United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc
United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc is a public charity based in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and was incorporated as a charitable nonprofit in 1956. It brings together community resources and supports programs serving a 10-county Southern Kentucky region.
United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc at a glance
In short: United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc gave $1.0M across 22 grants in 2025 (avg $47K), mostly in Kentucky. 9% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,035,658
- +1.0% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 22
- -21.4% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $47,075
- +28.6% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $26,880
- Total assets
- $5,278,890
- +6.4% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 9% first-time grantees (2 of 22, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Kentucky (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 Southern Kentucky Inc
- How to Apply
-
Organizations interested in Community Impact funding must first submit a Letter of Intent. A regional committee reviews submissions, and proposals demonstrating meaningful impact in a priority area may be invited to submit a full application. Applicants must meet the program’s operational requirements in writing. Separate applications are required for each program and, for regional programs seeking funding in multiple counties, for each county.
- Review Cycle
- The Letter of Intent for the 2026/27 funding year was due by noon on September 29, 2025. The listed deadline for the Community Impact Grant Program is January 20, 2026.
- Deadline
- The Letter of Intent for the 2026/27 funding year was due by noon on September 29, 2025.
- Contact
Mailing address: 1110 College Street, Bowling Green, KY 42102
Phone: (270) 843-3205
Website: https://uwsk.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Family Enrichment Center ($168K). Together the top 10 received $809K.
Grant Size Distribution
136 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 92 grants of 136 (68%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Community Impact Grant Program serves Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson, and Warren counties in Southern Kentucky.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 22 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc open to new grantees?
9%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 2 of 22 grantees (9%) were first-time recipients. With only 22 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 5 points. First grants averaged $33K; repeat grants $49K. How we count
Medians: $33K first-time, $26K repeat.
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 $886K (2020) to $3.8M (2023). In 2025 it made 22 grants totaling $1.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Family Enrichment Center Bowling Green, KY | Program Operating Costs | $167,560 |
| Kentucky Legal Aid Inc Bowling Green, KY | Program Operating Costs | $164,095 |
| Warren County Schools Bowling Green, KY | Program Operating Costs | $116,133 |
| Barren River Long Term Care Ombudsman Bowling Green, KY | Program Operating Costs | $61,911 |
| Barren River Area Safe Space Inc Bowling Green, KY | Program Operating Costs | $61,150 |
| Foundry Christian Community Center - Foundry Program Bowling Green, KY | Program Operating Costs | $57,000 |
| Refuge BG Bowling Green, KY | Program Operating Costs | $55,000 |
| Housing Authority - Wrote Program Bowling Green, KY | Program Operating Costs | $51,894 |
| Life Choice Pregnancy Center Bowling Green, KY | Program Operating Costs | $39,080 |
| Russellville Schools Russellville, KY | Program Operating Costs | $35,670 |
Ready to take the next step with United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $5,278,890 | $3,187,529 | $2,800,031 | $1,035,658 | 22 | $183,082 |
| 2024 | $4,963,190 | $2,820,854 | $2,707,709 | $1,025,055 | 28 | $151,958 |
| 2023 | $6,810,534 | $3,372,742 | $5,531,242 | $3,795,911 | 29 | $113,298 |
| 2022 | $6,817,020 | $6,047,163 | $2,878,650 | $1,561,622 | 29 | $314,835 |
| 2021 | $4,611,077 | $2,394,584 | $2,630,148 | $1,039,685 | 28 | $95,725 |
| 2020 | $4,388,312 | $3,029,787 | $2,125,175 | $885,987 | 34 | $88,738 |
| 2019 | $3,794,310 | $2,599,200 | $2,116,033 | $1,083,386 | 35 | $96,682 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
Its mission is “to be the leader in bringing together the resources to build a stronger, more caring community.” Its vision is a Southern Kentucky where all residents are educated, healthy, and financially stable.
