United Way of Southeast Missouri announces funded partners for 2026-2028

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — United Way of Southeast Missouri announced its funded partners for the 2026-2028 funding cycle as the organization shifts to a new model focused on helping working families move from “striving to thriving.”

United Way of Southeast Missouri opened its grant application process to nonprofits serving Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Perry and northern Scott counties. Organizations were required to outline how their programs align with United Way’s goals and agree to provide annual outcome reports.

According to the organization, 32 applications were reviewed and scored by volunteers with the Community Impact Committee and Board of Directors.

Nine programs that had not previously received United Way funding were invited to present their programs publicly, along with 19 returning programs and four internal United Way initiatives. Those initiatives include First Call For Help, Read to Succeed, United We Work and United for Childcare.

Executive Director Elizabeth Shelton said volunteers faced difficult funding decisions amid declining donations and increasing community needs.

“Like many nonprofits, we are faced with declining donations and increasing need,” Shelton said. “Our volunteers made the very difficult decision to discontinue funding some large organizations that have been wonderful long-time partners.”

Shelton said the organization chose to prioritize smaller programs where funding could have a greater impact and help expand critical services.

New organizations joining the United Way network include Grace UMC Warming Center, Perry County Senior Center, Street Level, South Side Farms and Saving KidSight.

Returning funded partners include Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Missouri, Cape Girardeau Adult Education and Literacy, FosterAdopt Connect, Grace Recovery’s Work Life Program, Jackson Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry, Jobs for America’s Graduates, Little Whitewater Food Pantry, Mississippi Valley Therapeutic Horsemanship, Oral Health Coalition of Southeast Missouri, Safe House of Southeast Missouri, The Cottage Domestic Violence Shelter and Voices for Children/CASA of Southeast Missouri.

United Way said funded partners also receive networking, volunteer recruitment and educational opportunities through the organization’s regional nonprofit network.