United Way of the Midlands
United Way of the Midlands is a public charity based in Omaha, Nebraska. Founded in 1923, it supports community programs and services, with its website describing a focus on addressing social and economic disparities across the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area.
United Way of the Midlands at a glance
In short: United Way of the Midlands gave $7.5M across 84 grants in 2025 (avg $90K), mostly in Nebraska. 7% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $7,532,097
- -26.2% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 84
- -6.7% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $89,668
- -20.9% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $50,000
- Total assets
- $23,905,376
- -5.1% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 7% first-time grantees (6 of 84, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Nebraska (94% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to United Way of the Midlands
- Contact
Mailing address: 1229 Millwork Ave 402, Omaha, NE 68102
Phone: (402) 788-5193
Website: https://unitedwaymidlands.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 the Midlands
Who United Way of the Midlands funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Community Health Charities ($504K). Together the top 10 received $2.9M.
Grant Size Distribution
488 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 240 grants of 488 (49%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
UWM’s website says its program investments focus on the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area. In 2025, 94% of grant dollars went to recipients in Nebraska and 6% to recipients in Iowa.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 84 itemized grants.
Cities
Is United Way of the Midlands open to new grantees?
7%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 6 of 84 grantees (7%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $38K; repeat grants $94K. How we count
Medians: $28K first-time, $55K repeat.
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 $7.5M (2025) to $12.1M (2023). In 2025 it made 84 grants totaling $7.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Community Health Charities Omaha, NE | Contract Agreement | $503,557 |
| Oneworld Community Health Centers Inc Omaha, NE | Arpa Allocations/Community Impact Fund Allocations | $397,000 |
| Nebraska Center for Workforce Development & Education Omaha, NE | Sponsorship/Arpa Allocations/Community Impact Fund Allocations/Contract Agreement | $360,492 |
| Heartland Family Service Omaha, NE | Arpa Allocations/Community Impact Fund Allocations | $286,132 |
| Family Housing Advisory Services Inc Omaha, NE | Arpa Allocations/Community Impact Fund Allocations | $252,000 |
| Omaha Rapid Response Boystown, NE | Community Impact Fund Allocations | $250,000 |
| Completely Kids Omaha, NE | Arpa Allocations/Community Impact Fund Allocations | $240,000 |
| Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska Inc Omaha, NE | Arpa Allocations/Community Impact Fund Allocations | $229,000 |
| Heartland Hope Mission Omaha, NE | Nebraska & Iowa tornado relief assistance/community impact fund allocations | $190,132 |
| Girls Incorporated of Omaha Omaha, NE | Community Impact Fund Allocations | $175,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $23,905,376 | $28,866,230 | $29,487,695 | $7,532,097 | 84 | $641,510 |
| 2024 | $25,201,748 | $28,067,593 | $28,732,939 | $10,204,305 | 90 | $846,381 |
| 2023 | $26,280,757 | $38,857,769 | $40,968,989 | $12,146,289 | 109 | $247,772 |
| 2022 | $22,649,944 | $36,718,233 | $37,636,352 | $10,378,133 | 118 | $229,528 |
| 2021 | $25,379,446 | $22,605,660 | $22,890,988 | $9,199,112 | 87 | $579,569 |
| 2020 | $20,804,888 | $18,042,546 | $16,182,187 | $8,405,858 | 87 | $400,200 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s mission is to unite the community’s caring spirit to build a stronger tomorrow. Its website identifies four funding areas: Community Resiliency, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Healthy Communities. It says program applications are reviewed by community volunteers and that its process considers factors including the community served, representative leadership, and community voice.
The website describes the Community Impact Fund as investing donor contributions in metro-area programs, with recipients able to use funds flexibly within the scope of their initiatives. UWM says it funds programs rather than organizations, and that applicants must apply for each distinct program. Minimum eligibility requirements include 501(c)(3) status or a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, primarily serving economically vulnerable populations in the Omaha metropolitan area, and requesting no more than 50% of the program budget.