Community Impact funding priorities are Kindergarten Readiness and College & Career Readiness; Workforce Development; Access to Affordable Health Care and Safe Home & Community; and Transportation and Access to Basic Needs. The organization invites federally tax-exempt nonprofit organizations with programs aligned to these strategies to apply. Collaborative programs are encouraged, and organizations may apply in more than one impact area.
Past funded organizations illustrate the range of services supported. For example, Family Enrichment Center describes its mission as empowering families and preventing child abuse through education, social support, crisis intervention, and a safe environment. Barren River Area Safe Space says it provides safety and support to victims of domestic violence. HOTEL INC describes its work as helping ensure security through safe, affordable housing, health care, and nutritious food.
Grantmaking
For the 2024–2025 funding cycle, United Way reported allocating $1,101,461 to 46 nonprofit agency programs serving the 10-county region. Its 2024 filing also describes $1,046,109 allocated to programs serving the service area, as well as $32,634 in donor-directed contributions processed and distributed. In 2024/25, it distributed an additional $122,265 to area organizations through flexible support grants for one-time requests outside the annual fund distribution process.
Examples of grants to organizations in 2020 include $131,528 to Family Enrichment Center, $57,801 to Barren River Area Safe Space, and $48,000 to HOTEL INC. The IRS filing data lists a grant count of zero for each of 2023, 2024, and 2025; those figures are distinct from the program allocations reported by the organization.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Milli McIntosh as chairman, Todd Kanipe as chair-elect, and Jon Thomason as treasurer. It also lists Donna Harmon, Tommy Adams, Steve Thurmond, Rob Clayton, Tad Pardue, Ann Puckett, and Steve Sinclair as directors. The 2025 annual report identifies Debbie Hills as president and CEO.
United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc is led by Debbie Hills, President & CEO on every filing since 2019; 1 of 28 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Debbie Hills
President & CEO
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$93K (2019) → $128K (2025)
Milli McIntosh
Chairman
Treasurer → Chair-Elect, 2024
Chair-Elect → Chairman, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ann Puckett
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Donna Harmon
Director
Immediate Past Chairman → Director, 2020
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rob Clayton
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steve Sinclair
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steve Thurmond
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tad Pardue
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Todd Stewart
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tom Flynn
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tommy Adams
Director
Chairman → Immediate Past Chairman, 2020
Immediate Past Chairman → Director, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Zach Massey
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dave Forney
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lindsey Sanson
Director
Chairman → Immediate Past Chairman, 2024
Immediate Past Chairman → Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Leyda Becker
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Suzanne Ogawa
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark Gardner
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James McCaslin
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Julie Milam
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sharon Blevins
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Teresa Hayes
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Aaron Smith
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Abby Thomas
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brenda Polly
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lanny White
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Darren Woodruff
Immediate Past Chairman
Chair-Elect → Chairman, 2024
Chairman → Immediate Past Chairman, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Todd Kanipe
Chair-Elect
Director → Treasurer, 2024
Treasurer → Chair-Elect, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jon Thomason
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (22)
- Former: Melissa Conley (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Candy Peay (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Lindsay Porter (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Abby Milliken (2024) — Director
- Former: Steve Pankey (2019–2023) — Immediate Past Chairman
- Former: Tamara Vogler (2019–2023) — Director
- Former: Mark Minotti (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Joe Middleton (2023) — Director
- Former: Heather Rogers (2019–2022) — Director
- Former: Andrea Shannon (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Jared Lesher (2022) — Director
- Former: Andrew Bedi (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Gary Fields (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Kim Newton (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Rob Langille (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Stacey Hughes (2019–2021) — Chairman
- Former: Robert Boone (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Brad Odil (2019) — Director
- Former: Lindsey McClain (2019) — Director
- Former: Melissa Watson (2019) — Director
- Former: Mike O'Kelly (2019) — Chairman-Elect
- Former: Stefanie Jones (2019) — Director
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 $128K, to Debbie Hills (President/CEO).
Frequently asked questions about United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc
How much does United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc give each year?
