United Way of Central Illinois Inc logo

United Way of Central Illinois Inc

Public charity · Grantmaker Springfield, IL EIN: 37-0716060 Website

United Way of Central Illinois Inc is a public charity based in Springfield, Illinois. It mobilizes communities and resources to address local needs, with grantmaking and programs focused on youth opportunity, community resiliency, financial security, and health.

United Way of Central Illinois Inc at a glance

In short: United Way of Central Illinois Inc gave $996K across 29 grants in 2025 (avg $34K), mostly in Illinois. 0% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.

Annual giving (2025)
$996,001
-4.2% vs 2024
Grants made (2025)
29
+0.0% vs 2024
Average grant
$34,345
-4.2% vs 2024
Median grant
$33,696
Total assets
$8,799,538
+3.9% vs 2024
New grantees (estimate)
0% first-time grantees (0 of 18, 2025; small sample)
Primary geography
Illinois (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
Latest 990 filing
Form 990, 2025 View filing

Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).

How to apply to United Way of Central Illinois Inc

Contact

Mailing address: 1999 West Wabash Ave Ste 107, Springfield, IL 62704
Phone: (217) 726-7000
Website: https://uwcil.org

Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.

Who United Way of Central Illinois Inc funds

How this funder distributes its grants

Top Recipients

Top 10 recipients in 2025

Compass for Kids Inc: $168K across 2 grantsCompass for Kids Inc$168K · 2 grantsSenior Services of Central Illinois: $94K across 3 grantsSenior Services of CentralIllinois$94K · 3 grantsBoys and Girls Club of Central Illinois: $85K across 2 grantsBoys and Girls Club of CentralIllinois$85K · 2 grantsHelping Hands of Springfield Inc: $83K across 2 grantsHelping Hands of SpringfieldInc$83K · 2 grantsMercy Communities Inc: $80K across 3 grantsMercy Communities Inc$80K · 3 grantsSpringfield Urban League: $78K across 3 grantsSpringfield Urban League$78K · 3 grantsBig Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois: $74K across 2 grantsBig Brothers Big Sisters ofCentral Illinois$74K · 2 grantsSojourn Shelter and Services: $50KSojourn Shelter and Services$50KCatholic Charities of the Diocese of Springfield: $48KCatholic Charities of theDiocese of Springfield$48KSiu Center for Family Medicine: $45KSiu Center for Family Medicine$45K

The largest 2025 recipient was Compass for Kids Inc ($168K across 2 grants). Together the top 10 received $805K.

Grant Size Distribution

134 grants across all recorded years

107<$50K24$50–100K3$100–250K$250–500K$500K–1M$1–5M$5M+

The most common grant size was under $50K: 107 grants of 134 (80%).

Geographic Focus

Where this funder awards grants

United Way’s Community Fund and Emergency Fund list Sangamon and Menard Counties, Illinois, as their geographic scope. All grant dollars reported for filing year 2025 went to recipients in Illinois.

Grant Distribution by State

2states

Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 29 itemized grants.

Cities

SpringfieldJacksonvilleSt. Louis

Is United Way of Central Illinois Inc open to new grantees?

0%

first-time grantees, 2025

In 2025, 0 of 18 grantees (0%) were first-time recipients. With only 18 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 6 points. How we count

  • 100% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
  • Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−4%). Method

Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). 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

$0$500K$1M$1.5M62 grants2020 25 grants2021 24 grants2022 27 grants2023 29 grants2024 29 grants2025

From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $996K (2025) to $1.4M (2020). In 2025 it made 29 grants totaling $996K.

Grants by year

Grant recipients and amounts by year

RecipientPurposeAmount
Compass for Kids Inc Springfield, ILCamp compass - a summer program for elementary school age children for homless and low-income$93,804
Compass for Kids Inc Springfield, ILClub compass - a free after school program for homeless and low income elementary students$74,220
Sojourn Shelter and Services Springfield, ILAdult and Children Emergency Shelter and Provisions$50,000
Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois Springfield, ILProject learn - an out of school time educational component aime as bridging the gap$50,000
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Springfield Springfield, ILSt. John's breadline provides free, well balanced, nutritious meals 365 days a year$48,000
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois Springfield, ILMENTOR 2.0$45,000
Siu Center for Family Medicine Springfield, ILCommunity Integrated Response Connection Leveraging$45,000
Helping Hands of Springfield Inc Springfield, ILEmergency Shelter$43,079
Senior Services of Central Illinois Springfield, ILComprehensive elder assist - provides social adjustment and rehabilitation$41,220
Helping Hands of Springfield Inc Springfield, ILHelping Hands Represenative Payee Program$40,000
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Financial History

Multi-year comparison from IRS filings

Figures from IRS filings, by filing year
Filing yearTotal AssetsRevenueExpensesGrants paidGrantsNet Investment Income
2025$8,799,538$2,443,126$2,137,302$996,00129$634,589
2024$8,469,235$1,909,803$2,188,693$1,039,67429$370,305
2023$8,482,688$2,121,159$2,126,829$1,039,67427$455,726
2022$8,269,663$2,790,259$2,093,515$1,037,18524$746,003
2021$9,401,125$3,448,483$2,156,905$1,024,35425$860,624
2020$8,241,403$2,482,824$2,837,007$1,409,19662$585,169

Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.

