United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc
United Way of St. Lucie & Okeechobee Inc. is a public charity based in Fort Pierce, Florida. It supports community programs addressing needs that include health, education, financial security, and community resilience, with its website highlighting support for ALICE families—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed.
United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc at a glance
In short: United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc gave $393K across 16 grants in 2025 (avg $25K), mostly in Florida. 13% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $393,087
- -17.2% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 16
- -11.1% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $24,568
- -6.9% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $3,603,771
- +0.9% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 13% first-time grantees (2 of 16, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Florida (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 St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc
- How to Apply
-
The website directs applicants to log in to e-CImpact and select the 2026–2027 grant. The posted timeline lists applications opening May 4 and closing May 31, with panel review and site visits in June and funding in July. Those dates are past as of September 28, 2026. The website also describes the grant process as being in a transitional year, with further details forthcoming. Applications are reviewed by a citizen panel, which evaluates organizational capacity, potential community impact, and alignment with the organization’s mission; the panel’s comments and recommendations go to the board for final funding decisions.
- Contact
Mailing address: 4800 South Us Hwy 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34982
Phone: (772) 464-5300
Website: https://uwslo.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 St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc
Who United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Mustard Seed Ministries of Fort Pierce Inc ($115K). Together the top 10 received $335K.
Grant Size Distribution
85 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 72 grants of 85 (85%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The organization’s grant requirements are open to nonprofits serving St. Lucie and/or Okeechobee Counties. Its 2025 filing reports that 100% of grant dollars went to recipients in Florida.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 16 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc open to new grantees?
13%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 2 of 16 grantees (13%) were first-time recipients. With only 16 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 6 points. First grants averaged $33K; repeat grants $23K. How we count
Medians: $33K first-time, $15K repeat.
- 88% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. 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 $393K (2025) to $720K (2020). In 2025 it made 16 grants totaling $393K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Mustard Seed Ministries of Fort Pierce Inc Fort Pierce, FL | Financial assistance to help local non profit meet exempt function purpose | $115,120 |
| Florida Department of Health Port St Lucie, FL | Financial assistance to help local non profit meet exempt function purpose | $55,000 |
| Helping People Succeed Jensen Beach, FL | Financial assistance to help local non profit meet exempt function purposefinancial assistance to help local non profit meet exempt function purposefinancial assistance to help local non profit meet exempt function purposefinancial assistance to help local non profit meet exempt function purpose | $40,000 |
| United Against Poverty Fort Pierce, FL | Financial assistance to help local non profit meet exempt function purpose | $30,000 |
| Arc of St Lucie Fort Pierce, FL | Financial assistance to help non profit meet exempt function purpose | $18,567 |
| Grace Way Village Fort Pierce, FL | Financial assistance to help local non profit meet exempt function purpose | $16,800 |
| The Inner Truth Project Port St Lucie, FL | Financial assistance to help local non profit meet exempt function purposefinancial assistance to help local non profit meet exempt function purpose | $15,000 |
| Healthy Start Coalition of St Lucie County Inc Fort Pierce, FL | Financial assistance to help local non profit meet exempt function incomefinancial assistance to help local non profit meet exempt function purpose | $15,000 |
| Life Builders of the Treasure Coast Inc Fort Pierce, FL | Financial assistance to help local non profit meet exempt function purpose | $15,000 |
| Alzheimer's Community Care West Palm Beach, FL | Financial assistance to help local non profit meet exempt function purpose | $15,000 |
Ready to take the next step with United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3,603,771 | $1,878,405 | $1,759,728 | $393,087 | 16 | $212,699 |
| 2024 | $3,572,269 | $1,353,249 | $1,513,260 | $474,890 | 18 | $259,586 |
| 2023 | $3,984,390 | $1,311,356 | $1,475,438 | $528,048 | 20 | $117,531 |
| 2021 | $3,893,404 | $1,797,215 | $1,289,442 | $659,879 | 10 | $321,595 |
| 2020 | $3,221,811 | $1,689,877 | $1,408,250 | $720,063 | 21 | $246,596 |
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 our community.” Its website identifies four focus areas: Financial Security, Healthy Community, Community Resiliency, and Youth Opportunity. Its grant application information says proposals must address at least one of these areas; eligible programs must serve St. Lucie and/or Okeechobee Counties, and the applicant must be a 501(c)(3) organization whose program has been in existence for at least two years.
The organization’s 2024 filing describes support for education, job readiness and financial education, nutrition, clothing, and health services. It reports supporting seven education programs, 10 programs focused on employment and financial stability needs, and 13 health programs.
