United Way of West Alabama Inc logo

United Way of West Alabama Inc

Public charity · Grantmaker Tuscaloosa, AL EIN: 63-0321464 Website

United Way of West Alabama Inc is a public charity based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It raises and allocates funds for local partner agencies and initiatives, with its stated mission focused on education, healthy communities, financial stability, and disaster relief and recovery. Its 2026 campaign describes a service area of nine counties and 30 partner agencies.

United Way of West Alabama Inc at a glance

In short: United Way of West Alabama Inc gave $3.0M across 28 grants in 2024 (avg $107K), mostly in Alabama. 0% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.

Annual giving (2024)
$2,982,252
+2.8% vs 2023
Grants made (2024)
28
+0.0% vs 2023
Average grant
$106,509
+2.8% vs 2023
Median grant
$94,318
Total assets
$7,861,996
+3.4% vs 2023
New grantees (estimate)
0% first-time grantees (0 of 28, 2024)
Primary geography
Alabama (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
Latest 990 filing
Form 990, 2024 View filing

Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).

How to apply to United Way of West Alabama Inc

Contact

Mailing address: PO Box 2291, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403
Phone: (205) 345-6640
Website: https://uwwa.org

Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.

Who United Way of West Alabama Inc funds

How this funder distributes its grants

Top Recipients

Top 10 recipients in 2024

YMCA of Tuscaloosa County: $234KYMCA of Tuscaloosa County$234KBoy Scouts of America: $211KBoy Scouts of America$211KTemporary Emergency Services: $196KTemporary Emergency Services$196KAmerican Red Cross: $186KAmerican Red Cross$186KBoys and Girls Club of West Alabama: $179KBoys and Girls Club of WestAlabama$179KFamily Counseling Services: $178KFamily Counseling Services$178KThe Salvation Army: $161KThe Salvation Army$161KThe Arc of Tuscaloosa: $136KThe Arc of Tuscaloosa$136KFocus 50: $127KFocus 50$127KTurning Point: $126KTurning Point$126K

The largest 2024 recipient was YMCA of Tuscaloosa County ($234K). Together the top 10 received $1.7M.

Grant Size Distribution

132 grants across all recorded years

23<$50K51$50–100K58$100–250K$250–500K$500K–1M$1–5M$5M+

The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 58 grants of 132 (44%).

Geographic Focus

Where this funder awards grants

The organization’s 2026 campaign identifies Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter, and Tuscaloosa counties as its service area. Its 2024 filing reports that all grant dollars went to Alabama recipients.

Grant Distribution by State

1state

Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 28 itemized grants.

States

Cities

TuscaloosaBirminghamNorthportDemopolisLivingston

Is United Way of West Alabama Inc open to new grantees?

0%

first-time grantees, 2024

In 2024, 0 of 28 grantees (0%) were first-time recipients. How we count

  • 100% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
  • Giving grew 25% from 2021 to 2024. Method

Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2024). 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

$0$1M$2M$3M24 grants2019 24 grants2020 24 grants2021 28 grants2022 28 grants2023 28 grants2024

From 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $2.4M (2020) to $3.0M (2024). In 2024 it made 28 grants totaling $3.0M.

Grants by year

Grant recipients and amounts by year

RecipientPurposeAmount
YMCA of Tuscaloosa County Tuscaloosa, ALGeneral Budget Support$233,500
Boy Scouts of America Tuscaloosa, ALGeneral Budget Support$210,575
Temporary Emergency Services Tuscaloosa, ALGeneral Budget Support and Disaster Relief$196,000
American Red Cross Tuscaloosa, ALGeneral Budget Support and Disaster Relief$185,500
Boys and Girls Club of West Alabama Tuscaloosa, ALGeneral Budget Support$179,050
Family Counseling Services Tuscaloosa, ALGeneral Budget Support$177,800
The Salvation Army Northport, ALGeneral Budget Support and Disaster Relief$160,700
The Arc of Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa, ALGeneral Budget Support$135,970
Focus 50 Tuscaloosa, ALGeneral Budget Support$126,965
Turning Point Tuscaloosa, ALGeneral Budget Support$126,001
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Financial History