United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc gave $1.0M across 22 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.0M across 28 grants.
What is United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc's typical grant size?
United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc's median grant in 2025 was $26,880, and its average grant was $47,075, across 22 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc that year got $33K on average.
Where does United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc give grants?
United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc gives mostly in Kentucky: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Bowling Green, KY (15 grants) and Russellville, KY (2 grants).
Does United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (22 of 22) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Who are United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc's largest grantees?
United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Family Enrichment Center ($167,560), Kentucky Legal Aid Inc ($164,095) and Warren County Schools ($116,133), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 43% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc?
United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc reported $5.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $3.2M.
What does United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc fund?
Its mission is “to be the leader in bringing together the resources to build a stronger, more caring community.” Its vision is a Southern Kentucky where all residents are educated, healthy, and financially stable. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc?
Organizations interested in Community Impact funding must first submit a Letter of Intent. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc's EIN?
United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 61-0590564. 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
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS March 11, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS March 3, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS March 31, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS February 2, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS March 1, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS December 11, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS December 17, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Whas Crusade for Children Inc
Louisville, KY
The WHAS Crusade for Children funds direct services, specific programs, and equipment for nonprofit agencies, schools, and hospitals serving children under 18 with health, educational, or emotional needs in Kentucky and southern Indiana. In 2025, grants ranged from $5,400 to $400,000, with a median of $20,000. New applicants may email a brief description to request an invitation to apply; applications are invitation-only.
Assets
$59.5M
Grants
201
Total Given
$5.8M
Community Foundation of South Central Kentucky Inc
Bowling Green, KY
The Community Foundation of South Central Kentucky funds community needs in education, health and human services, the arts, recreation, and beautification, serving organizations in 10 South Central Kentucky counties. Grant sizes vary: listed 2022 awards ranged from smaller grants to $125,000, with no typical award amount stated. It accepts applications for competitive grants; its website also says some grants are made in response to donor recommendations.
Assets
$25.7M
Grants
29
Total Given
$1.8M
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports charitable and educational nonprofits in communities where Enterprise Mobility operates, focusing on health, education, arts, and disaster relief; applicants must be actively supported by an Enterprise Mobility team member, spouse, or domestic partner. Giving varies widely: it reported 9,499 grants in 2024, but its 2025 filing showed one grant of $101.4 million, so that amount is not a typical award. Applications are accepted at any time through eligible Enterprise-affiliated applicants; the Foundation does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc
Louisville, KY
The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels funds Kentucky 501(c)(3) organizations serving Kentuckians, supporting projects in areas such as education, health, community services, arts, and disaster relief. Its 2024 grants ranged from $370 to $500,000, with a median of about $6,000; Good Works applications require a letter of intent, and the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$23.5M
Grants
358
Total Given
$4.5M
The Community Foundation of Louisville Inc
Louisville, KY
The Community Foundation of Louisville funds nonprofits across areas including education, arts and culture, health, and community development, with a focus on Louisville and surrounding communities while also supporting work beyond the region. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,012 to $3,853,691, with a median of $22,987; it states that grant programs for local nonprofits use an open application and review process.
Assets
$766.9M
Grants
678
Total Given
$55.0M
Cralle Foundation Inc
Simpsonville, KY
The Cralle Foundation supports a broad range of charitable organizations, including those focused on human services, family support, recovery, disability services, parks, and animal welfare. In 2024, grants ranged from $400 to $10,500, with a median of $5,000, and went primarily to Kentucky organizations. It accepts requests by application; applicants are instructed to request one from the foundation.
Assets
$9.4M
Grants
99
Total Given
$665K
More similar funders
More Funders in Kentucky
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 12, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-southern-kentucky-inc-morg_d894bc7c3a6244ddacf85896967e48c1
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_610590564_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{United Way of Southern Kentucky Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-southern-kentucky-inc-morg_d894bc7c3a6244ddacf85896967e48c1},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-12. 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 Southern Kentucky 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 Southern Kentucky Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?