United Way of Story County Inc
United Way of Story County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Ames, Iowa, serving Story County. Founded in 1953 as the Ames United Fund, Inc. (commonly known as the Ames Community Chest), the organization expanded to become a county-wide entity in 1985. United Way of Story County operates as a philanthropic leader and community convener, mobilizing people, organizations, and resources to address critical community needs. The organization employs approximately 9-10 staff members and maintains a strong commitment to accountability and transparent governance.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$4.4M
+6.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.2M
-2.6% YoY
Grant Count
26
-10.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$45K
+8.6% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: Unite people, ideas, and resources to transform lives in Story County.
Vision: A connected and thriving Story County.
United Way of Story County focuses on three primary impact areas:
- Health — Leading efforts to improve community health and wellness
- Education — Investing in strong educational foundations and student success from early childhood through adulthood
- Financial Stability — Supporting financial empowerment and economic security for individuals and families
The organization operates as a strategic leader, investor, and catalyst for community change, believing that transformation occurs when neighbors, businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers unite around shared goals.
Grantmaking
United Way of Story County provides grants to local nonprofits serving Story County in their focus areas. The organization offers multiple grant programs:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
United Way of Story County serves Story County, Iowa, with headquarters in Ames.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Most Recent Financial Data (2024):
- Total Assets: $4,359,746
- Annual Revenue: $3,344,763
- Total Expenses: $2,440,000
- Total Liabilities: $442,000
- Program Expense Ratio: 86.59%
Tax Status: Tax-exempt since June 1972 (EIN: 42-0947489)
The organization demonstrates strong financial health with a 99% rating reflecting exceptional performance in accountability and financial management, including a perfect score of 100 for both Accountability & Finance and Leadership & Adaptability. The organization maintains 100% independent board members.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $4,359,746 | $4,114,514 | $3,767,137 |
| Revenue | $2,385,051 | $2,539,626 | $2,574,871 |
| Expenses | $2,332,345 | $2,435,205 | $2,234,046 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $166,339 | $196,961 | $111,805 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
145 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
5 open opportunities from United Way of Story County Inc
2026 Financial Empowerment Major Grant
UNITED WAY OF STORY COUNTY INC
Amount
Up to $100,000 total (maximum 3 agencies)
Deadline
Rolling / Open
ASSET Funding (Analysis of Social Services Team)
UNITED WAY OF STORY COUNTY INC
Amount
Varies
Deadline
September 30, 2026
Community Impact Grants
UNITED WAY OF STORY COUNTY INC
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2025 grants, the largest include Youth and Shelter Services ($205,297), Boys and Girls Club ($87,506), Heartland Senior Services ($86,996).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| HEARTLAND SENIOR SERVICES AMES, IA | TO SUPPORT THE OPERATIONS OF STORY COUNTY COMMUNITY AGENCIES | $86,996 |
| ACPC AMES, IA | TO SUPPORT THE OPERATIONS OF STORY COUNTY COMMUNITY AGENCIES | $54,744 |
| SALVATION ARMY AMES, IA | TO SUPPORT THE OPERATIONS OF STORY COUNTY COMMUNITY AGENCIES | $66,218 |
| BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB AMES, IA | TO SUPPORT THE OPERATIONS OF STORY COUNTY COMMUNITY AGENCIES | $87,506 |
| CAMP FIRE USA DES MOINES, IA | TO SUPPORT THE OPERATIONS OF STORY COUNTY COMMUNITY AGENCIES | $22,755 |
| CENTER FOR CREATIVE JUSTICE AMES, IA | TO SUPPORT THE OPERATIONS OF STORY COUNTY COMMUNITY AGENCIES | $11,630 |
| CHILDSERVE AMES, IA | TO SUPPORT THE OPERATIONS OF STORY COUNTY COMMUNITY AGENCIES | $11,550 |
| RAISING READERS IN STORY COUNTY AMES, IA | TO SUPPORT THE OPERATIONS OF STORY COUNTY COMMUNITY AGENCIES | $46,059 |
| GIRL SCOUTS DES MOINES, IA | TO SUPPORT THE OPERATIONS OF STORY COUNTY COMMUNITY AGENCIES | $11,509 |
| GOOD NEIGHBOR AMES, IA | TO SUPPORT THE OPERATIONS OF STORY COUNTY COMMUNITY AGENCIES | $29,054 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Ashley Thompson — President and CEO
- Katie Shively — Board Member
- Allee Wengert — Marketing Director
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMBER DEARDORFF | PAST CHAIR | 1 | — |
| KAREN KIEL ROSSER | BOARD CHAIR | 1 | — |
| JOEL HOCHSTEIN | IMMEDIATE PAST BOARD CHAIR | 1 | — |
| JANE WOODLEY | CORPORATION TREASURER | 1 | — |
| SHAMAREE BROWN | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| CHELSEY AISENBREY | 2ND VICE CHAIR | 1 | — |
| JASON HENDERSON | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ANDREW PERRY | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MILLY AGAI | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| KATELYN PROCTOR | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| BETHANY MCCURDY | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| JASON MORTVEDT | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| EMMA CASSABAUM | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| KATIE SHIVELY | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| NICK HOFFMAN | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| SCOTT CUE | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| JASON KIETH | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ASHLEY THOMPSON | PRESIDENT AND CEO | 40 | $112,375 |
| CINDY SMITH | FINANCE DIRECTOR | 40 | $60,988 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
Recent grant awards and community impact initiatives include:
Story County Conservation receives $100,000 Impact GrantStory County Conservation received a $100,000 Impact Grant
Story County Conservation receives $100,000 Impact GrantCommunity Impact Grants supporting YSS Kids Club Technology initiatives
United Way: Community Impact Grant: YSS Kids Club TechnologyCommunity Impact Grants supporting HIRTA Transit Technology
United Way: Community Impact Grant: YSS Kids Club TechnologyCommunity Impact Grants supporting Boys & Girls Club renovations
United Way: Community Impact Grant: YSS Kids Club TechnologyThe organization continues to accept grant applications year-round through its Community Impact Grant program, with new 2025 cycle information posted in December.
Story County Conservation receives $100,000 Impact GrantSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does United Way of Story County Inc fund?
**Mission:** Unite people, ideas, and resources to transform lives in Story County. **Vision:** A connected and thriving Story County. United Way of Story County focuses on three primary impact areas: • **Health** — Leading efforts to improve community health and wellness • **Education** — Investing in strong educational foundations and student success from early childhood through adulthood • **Financial Stability** — Supporting financial empowerment and economic security for individuals and fa…
How do I apply for a grant from United Way of Story County Inc?
United Way of Story County provides grants to local nonprofits serving Story County in their focus areas. The organization offers multiple grant programs: **2026 Financial Empowerment Major Grant** • $100,000 available for allocation • Maximum of three agencies eligible to receive awards **Community Impact Grants** • Support unanticiated, emerging, or underfunded needs aligned with UWSC's mission • Eligible applicants: Any nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) designation serving Story County •…
Where does United Way of Story County Inc make grants?
United Way of Story County serves Story County, Iowa, with headquarters in Ames.
What size grants does United Way of Story County Inc award?
In 2025, United Way of Story County Inc awarded 26 grants totaling $1.2M — an average of about $45K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is United Way of Story County Inc's EIN?
United Way of Story County Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 42-0947489. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in United Way of Story County Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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