United Way of Central Missouri Inc
United Way of Central Missouri Inc is a public charity based in Jefferson City, Missouri. It supports local health and human service organizations through annual allocations and one-time grants, and coordinates community efforts to address needs across its nine-county service area.
United Way of Central Missouri Inc at a glance
In short: United Way of Central Missouri Inc gave $2.1M across 41 grants in 2025 (avg $52K), mostly in Missouri. 10% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $2,137,677
- +8.7% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 41
- +10.8% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $52,138
- -1.9% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $26,738
- Total assets
- $4,650,032
- +8.1% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 10% first-time grantees (4 of 41, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Missouri (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to United Way of Central Missouri Inc
- Review Cycle
- The 2025 fund allocation schedule listed January 31, 2025, as the application due date.
- Deadline
- The 2025 fund allocation schedule listed January 31, 2025, as the application due date.
- Contact
Mailing address: 205 Alameda Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109
Phone: (573) 636-4100
Website: https://unitedwaycemo.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who United Way of Central Missouri Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was The Salvation Army ($280K). Together the top 10 received $1.4M.
Grant Size Distribution
195 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 133 grants of 195 (68%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
United Way of Central Missouri serves Camden, Cole, Maries, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan, Osage, Phelps, and southern Callaway Counties in Missouri.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 41 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is United Way of Central Missouri Inc open to new grantees?
10%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 4 of 41 grantees (10%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $7K; repeat grants $57K. How we count
Medians: $7K first-time, $33K repeat.
- 78% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+15%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2025). 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 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.7M (2019) to $2.1M (2025). In 2025 it made 41 grants totaling $2.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Salvation Army Jefferson City, MO | Operational Assistan | $280,000 |
| Little Explorers Discovery Center Jefferson City, MO | Operational Assistan | $185,145 |
| Rape and Abuse Crisis Service Jefferson City, MO | Operational Assistan | $173,000 |
| Special Learning Center Jefferson City, MO | Operational Assistan | $166,342 |
| Compass Health Network Jefferson City, MO | Operational Assistan | $145,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club Jefferson City, MO | Operational Assistan | $123,500 |
| American Red Cross Columbia, MO | Operational Assistan | $98,500 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters Jefferson City, MO | Operational Assistan | $89,701 |
| Jefferson City Area YMCA Jefferson City, MO | Operational Assistan | $85,000 |
| Senior Nutrition Center Jefferson City, MO | Operational Assistan | $76,161 |
Ready to take the next step with United Way of Central Missouri Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The 2023 grant activity in the filing is separate from the organization’s website report of $344,598 awarded to 29 agencies in 2023.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $4,650,032 | $3,270,124 | $2,920,344 | $2,137,677 | 41 | $50,089 |
| 2024 | $4,302,372 | $2,910,629 | $2,682,688 | $1,966,521 | 37 | $48,724 |
| 2023 | $4,074,971 | $2,734,263 | $2,754,940 | $1,930,097 | 35 | $-43 |
| 2022 | $3,919,639 | $2,586,593 | $2,513,770 | $1,865,683 | 38 | $42 |
| 2021 | $3,817,409 | $2,463,523 | $2,631,330 | $1,965,096 | 44 | — |
| 2020 | $3,959,873 | $2,453,339 | $2,584,701 | $1,919,582 | 44 | $23,109 |
| 2019 | $4,069,653 | $2,836,601 | $2,315,099 | $1,706,357 | 36 | $9,214 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community. Its stated vision is a community where individuals and families can achieve their human potential through education, income stability, and healthy lives. It identifies education, income, and health as focus areas for funding decisions.
Its grants support health and human service organizations. Examples include Compass Health, whose mission is to provide comprehensive, accessible and affordable healthcare to Missouri residents; Council for Drug Free Youth, which says it works to promote healthy, drug-free lifestyles among youth in Mid-Missouri; and Capital City CASA, which advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children.
Grantmaking
The organization’s grant-recipient page reports that it awarded $275,421 to 30 area health and human service agencies in 2024, and $344,598 to 29 agencies in 2023. It describes these one-time grants as support for immediate, critical unmet needs or emerging needs, including starting programs, enhancing services, and purchasing equipment or supplies. It also reports that, since 2002, it has awarded $3,294,069 in one-time grants, averaging $126,695 per year; individual grants typically range from $1,000 to $30,000, with most between $5,000 and $10,000.
In 2023, reported recipients included Compass Health ($135,000), Big Brothers Big Sisters ($86,500), Council for Drug Free Youth ($82,987), and Capital City CASA ($26,003). These amounts are reported for the named organizations as grants received that year.
For 2025, the organization announced up to $430,000 in grant opportunities: up to $330,000 in Community Support Grants and a $100,000 Century of Caring Grant. Community Support Grants were open to qualifying member and non-member agencies; the Century of Caring Grant was restricted to member agencies and intended for significant projects rather than operating expenses. The latter could be used over two years. The organization’s volunteer-led allocation process reviews programming quality, governance, financial health, administration, and community impact. Volunteers review assigned applications, conduct site visits, and make recommendations for Board approval.
