$106K (2023) → $108K (2024)
Susan Thompson - Director of
Finance & Administration
On filings since 2023
45 hrs/week
$38K (2023) → $116K (2024)
Lynn Johnson
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stacie Heiden
Treasurer
Board Member → Treasurer, 2022
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tiffany Lawrence
Past Chair
Board Member → Past Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kimberly Busch
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Randy Gerhold
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ashton Hansen
Chair Elect
Board Member → Chair Elect, 2024
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Julie Whitney
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Eric Christianson
Vice Chair
Board Member → Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeff Schatz
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Laetitia Mizero Hellerud
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kelly Dawson
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sarah West
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (35)
- Former: Jay Lies (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Lori Schwartz (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Kelly Dawson - Vice Chair (2021–2023) — Past Chair
- Former: Heide Delorme - Director of (2022–2023) — Finance & Administration
- Former: Tiffany Lawrence - Vice Chair (2022–2023) — Elect & Chair
- Former: Ashton Hansen - Board Member (2023) — Vice Chair
- Former: Mike Arntson - Vice Chair (2023) — Chair Elect
- Former: Dan Dougherty (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Danielle Paulus (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Erik Hatch (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Jeff Schatz - Chair (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Joanna Slominski (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Kelly Dawson - Chair Elect (2022) — Chair
- Former: Lisa Borgen (2022) — Past Chair
- Former: Mike Arntson - Board Member (2022) — Vice Chair
- Former: Summer Hanson - Director of (2022) — Finance & Administration
- Former: Camille Grade (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Chris Barta (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Faith Nunjuri (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Kristi Huber (2020–2021) — President & CEO
- Former: Mark Nisbet (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Summer Hanson (2020–2021) — Director of Finance & Administration
- Former: Jeff Schatz - Chair Elect (2021) — Chair
- Former: Jodi Duncan (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Lisa Borgen -Chair (2021) — Board Chair
- Former: Matt Leiseth (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Tiffany Lawrence - Board Member (2021) — Vice Chair
- Former: Denise Kolpack (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Kelly Dawson -Board Member (2020) — Vice Chair
- Former: Ken Paulus (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Kim Pladson (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Lisa Borgen -Chair Elect (2020) — Chair
- Former: Mary Jo Hotzler -Board Member (2020) — -Women United Chair
- Former: Matt Leiseth -Chair (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Susan Jarvis (2020) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $198K, to Karla Isley (President & CEO). 4 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about United Way of Cass-Clay
How much does United Way of Cass-Clay give each year?
United Way of Cass-Clay gave $3.5M across 40 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $3.3M across 42 grants.
What is United Way of Cass-Clay's typical grant size?
United Way of Cass-Clay's median grant in 2024 was $65,404, and its average grant was $87,389, across 40 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from United Way of Cass-Clay that year got $57K on average.
Where does United Way of Cass-Clay give grants?
United Way of Cass-Clay gives mostly in North Dakota: 72% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was Minnesota (27%). The most frequent recipient cities were Fargo, ND (21 grants) and Moorhead, MN (7 grants).
Does United Way of Cass-Clay give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 40 grants with a stated purpose on United Way of Cass-Clay's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Support Agency Programs" (40 grants).
Who are United Way of Cass-Clay's largest grantees?
United Way of Cass-Clay's largest 2024 grantees include Presentation Partners in Housing (PPiH) ($350,039), CAPLP Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership Inc ($306,431) and YWCA Cass Clay ($269,463), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 26% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is United Way of Cass-Clay?
United Way of Cass-Clay reported $9.2M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $5.9M.
What does United Way of Cass-Clay fund?
The organization’s mission is to “inspire and activate our community to improve lives.” Its three Bold Goals are to prevent hunger and homelessness, prepare children to succeed, and strengthen families. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from United Way of Cass-Clay?
Follow the applicable pathway’s application process for Community Impact funding. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is United Way of Cass-Clay's EIN?
United Way of Cass-Clay's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 41-0810008. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS June 23, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS June 29, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 31, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 23, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 29, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in United Way of Cass-Clay's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). United Way of Cass-Clay funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 8, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-cass-clay-morg_bca5f914575e477e8222678ffd7a1225
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_410810008_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{United Way of Cass-Clay funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-cass-clay-morg_bca5f914575e477e8222678ffd7a1225},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-08. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from United Way of Cass-Clay's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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