United Way of Central Illinois Inc
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.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from United Way of Central Illinois Inc
Community Fund
United Way of Central Illinois Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP)
United Way of Central Illinois Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Emergency Fund
United Way of Central Illinois Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who United Way of Central Illinois Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
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
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
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 29 itemized grants.
Cities
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
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
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Compass for Kids Inc Springfield, IL | Camp compass - a summer program for elementary school age children for homless and low-income | $93,804 |
| Compass for Kids Inc Springfield, IL | Club compass - a free after school program for homeless and low income elementary students | $74,220 |
| Sojourn Shelter and Services Springfield, IL | Adult and Children Emergency Shelter and Provisions | $50,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois Springfield, IL | Project learn - an out of school time educational component aime as bridging the gap | $50,000 |
| Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Springfield Springfield, IL | St. John's breadline provides free, well balanced, nutritious meals 365 days a year | $48,000 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois Springfield, IL | MENTOR 2.0 | $45,000 |
| Siu Center for Family Medicine Springfield, IL | Community Integrated Response Connection Leveraging | $45,000 |
| Helping Hands of Springfield Inc Springfield, IL | Emergency Shelter | $43,079 |
| Senior Services of Central Illinois Springfield, IL | Comprehensive elder assist - provides social adjustment and rehabilitation | $41,220 |
| Helping Hands of Springfield Inc Springfield, IL | Helping Hands Represenative Payee Program | $40,000 |
Ready to take the next step with United Way of Central Illinois Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $8,799,538 | $2,443,126 | $2,137,302 | $996,001 | 29 | $634,589 |
| 2024 | $8,469,235 | $1,909,803 | $2,188,693 | $1,039,674 | 29 | $370,305 |
| 2023 | $8,482,688 | $2,121,159 | $2,126,829 | $1,039,674 | 27 | $455,726 |
| 2022 | $8,269,663 | $2,790,259 | $2,093,515 | $1,037,185 | 24 | $746,003 |
| 2021 | $9,401,125 | $3,448,483 | $2,156,905 | $1,024,354 | 25 | $860,624 |
| 2020 | $8,241,403 | $2,482,824 | $2,837,007 | $1,409,196 | 62 | $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
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
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS September 24, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS September 12, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS August 4, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS September 19, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS September 23, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS August 20, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work United Way of Central Illinois Inc funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
- Nixa Affiliate Grantmaking Program Up to US $10,000 · Due October 19, 2026
- Community and School Grants $28,000 total pool; 10-15 grants expected · Due October 19, 2026
- Mary Pinola/Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund $500 - $5,000 for ongoing programs; up to $15,000 for Strategic Initiative Grants · Due October 19, 2026
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in United Way of Central Illinois Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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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.
United Way of Central Illinois Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?