Mission & Focus Areas

The organization’s mission is to mobilize communities to action so all can thrive, bringing people and resources together to address connected community challenges. Its stated focus areas are youth opportunity, community resiliency, financial security, and healthy communities. Its 2026–2029 priorities include measurable goals for children’s learning, connections to services after a crisis, and access to mental and behavioral health support.

In its grantmaking, United Way supports programs delivered by local nonprofit organizations. Examples of grantees’ stated missions include Compass for Kids, which provides academic and social-emotional support for underserved children and families; Sojourn Shelter and Services, which serves adult and child survivors of domestic violence; and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois, which aims to help young people reach their full potential. Helping Hands of Springfield describes its work as coordinating services for people experiencing poverty and homelessness, while Senior Services of Central Illinois focuses on non-medical services that promote seniors’ independent living and quality of life.

Grantmaking

In filing year 2025, United Way reported 29 grants totaling $996,001. Grant amounts ranged from $9,500 to $93,804, with a median of $33,696. All reported grant dollars went to recipients in Illinois.

Among the largest awards were $93,804 and $74,220 to Compass for Kids for Camp Compass and Club Compass; $50,000 to Sojourn Shelter and Services for emergency shelter and provisions; $50,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois for Project Learn; and $48,000 to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Springfield for St. John’s Breadline. Other large grants included $45,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois for Mentor 2.0, $45,000 to SIU Center for Family Medicine, and $43,079 to Helping Hands of Springfield for emergency shelter.

The Community Fund is described as the primary way United Way invests in local programs aligned with community priorities, with focus areas including basic needs, education, financial stability, and health. The Emergency Fund provides additional support to local nonprofit agencies during crises. United Way also serves as the local convener for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.

The website states that the current grant cycle runs from 2026 through 2029 and asks applicants to check back in 2028 for information about applying. Applicants use the grant partner portal to submit applications; incomplete applications are not accepted. The organization says a volunteer committee researches applicants and makes recommendations to the board.

Leadership & Key People

Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings

Officers and directors listed on the 2025 filing include Penny McCarty, Chair Elect/Chair; Tammy Gilchrese, Chair/Past Chair; Nick Gentile, Treasurer; Nikki Monari, Director/Chair Elect; and Amy Beadle, Past Chair/Director. Other directors listed are Phil Capps, Jon Erickson, LaShonda Fitch, Bryan Gleckler, and Janet Gooch.

United Way of Central Illinois Inc is led by Marne Fauser, Presdient & CEO since 2023 (on filings since 2022); 1 of 30 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.

Officers on the 2025 filing

  • Marne Fauser

    Presdient & CEO

    President & CEO From → Presdient & CEO, 2023

    On filings since 2022

    45 hrs/week

    $90K (2022) → $133K (2025)