Multi-year comparison from IRS filings

Figures from IRS filings, by filing year
Filing yearTotal AssetsRevenueExpensesGrants paidGrantsNet Investment Income
2024$7,861,996$5,845,875$5,811,489$2,982,25228$130,040
2023$7,605,258$6,391,329$5,150,531$2,901,70228$82,548
2022$6,330,716$4,802,234$4,339,908$2,441,10228$-19,933
2021$6,009,486$4,321,109$4,099,500$2,392,45424$3,876
2020$5,814,204$4,810,618$4,235,540$2,353,65424$18,457
2019$5,280,948$4,008,084$4,009,643$2,356,61724$10,571

Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.

Mission & Focus Areas

The organization’s 2024 filing describes its mission as promoting the general welfare of West Alabama residents by raising funds for health and human care programs, allocating funds according to community priorities, monitoring how funds are used, and considering additional or new services as community needs emerge. Its website summarizes its mission as strengthening education, building a healthy community, supporting financial stability, and ensuring resiliency through disaster relief and recovery.

Its filing says it provides grants and allocations to nonprofit health and welfare organizations that meet community needs. Examples of grantees’ stated missions include the YMCA of Tuscaloosa County, which says it builds healthy spirit, mind, and body; Boys & Girls Club of West Alabama, which aims to help young people reach their potential; and Family Counseling Service of West Alabama, which provides counseling for emotional or day-to-day living problems. The Arc of Tuscaloosa says it provides activities for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities, while Hospice of West Alabama provides end-of-life care.

Grantmaking

In 2024, the organization reported 28 grants totaling $2,982,252. Grant amounts ranged from $21,550 to $233,500, with a median of $94,318. The largest listed awards included $233,500 to the YMCA of Tuscaloosa County, $210,575 to the Boy Scouts of America in Tuscaloosa, $196,000 to Temporary Emergency Services, and $185,500 to the American Red Cross. The filing describes these awards as general budget support, with some also supporting disaster relief. All reported 2024 grant dollars went to recipients in Alabama.

The organization’s website says each agency prepares an annual budget for review by its Volunteer Allocation Team, which visits agencies and recommends funding to the board. The website identifies 30 partner agencies and says allocations are based on community needs and the programs agencies provide. The 2024 filing says agencies must reapply annually, document how they used grant funds, and may lose the next year’s funding if found noncompliant. Website application requirements for agencies include being an incorporated 501(c)(3) for at least three years, having a physical location and at least part-time staff, obtaining an annual independent audit, having a local volunteer board, and publishing an annual report with audited year-end financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program is described as currently open. It is a federal program for food and shelter assistance; the local board considers applications when a jurisdiction is funded and advertises the availability of funds. The program’s allowable uses include food, lodging, one month’s rent or mortgage, one month’s utility bill, and certain equipment needed to feed or shelter people. The organization’s Food Assistance Grant page says applications are no longer being accepted; that limited-time 2025 grant was for food pantries in its nine-county area.

Leadership & Key People

Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings

The 2024 filing lists the following people as board members: Barbara Kucharski, Brenda Ryan, Brian Groeschell, Chelsea Burroughs Winters, Chris Gunter, David Coleman, Deidra K Diaz, Elizabeth McGiffert, Elizabeth Winter, and Erwin Dudley Sr. The organization’s website identifies Jackie Wuska as its president and CEO.

United Way of West Alabama Inc is led by Jackie Wuska, Chief Executive Officer since 2023 (on filings since 2019); 3 of 36 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.