Applicants for Community Support Grants must meet prequalification requirements, and proposed uses must address eligible needs and focus areas. The organization says grantees report on the status and use of funds; one-time purchases require receipts.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Lee Knernschield as President, Ann Bax as Past Preside, Cassandra Atchison, Trenton Barbour, and Greg Callahan as Board Members, Gregg Bexten as Former Chai, Tammy Chute as Secretary, Michael Downey as Ex Officio, Kirk Duncan as Treasurer, and Ryan Freeman as Vice Chairma. The organization’s 2025 grant announcement identifies Bob Gilbert as Board Chairman and Lee Knernschield as President/CPO.
United Way of Central Missouri Inc is led by Lee Knernschield, President on every filing since 2023; 2 of 28 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Lee Knernschield
President
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$46K (2023) → $106K (2025)
Bob Gilbert
Chairman
Board Member → Vice Chairman, 2024
Vice Chairman → Chairman, 2025
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ann Bax
Past President
President & Cpo → Past President, 2023
On filings since 2019
20 hrs/week
$87K (2019) → $11K (2025)
Gregg Bexten
Former Chai
Vice Chairman → Chairman, 2024
Chairman → Former Chai, 2025
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ryan Freeman
Vice Chairman
Board Member → Vice Chairman, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tammy Chute
Secretary
Board Member → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kirk Duncan
Treasurer
Board Member → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lindsay Huhman
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Treaka Young
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cassandra Atchison
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Pat Tatum
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ryann Kampeter
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Darren Heckman
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Greg Callahan
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Janet Wear-Enloe
Ex-Officio
Board Member → Ex-Officio, 2024
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sally Moore
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Trenton Barbour
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Andy Stuckenschneider
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Carlos Graham
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Derek Schnieders
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeremy Morris
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Valerie Huhn
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Aubrey Krcmar
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chief Eric Wilde
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kyle Shimmens
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Downey
Executive Officio
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stephanie Lehmen
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Troy Hogg
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (31)
- Former: Sharon Campbell (2019–2024) — Former Chair
- Former: Brenda Leydens (2021–2024) — Board Member
- Former: John Moseley (2021–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Lori Hoelscher (2022–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Mike Downey (2022–2024) — Ex-Officio
- Former: Bryan McGraw (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Andy Fechtel (2019–2023) — Former Chairman
- Former: Connie Vaughan (2019–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Corey Backues (2019–2023) — Board Member
- Former: John Wheeler (2019–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Matt Tollerton (2019–2023) — Former Chairman
- Former: Beverly Stafford (2019–2022) — Secretary
- Former: Mark Mueller (2019–2022) — Treasurer
- Former: Stacey Sturm (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Ben Musholt (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Amy Berendzen (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Britt Smith (2022) — Board Member
- Former: Chip Webb (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Greg Meeker (2019–2021) — Former Chairman
- Former: Larry Linthacum (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Ryann Gildersleeve (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Claudia Kehoe (2019–2020) — Secretary
- Former: David Meyer (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Gaspare Calvaruso (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Jerald Woolfolk (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Lori Simms (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Mike Hoelscher (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Ryan Henry (2019–2020) — Treasurer
- Former: Allison Kingsbury (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Lori Massman (2019) — Past Chairman
- Former: Stephen Jones (2019) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "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 $106K, to Lee Knernschield (President). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about United Way of Central Missouri Inc
How much does United Way of Central Missouri Inc give each year?
United Way of Central Missouri Inc gave $2.1M across 41 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $2.0M across 37 grants.
What is United Way of Central Missouri Inc's typical grant size?
United Way of Central Missouri Inc's median grant in 2025 was $26,738, and its average grant was $52,138, across 41 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from United Way of Central Missouri Inc that year got $7K on average.
Where does United Way of Central Missouri Inc give grants?
United Way of Central Missouri Inc gives mostly in Missouri: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Jefferson City, MO (24 grants), Columbia, MO (6 grants), Rolla, MO (3 grants) and Camdenton, MO (2 grants).
Does United Way of Central Missouri Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of United Way of Central Missouri Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (41 of 41) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Who are United Way of Central Missouri Inc's largest grantees?
United Way of Central Missouri Inc's largest 2025 grantees include The Salvation Army ($280,000), Little Explorers Discovery Center ($185,145) and Rape and Abuse Crisis Service ($173,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 30% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is United Way of Central Missouri Inc?
United Way of Central Missouri Inc reported $4.7M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $3.3M.
What does United Way of Central Missouri Inc fund?
The organization’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community. Its stated vision is a community where individuals and families can achieve their human potential through education, income stability, and healthy lives. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from United Way of Central Missouri Inc?
United Way of Central Missouri Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check unitedwaycemo.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is United Way of Central Missouri Inc's EIN?
United Way of Central Missouri Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 44-0595184. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS April 16, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS April 21, 2026)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS May 7, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 11, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS April 19, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS April 18, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS April 16, 2024)
Live grants for the work United Way of Central Missouri Inc funds
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). United Way of Central Missouri Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-central-missouri-inc-morg_dddaf1c1d22c43948b12e087d04de3dd
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_440595184_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{United Way of Central Missouri Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-central-missouri-inc-morg_dddaf1c1d22c43948b12e087d04de3dd},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-16. 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 Missouri 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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