The 2025 grants show support for organizations working in areas including health care, workforce development, family services, housing, and food assistance. For example, OneWorld Community Health Centers describes its mission as providing access to quality health care services for all people, while Family Housing Advisory Services says it works to improve housing opportunities and help people achieve housing stability and financial security. These are the grantees’ stated missions, not UWM’s.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, UWM reported 84 grants totaling $7,532,097. Grant amounts ranged from $6,000 to $503,557, with a median grant of $50,000. The largest listed grants included $503,557 to Community Health Charities for a contract agreement; $397,000 to OneWorld Community Health Centers for ARPA and Community Impact Fund allocations; and $360,492 to Nebraska Center for Workforce Development & Education for sponsorship, ARPA and Community Impact Fund allocations, and a contract agreement.
Other notable grants included $286,132 to Heartland Family Service, $252,000 to Family Housing Advisory Services, $250,000 to Omaha Rapid Response, $240,000 to Completely Kids, and $229,000 to Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska. The stated purposes for these grants include Community Impact Fund allocations and, for several recipients, ARPA allocations. UWM’s website describes an application process beginning with a letter of intent, followed by a due diligence meeting; invited organizations then receive a formal application. Volunteer review teams assess applications, and UWM describes reporting and, when necessary, site visits as part of grant monitoring.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Chanda Chacon as board chair and Eric Tiritilli as board secretary. It also lists Brian Woolfolk, Pam Beall Hill, Matthew DeBoer, Gladys Harrison, Carol Henrichs, Derek Leathers, Paul Maass, and Randy Wood as members.
United Way of the Midlands is led by Shawna Forsberg, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 12 of 35 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Shawna Forsberg
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
45 hrs/week
$261K (2020) → $369K (2025)
Chanda Chacon
Board Chair
Member → Board Chair, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jim Richardson
Chief Financial Officer
Treasurer → Board Treasurer, 2023
Board Treasurer → Chief Financial Officer, 2025
On filings since 2021
45 hrs/week
$8K (2025)
Laura Ann Tatten
Vice President Leadership & Planned Giving
Senior Vice President Donor Engagement → Vice President Leadership & Planned Giving, 2025
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$163K (2021) → $220K (2025)
Matthew Wallen
Chief Operating Officer
Senior Vice President Community Investments & Programs → Senior Vice President Community Investments, 2024
Senior Vice President Community Investments → Chief Operating Officer, 2025
On filings since 2021
45 hrs/week
$152K (2021) → $223K (2025)
Travis Klein
Senior Vice President Finance & Operations
Senior Vice President Finance & Administration → Senior Vice President Finance & Operations, 2023
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$122K (2023) → $223K (2025)
Scott Huscroft
Vice President of It
Senior Director Information Technology → Senior Director Informatio, 2024
Senior Director Informatio → Vice President of It, 2025
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$135K (2023) → $158K (2025)
Krissy Suski
Senior Vice President Marketing & Communications
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$179K (2024) → $182K (2025)
Laura Kimball
Chief Strategy Officer
Assistant Vice President Community Investment → Chief Strategy Officer, 2025
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$116K (2024) → $133K (2025)
Rebecca Blum
Vice President of Finance & Operations
Senior Director & Finance → Vice President of Finance & Operations, 2025
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$114K (2024) → $120K (2025)
Steven Rippe
Vice President of Contact Center
Senior Director Information Technology → Vice President of Contact Center, 2025
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$118K (2024) → $124K (2025)
Timothy Callahan
Vice President of Program Development
Assistant Vice President & Development → Vice President of Program Development, 2025
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$120K (2024) → $125K (2025)
Annette Zimmerman
Vice President of Jag Nebraska
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$131K (2025)
Brian Woolfolk
Member
Member → Board Chair, 2023
Board Chair → Member, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Carol Henrichs
Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Derek Leathers
Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Paul Maass
Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Randy Wood
Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chris Leitner
Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dina Tilgner
Board Treasurer
Member → Board Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Eric Tiritilli
Board Secretary
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gladys Harrison
Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joe Sullivan
Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Matthew Deboer
Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Pam Beall Hill
Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Andrew Rikli
Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Anna Cramer
Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gretchen Twohig
Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Maqui Parkerson
Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sal Issaka
Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tracy Schaefer
Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ty Kreitman
Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chris Schaffer
Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dave Warren
Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Troy Via
Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (31)
- Former: Bob Gunia (2020–2024) — Member
- Former: Pamela Schwalb (2020–2024) — Former COO
- Former: Avi Atholi (2021–2024) — Member
- Former: Clark Ponthier (2020–2023) — Member
- Former: Gail Deboer (2020–2023) — Member
- Former: Steve Kaniewski (2020–2023) — Member
- Former: Susan Courtney (2020–2023) — Member
- Former: Jamie Gutierrez (2021–2023) — Member
- Former: Jessica Heidebrecht (2022–2023) — Member
- Former: Pamela Phillippe (2023) — Senior Director Finance
- Former: Cheryl Logan (2020–2022) — Member
- Former: Cory Shaw (2020–2022) — Member
- Former: Dan Waters (2020–2022) — Secretary
- Former: Ia Hagan (2020–2022) — Member
- Former: Jerry Crouse (2020–2022) — Member
- Former: Jill Samuelson (2020–2022) — Senior Vice President Marketing & Communications
- Former: Nate Dodge (2020–2022) — Member
- Former: Tim Burke (2020–2022) — Chair
- Former: Michael Michalski (2021–2022) — Former Senior Vice President Finance & Administrator
- Former: Joseph Sullivan III (2022) — Member
- Former: Theola Cooper (2022) — Member
- Former: Alison Ingunza (2020–2021) — Member
- Former: Joel Falk (2020–2021) — Treasurer
- Former: Mickey Anderson (2020–2021) — Member
- Former: Pam Kayl (2021) — Member
- Former: Gregory Vassios (2020) — Svp-Donor Engagement
- Former: Joanna Murray (2020) — Svp-Community Impact
- Former: Linda Chase (2020) — Member
- Former: Mark Foxall (2020) — Member
- Former: Michael Whetstine (2020) — Member
- Former: Rafael Dorador (2020) — Member
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 $369K, to Shawna Forsberg (President/CEO). 12 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about United Way of the Midlands
How much does United Way of the Midlands give each year?
United Way of the Midlands gave $7.5M across 84 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $10.2M across 90 grants.
What is United Way of the Midlands's typical grant size?
United Way of the Midlands's median grant in 2025 was $50,000, and its average grant was $89,668, across 84 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from United Way of the Midlands that year got $38K on average.
Where does United Way of the Midlands give grants?
United Way of the Midlands gives mostly in Nebraska: 94% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was Iowa (6%). The most frequent recipient cities were Omaha, NE (72 grants), Council Bluffs, IA (3 grants), Des Moines, IA (3 grants) and Boystown, NE (2 grants).
Does United Way of the Midlands give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 84 grants with a stated purpose on United Way of the Midlands's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Community Impact Fund Allocations" (44 grants), "Arpa Allocations/Community Impact Fund Allocations" (18 grants) and "Partnership Allocations" (4 grants).
Who are United Way of the Midlands's largest grantees?
United Way of the Midlands's largest 2025 grantees include Community Health Charities ($503,557), Oneworld Community Health Centers Inc ($397,000) and Nebraska Center for Workforce Development & Education ($360,492), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 17% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is United Way of the Midlands?
United Way of the Midlands reported $23.9M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $28.9M.
What does United Way of the Midlands fund?
The organization’s mission is to unite the community’s caring spirit to build a stronger tomorrow. Its website identifies four funding areas: Community Resiliency, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Healthy Communities. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from United Way of the Midlands?
United Way of the Midlands has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check unitedwaymidlands.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is United Way of the Midlands's EIN?
United Way of the Midlands's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 47-0376605. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS January 4, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS January 26, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS January 13, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS December 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS December 16, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS December 22, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in United Way of the Midlands's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). United Way of the Midlands funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 8, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-the-midlands-morg_c6d2d660ded142d5b605018c803491c6
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_470376605_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{United Way of the Midlands funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-the-midlands-morg_c6d2d660ded142d5b605018c803491c6},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-08. 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 the Midlands'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 the Midlands down — hundreds of funders to go?