Officers on the 2024 filing

  • Jackie Wuska

    Chief Executive Officer

    Chief Professional Officer → Chief Executive Officer, 2023

    On filings since 2019

    40 hrs/week

    $137K (2019) → $194K (2024)

  • Cheryl K. Fondren

    Program Executive Director

    On filings since 2023

    40 hrs/week

    $106K (2023) → $111K (2024)

  • Matthew Watkins

    Director of Finance

    New on the 2024 filing

    40 hrs/week

    $101K (2024)

  • Brock Jones

    Board Member

    On filings since 2019

    No compensation reported

  • Jheovanny Gomez

    Board Member

    On filings since 2019

    No compensation reported

  • Norman Crow

    Board Member

    On filings since 2019

    No compensation reported

  • Shelley Jones

    Board Member

    On filings since 2019

    No compensation reported

  • Susan Bell

    Board Member

    On filings since 2019

    No compensation reported

  • Will Hewson

    Board Member

    On filings since 2019

    No compensation reported

  • Elizabeth McGiffert

    Board Member

    On filings since 2020

    No compensation reported

  • Elizabeth Winter

    Board Member

    On filings since 2020

    No compensation reported

  • Harrison Taylor

    Board Member

    On filings since 2020

    No compensation reported

  • James Mowery

    Board Member

    On filings since 2020

    No compensation reported

  • John England Jr.

    Board Member

    On filings since 2020

    No compensation reported

  • Barbara Kucharski

    Board Member

    On filings since 2021

    No compensation reported

  • Brenda Ryan

    Board Member

    On filings since 2021

    No compensation reported

  • Brian Groeschell

    Board Member

    On filings since 2021

    No compensation reported

  • Erwin Dudley Sr.