Examples of funded organizations’ stated missions illustrate the range of work among grantees: United Against Poverty says it empowers individuals and families toward sustainable economic self-sufficiency; Grace Way Village says it provides clothing, food, and other basic needs; and The Inner Truth Project says it provides counseling and outreach to adolescents who have experienced sexual violence. Light of the World Charities says it provides free dental care to uninsured, low-income children.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the organization reported 16 grants totaling $393,087. Grant amounts ranged from $6,500 to $115,120, with a median of $15,000. The largest reported grants included $115,120 to Mustard Seed Ministries of Fort Pierce, $55,000 to the Florida Department of Health, $40,000 to Helping People Succeed, and $30,000 to United Against Poverty. Other reported awards included $18,567 to Arc of St. Lucie, $16,800 to Grace Way Village, and $15,000 each to The Inner Truth Project, Healthy Start Coalition of St. Lucie County, Life Builders of the Treasure Coast, and Alzheimer’s Community Care.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Aneisha Graydon as vice chair, Kimberly Clarizio as treasurer, Shelly Thomas as past chair, and April King, Vanessa Farnes, Austin Alderman, Jeff Emmeluth, Kevin Perry, Melanie Mead, and Joy Hawthorne as directors.
United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc is led by Thomas Epsky, CEO & President since 2024 (on filings since 2020); 1 of 17 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Thomas Epsky
CEO & President
Director → CEO & President, 2024
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$94K (2024) → $116K (2025)
Lori Matich
Chair
Director → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
April King
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeff Emmeluth
Director
Vice Chair → Past Chair, 2023
Past Chair → Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Perry
Director
Director → Secretary, 2023
Secretary → Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Vanessa Farnes
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Austin Alderman
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Genelle Yost
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joy Hawthorne
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tenna Wiles
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Camille Wallace Esq.
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Melanie Mead
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Esperanza Morales
Chief Financial & Operating Officer
Director of Finance → Chief Financial & Operating Officer, 2025
On filings since 2020
30 hrs/week
$60K (2020) → $0 (2025)
Aneisha Graydon
Vice Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kimberly Clarizio
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Shelly Thomas
Past Chair
Secretary → Chair, 2023
Chair → Past Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Marcos Valladeres
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (19)
- Former: Bob Bysshe (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Elijah Wooten Jr. (2020–2024) — Vice Chair
- Former: Jessica Parrish (2020–2024) — Past CEO & President
- Former: Rhonda Wigglesworth (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Jack Nash (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Jennifer Lafferty (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Mindy Howes (2023–2024) — Treasurer
- Former: Russ Brown (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Michelle Franklin (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: James Bower (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Alphoso Jefferson (2023) — Director
- Former: Andy Treadwell (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Herman Funderburk (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Howard Tipton (2020–2021) — Past Chair
- Former: Jann Widmayer (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Sheritta Johnson (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Dana Apfelbaum (2020) — Director
- Former: John Farinacci (2020) — Director
- Former: Karen Knapp (2020) — CEO & President
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 $116K, to Thomas Epsky (CEO/President).
Frequently asked questions about United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc
How much does United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc give each year?
United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc gave $393K across 16 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $475K across 18 grants.
What is United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc's typical grant size?
United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc's median grant in 2025 was $15,000, and its average grant was $24,568, across 16 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc that year got $33K on average.
Where does United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc give grants?
United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc gives mostly in Florida: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Fort Pierce, FL (8 grants) and Port St Lucie, FL (3 grants).
Does United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 16 grants with a stated purpose on United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc's largest grantees?
United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Mustard Seed Ministries of Fort Pierce Inc ($115,120), Florida Department of Health ($55,000) and Helping People Succeed ($40,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 53% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc?
United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc reported $3.6M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $1.9M.
What does United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc fund?
The organization’s mission is “to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community.” Its website identifies four focus areas: Financial Security, Healthy Community, Community Resiliency, and Youth Opportunity. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc?
The website directs applicants to log in to e-CImpact and select the 2026–2027 grant. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc's EIN?
United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 59-6212157. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
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 December 22, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 16, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 7, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 30, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS November 21, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Explore Open Grants
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). United Way of St Lucie & Okeechobee Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 5, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-st-lucie-and-okeechobee-inc-morg_9764e2ab1c4b4360b43844c005b51699
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_596212157_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{United Way of St Lucie \& Okeechobee Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-st-lucie-and-okeechobee-inc-morg_9764e2ab1c4b4360b43844c005b51699},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-05. 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 St Lucie & Okeechobee 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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