  • Tammy Gilchrese

    Chair & Past Chair

    Director → Chair Elect & Chair, 2023

    Chair Elect & Chair → Chair & Past Chair, 2025

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Penny McCarty

    Chair Elect & Chair

    Director → Director & Chair Elect, 2023

    Director & Chair Elect → Chair Elect & Chair, 2025

    On filings since 2022

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Aaron Johnston

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Amy Beadle

    Past Chair & Director

    Chair Elect → Chair & Past Chair, 2023

    Chair & Past Chair → Past Chair & Director, 2025

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Evan Davis

    Director

    Chair → Past Chair & Director, 2023

    Past Chair & Director → Director, 2025

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Frank Lynch

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Jackie Newman

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Jon Erickson

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Phil Capps

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Rabbi Barry Marks

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Rob Waller

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Brandi Goodin

    Director

    On filings since 2022

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Bryan Gleckler

    Director

    On filings since 2022

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Carol Jessup

    Director

    On filings since 2022

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Janet Gooch

    Director

    On filings since 2022

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Nikki Monari

    Director & Chair Elect

    Director → Director & Chair Elect, 2025

    On filings since 2022

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Steve Hewell

    Director

    On filings since 2022

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Beth Smith

    Director

    On filings since 2023

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Kelley Himmelberg

    Director

    On filings since 2023

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Mylas Copeland

    Director

    On filings since 2023

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Jeff Raes

    Director

    On filings since 2024

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Randy Bryant

    Director

    On filings since 2024

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Sister Marilyn Ruenkel

    Director

    On filings since 2024

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Justin Knoedler

    Director

    New on the 2025 filing

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Manny Davis

    Director

    New on the 2025 filing

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Nicholas Koch

    Director

    New on the 2025 filing

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Thomas Ahr

    Director

    New on the 2025 filing

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • William Bill Davis

    Director

    New on the 2025 filing

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Nick Gentile

    Treasurer

    Director → Director & Treasurer, 2023

    Director & Treasurer → Treasurer, 2024

    On filings since 2022

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

Former officers (23)
  • Former: Greg Lutchka (2020–2025) — Director · Filing note: Ended 63025
  • Former: Lashonda Fitch (2022–2025) — Director · Filing note: Ended 63025
  • Former: Sarah Sevener (2022–2025) — Director · Filing note: Ended 63025
  • Former: Christine Novaria (2020–2024) — Director
  • Former: Carolyn Blackwell (2020–2023) — Director
  • Former: Ginny Conlee (2020–2023) — Director
  • Former: Joe Kulek (2020–2023) — Treasurer
  • Former: Roger Austin (2020–2023) — Director
  • Former: Ryan Greenier (2020–2023) — Director
  • Former: Terrance Jordan (2020–2023) — Director
  • Former: John P. Kelker (2020–2022) — President & CEO to
  • Former: Adam McConnell (2020–2021) — Director
  • Former: Cass Casper (2020–2021) — Immediate Past Chair
  • Former: Chris Hembrough (2020–2021) — Director
  • Former: Dan Rayhill (2020–2021) — Director
  • Former: Harry Berman (2020–2021) — Director
  • Former: Heather Sarra (2020–2021) — Director
  • Former: Kate Ward (2020–2021) — Director
  • Former: Lesley Frederick (2020–2021) — Chair Elect
  • Former: Rachel Devries (2020–2021) — Director
  • Former: Susie Rice (2020–2021) — Director
  • Former: James Sarra (2021) — Director
  • Former: Jim Sarra (2020) — Director

Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "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

Marne Fauser — Presdient and CEO: $133KMarne FauserPresdient and CEO$133K

The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $133K, to Marne Fauser (Presdient and CEO).

Frequently asked questions about United Way of Central Illinois Inc

How much does United Way of Central Illinois Inc give each year?

United Way of Central Illinois Inc gave $996K across 29 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.0M across 29 grants.

What is United Way of Central Illinois Inc's typical grant size?

United Way of Central Illinois Inc's median grant in 2025 was $33,696, and its average grant was $34,345, across 29 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.

Where does United Way of Central Illinois Inc give grants?

United Way of Central Illinois Inc gives mostly in Illinois: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Springfield, IL (29 grants).

Does United Way of Central Illinois Inc give general operating support?

Not in 2025: none of the 29 grants with a stated purpose on United Way of Central Illinois Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.

Who are United Way of Central Illinois Inc's largest grantees?

United Way of Central Illinois Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Compass for Kids Inc ($168,024 across 2 grants), Senior Services of Central Illinois ($93,720 across 3 grants) and Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois ($85,000 across 2 grants), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 35% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.

How large is United Way of Central Illinois Inc?

United Way of Central Illinois Inc reported $8.8M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $2.4M.

What does United Way of Central Illinois Inc fund?

The organization’s mission is to mobilize communities to action so all can thrive, bringing people and resources together to address connected community challenges. Its stated focus areas are youth opportunity, community resiliency, financial security, and healthy communities. See mission & focus areas ↑

How do I apply for a grant from United Way of Central Illinois Inc?

United Way of Central Illinois Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check uwcil.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.

What is United Way of Central Illinois Inc's EIN?

United Way of Central Illinois Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 37-0716060. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.

Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.

Data update history

(7)

When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable

  1. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS September 24, 2021)
  2. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS September 12, 2022)
  3. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS August 4, 2023)
  4. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS September 19, 2024)
  5. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS September 23, 2025)
  6. Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS August 20, 2026)
  7. IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024

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Cite this profile

Grantable. (2026). United Way of Central Illinois Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 18, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-central-illinois-inc-morg_fd6db59ffd8a4489a6396a861d0f8699

BibTeX
@misc{grantable_370716060_2026,
  author       = {{Grantable}},
  title        = {{United Way of Central Illinois Inc funder profile}},
  howpublished = {GrantGraph},
  year         = {2026},
  url          = {https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-central-illinois-inc-morg_fd6db59ffd8a4489a6396a861d0f8699},
  note         = {Accessed 2026-10-18. 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 Central Illinois Inc'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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