    Board Member

    On filings since 2021

    No compensation reported

  • Sandra Hall Ray

    Board Member

    On filings since 2021

    No compensation reported

  • Deidra K. Diaz

    Board Member

    On filings since 2022

    No compensation reported

  • Karen Burklew

    Board Member

    On filings since 2022

    No compensation reported

  • Stephanie Kemmer

    Board Member

    On filings since 2022

    No compensation reported

  • Chelsea Burroughs Winters

    Board Member

    On filings since 2023

    No compensation reported

  • Chris Gunter

    Board Member

    On filings since 2023

    No compensation reported

  • David Coleman

    Board Member

    On filings since 2023

    No compensation reported

  • Justice Smyth IV

    Board Member

    On filings since 2023

    No compensation reported

  • Katrina Keefer

    Board Member

    On filings since 2023

    No compensation reported

  • Pam Pruitt

    Board Member

    On filings since 2023

    No compensation reported

  • Shawn Gilliam

    Board Member

    On filings since 2023

    No compensation reported

  • Brian Phillippi

    Board Member

    New on the 2024 filing

    No compensation reported

  • Chad Tindol

    Board Member

    New on the 2024 filing

    No compensation reported

  • Etienne Ludwig

    Board Member

    New on the 2024 filing

    No compensation reported

  • Jonathan Koh

    Board Member

    New on the 2024 filing

    No compensation reported

  • Kelli Gant

    Board Member

    New on the 2024 filing

    No compensation reported

  • Misty Renfroe

    Board Member

    New on the 2024 filing

    No compensation reported

  • Yolanda Page

    Board Member

    New on the 2024 filing

    No compensation reported

Former officers (38)
  • Former: Amy Jones (2019–2023) — Board Member
  • Former: John Humber (2019–2023) — Board Member
  • Former: Jordan Plaster (2019–2023) — Board Member
  • Former: Martin Colvin (2019–2023) — Board Member
  • Former: Mollie Rowe (2019–2023) — Board Member
  • Former: Brian Luoma (2021–2023) — Board Member
  • Former: Mary Bess Paluzzi (2021–2023) — Board Member
  • Former: Brent McCorkle (2022–2023) — Board Member
  • Former: Matt Brooks (2022–2023) — Board Member
  • Former: Chris Cox (2023) — Board Member
  • Former: Claude Edwards (2019–2022) — Board Member
  • Former: Cynthia Warrick (2019–2022) — Board Member
  • Former: David Olive (2019–2022) — Board Member
  • Former: Rhett Cooper (2019–2022) — Board Member
  • Former: Will Patton (2019–2022) — Board Member
  • Former: Vanessa Fitch (2021–2022) — Board Member
  • Former: Whitni Molden (2022) — Board Member
  • Former: Fitzgerald Washington (2019–2021) — Board Member
  • Former: Jay Wells (2019–2021) — Board Member
  • Former: Jim Oakley (2019–2021) — Board Member
  • Former: Nicole Montalto (2019–2021) — Board Member
  • Former: Blake Burden (2020–2021) — Board Member
  • Former: Phil Tucker (2020–2021) — Board Member
  • Former: Byron Abston (2019–2020) — Board Member
  • Former: Gene Poole (2019–2020) — Board Member
  • Former: Pam Parker (2019–2020) — Board Member
  • Former: Rusty Hughes (2019–2020) — Board Member
  • Former: Sarah Patterson (2019–2020) — Board Member
  • Former: Tammy Montgomery (2019–2020) — Board Member
  • Former: Butch Hughes (2020) — Board Member
  • Former: Richard Langford (2020) — Board Member
  • Former: Susan Cork (2020) — Board Member
  • Former: Sydney Cook (2020) — Board Member
  • Former: Eric Heslop (2019) — Board Member
  • Former: James Leitner (2019) — Board Member
  • Former: Jennifer Naves (2019) — Board Member
  • Former: Jim Rainey (2019) — Board Member
  • Former: Judy Spree (2019) — Board Member

Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.

Compensation Overview

From 2024 IRS filing

Jackie Wuska — Chief Executive Officer: $194KJackie WuskaChief Executive Officer$194KCheryl K Fondren — Program Executive Director: $111KCheryl K FondrenProgram Executive Director$111KMatthew Watkins — Director of Finance: $101KMatthew WatkinsDirector of Finance$101K

The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $194K, to Jackie Wuska (Chief Executive Officer). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.

Frequently asked questions about United Way of West Alabama Inc

How much does United Way of West Alabama Inc give each year?

United Way of West Alabama Inc gave $3.0M across 28 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $2.9M across 28 grants.

What is United Way of West Alabama Inc's typical grant size?

United Way of West Alabama Inc's median grant in 2024 was $94,318, and its average grant was $106,509, across 28 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.

Where does United Way of West Alabama Inc give grants?

United Way of West Alabama Inc gives mostly in Alabama: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Tuscaloosa, AL (22 grants), Northport, AL (2 grants) and Birmingham, AL (2 grants).

Does United Way of West Alabama Inc give general operating support?

Yes: 100% of United Way of West Alabama Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (28 of 28) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990.

Who are United Way of West Alabama Inc's largest grantees?

United Way of West Alabama Inc's largest 2024 grantees include YMCA of Tuscaloosa County ($233,500), Boy Scouts of America ($210,575) and Temporary Emergency Services ($196,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 21% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.

How large is United Way of West Alabama Inc?

United Way of West Alabama Inc reported $7.9M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $5.8M.

What does United Way of West Alabama Inc fund?

The organization’s 2024 filing describes its mission as promoting the general welfare of West Alabama residents by raising funds for health and human care programs, allocating funds according to community priorities, monitoring how funds are used, and considering additional or new services as community needs emerge. See mission & focus areas ↑

How do I apply for a grant from United Way of West Alabama Inc?

United Way of West Alabama Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check uwwa.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.

What is United Way of West Alabama Inc's EIN?

United Way of West Alabama Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 63-0321464. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.

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

  1. Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS February 28, 2020)
  2. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
  3. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
  4. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS September 29, 2023)
  5. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS December 2, 2024)
  6. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 17, 2025)
  7. IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024

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Cite this profile

Grantable. (2026). United Way of West Alabama Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 5, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-west-alabama-inc-morg_3d327a9a1f844faa84d5cb3498e73f89

BibTeX
@misc{grantable_630321464_2026,
  author       = {{Grantable}},
  title        = {{United Way of West Alabama Inc funder profile}},
  howpublished = {GrantGraph},
  year         = {2026},
  url          = {https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-west-alabama-inc-morg_3d327a9a1f844faa84d5cb3498e73f89},
  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 West Alabama 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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