United Way of the Bluegrass is a public charity based in Lexington, Kentucky, serving as a leader and motivator of change in Central Kentucky for over 100 years. The organization operates as a federated fund and nonprofit organization management entity, employing 38-47 staff members. It functions as a catalyst for community change by convening people and organizations with the passion, expertise, and resources to create lasting impact.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$5.1M
+1.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$936K
-15.1% YoY
Grant Count
41
-6.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$23K
-8.9% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: United Way of the Bluegrass fights for the education, basic needs, and financial stability of every person in the Bluegrass. The organization's mission is to connect community members with resources that support a thriving life.
Primary Focus Areas:
- Basic Needs: Addressing basic needs, injustices, inequities, lack of resources, and other barriers to move families forward
- Education: Leading initiatives to improve the quality of childcare, early intervention, and equipping parents to make positive choices for their families; helping children and youth achieve their full potential both inside and outside of the classroom; ensuring youth are prepared for college and career
- Financial Stability: Investing in economic empowerment so low-to-middle income families have the resources and support to meet their needs, weather emergencies, and build long-term stability
Grantmaking
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
United Way of the Bluegrass serves a 10-county area in central Kentucky, including:
- Anderson County
- Bourbon County
- Clark County
- Fayette County
- Franklin County
- Jessamine County
- Madison County
- Montgomery County
- Scott County
- Woodford County
The organization extends services beyond this primary service area through its 211 program and other initiatives.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Financial Overview (2024):
- Total assets: $5,106,474
- Total revenues: $4,037,671
- Total expenses: $4,396,259
- Total giving: $1,151,312
- Annual revenue: $4,391,733
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $5,106,474 | $5,030,075 | $4,346,368 |
| Revenue | $4,037,671 | $5,157,397 | $4,314,317 |
| Expenses | $4,396,259 | $4,439,745 | $4,518,487 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $108,834 | $249,981 | $51,495 |
| 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 2024
Grant Size Distribution
231 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from United Way of the Bluegrass Inc
United Way Of The Bluegrass: Basic Needs Grant - Local
UNITED WAY OF THE BLUEGRASS INC
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
United Way Of The Bluegrass: Basic Needs Grant - Regional
UNITED WAY OF THE BLUEGRASS INC
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
United Way Of The Bluegrass: Collective Impact Grant
UNITED WAY OF THE BLUEGRASS INC
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Paris-bourbon County Ymca ($150,000), Centro De San Juan Diego ($77,000), Urban League of Lexington-fayette County ($70,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AMEN HOUSE INC GEORGETOWN, KY | EMERGENCY SERVICES | $10,000 |
| AMERICAN RED CROSS BLUEGRASS CHAPTER LEXINGTON, KY | DISASTER / EMERGENCY SERVICES | $24,000 |
| APPRISEN LEXINGTON, KY | COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL EDUCATION AND COUNSELING | $10,000 |
| ARBOR YOUTH SERVICES FORMERLY MASH LEXINGTON, KY | DROP IN EMERGENCY SHELTER AND AFTERSCHOOL OUTREACH | $37,500 |
| BLUEGRASS COUNCIL OF THE BLIND INC LEXINGTON, KY | VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEER SUPPORT (VIPS) | $17,500 |
| BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA BLUE GRASS COUNCIL LEXINGTON, KY | LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT | $20,000 |
| CAPITAL CITY ACTIVITY CENTER FRANKFORT, KY | MEALS ON WHEELS | $22,500 |
| CASA OF LEXINGTON INC LEXINGTON, KY | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $12,500 |
| CASA OF MADISON COUNTY RICHMOND, KY | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $11,100 |
| CASA OF THE BLUEGRASS DANVILLE, KY | ANDERSON COUNTY VOLUNTEER COORDINATION | $10,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Key Staff Members:
- Patrice K Muhammad, Vice President Community Impact
- Carol Bates, Vice-President Regional Development
- Michelle Jimenez, Director, Community Impact
- Tiffany Smith, Workplace Engagement Director
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| TIMOTHY JOHNSON | PRESIDENT AND CEO | 50 | $175,560 |
| KATHY GOSNELL | VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE & | 50 | $80,000 |
| DR KENNETH R JONES | CHAIR | 1 | — |
| DAVID KYLE MURRAY | VICE CHAIR | 1 | — |
| MARY E MEIXELSPERGER | IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR | 1 | — |
| MARY KATHERINE JAEGER | TREASURER | 1 | — |
| ANNE BROOKS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| CRAIG DANIELS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ROBERT DUNCAN | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| BRANDON LEE EASON | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| PASTOR RICHARD GAINES | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| CATHY MARIE JENNINGS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ROBERT JOSEPH KAIN | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DAVID KIDD | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| KURT KOGLER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DR BRIEN LEWIS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| VALERIE MARSHALL | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| JADE MILES | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ANNA MINROVIC | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| CARYL PFEIFFER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| PAUL ROOKE | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| CHAS SARGENT | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MAURA SMITH | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DR RICKEY W SMITH SR | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DR STEVEN YATES | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
**Waypoint Center Initiative:** Launched in 2021, this initiative addresses the basic needs of disadvantaged and resource-poor communities historically affected by systemic racism. Waypoint center coordinators are certified financial stability counselors through the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE) and provide individualized financial counseling services.
**Community Impact:** In 2021, United Way of the Bluegrass served 61,932 adults and 25,431 children through various programs. The Waypoint Center Initiative served over 1,100 community members directly and funded 81 programs implemented by 78 agency partners.
United Way of Southern Kentucky announces over $1M in funding to area programs**Strategic Goal:** The organization has established a "Big Bold Goal" to help 20,000 families become more self-sufficient, working to move families from instability to stability to sustainability.
Contact Information
- Address: 651 Perimeter Drive, Suite 510, Lexington, KY 40517
- Phone: 859-233-4460
- Website: www.uwbg.org
- EIN: 61-0444679
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does United Way of the Bluegrass Inc fund?
**Mission:** United Way of the Bluegrass fights for the education, basic needs, and financial stability of every person in the Bluegrass. The organization's mission is to connect community members with resources that support a thriving life. **Primary Focus Areas:** • **Basic Needs:** Addressing basic needs, injustices, inequities, lack of resources, and other barriers to move families forward • **Education:** Leading initiatives to improve the quality of childcare, early intervention, and equi…
How do I apply for a grant from United Way of the Bluegrass Inc?
**Grant Activity:** • Total giving: $1,151,312 (2024) • Typical award range: $6,000–$188,959 • Three active grant opportunities **Active Grant Programs:** • Collective Impact Grant • Basic Needs Grant - Regional • Basic Needs Grant - Local **Approach:** Community impact grants are one of several methods through which the organization delivers impact. These strategic investments partner with nonprofits to serve low and moderate-income communities with programs and services that move people from …
Where does United Way of the Bluegrass Inc make grants?
United Way of the Bluegrass serves a 10-county area in central Kentucky, including: • Anderson County • Bourbon County • Clark County • Fayette County • Franklin County • Jessamine County • Madison County • Montgomery County • Scott County • Woodford County The organization extends services beyond this primary service area through its 211 program and other initiatives.
What size grants does United Way of the Bluegrass Inc award?
In 2024, United Way of the Bluegrass Inc awarded 41 grants totaling $936K — an average of about $23K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is United Way of the Bluegrass Inc's EIN?
United Way of the Bluegrass Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 61-0444679. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in United Way of the Bluegrass 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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