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United Way of Central Oklahoma

Annual Giving
$13.5M
Grant Range
$10K - $0.3M
Decision Time
3mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $17 million (2023 campaign)
  • Grant Distribution: $13.5 million in grants (2023)
  • Decision Time: 3-4 months (Partner Agency); 3 months (WayFinder)
  • Grant Range: $10,000 - $250,000 (WayFinder Innovation); Partner Agency funding varies
  • Geographic Focus: Eight counties in central Oklahoma (Canadian, Cleveland, Grady, Kingfisher, Lincoln, Logan, McClain, Oklahoma)
  • Partner Agencies: 68 agencies, 137 programs funded

Contact Details

Main Office:

Program-Specific Contacts:

Overview

Founded in 1923, United Way of Central Oklahoma has been serving central Oklahomans for over a century, making 2023 its centennial year. The organization operates with a vision to build a stronger, healthier, and more compassionate community by convening and funding qualified health, youth, and human service charities. UWCO distributed $13.5 million in grants in 2023, supporting 137 programs administered by 68 Partner Agencies across seven central Oklahoma counties. President and CEO Rachel Canuso Holt, who joined in November 2023, brings extensive experience from her previous role as Executive Director of Oklahoma's Office of Juvenile Affairs. The organization takes a strategic, donor-driven approach to community investment, utilizing volunteer evaluation teams to assess programs and make funding recommendations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Partner Agency Funding (Annual, ongoing support)

  • Multi-year commitments to established nonprofit programs
  • 2024 allocation: $10.5 million across 68 agencies
  • Application method: Fixed deadline (Letter of Intent due last business day of December; full application due first business day of February)
  • Requires minimum $250,000 annual operating budget and 3+ years of operation

WayFinder Innovation Grant ($10,000 - $250,000)

  • One-time funding for innovative pilot programs
  • Recent awards ranged from $21,850 to $150,000
  • Application method: Annual cycle with formal presentations
  • For new, innovative ideas not currently implemented in central Oklahoma
  • Funding period: October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027

Priority Areas

United Way of Central Oklahoma focuses on five core areas:

  • Strong Families: Supporting family stability and well-being
  • Successful Kids: Early childhood through college and career success pathways
  • Healthy Citizens: Access to nutritious food, health education, and quality health services
  • Independent Living: Enabling self-sufficiency and autonomy
  • Community Preparedness: Building resilient communities

Specific program types funded include education services, health and mental health programs, childcare, employment assistance, housing support, and other critical social services.

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly detailed, organizations must:

  • Be 501(c)(3) nonprofits (religious organizations must provide services to general public)
  • Meet minimum operational thresholds (3 years operation, $250,000 budget, 3 full-time staff for Partner Agency status)
  • Operate within the eight-county service area
  • Provide measurable outcomes and maintain financial accountability with annual audits

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Rachel Canuso Holt, President and CEO (joined November 2023) - The 13th leader in UWCO's 100-year history. Previously served as Executive Director of Oklahoma's Office of Juvenile Affairs (2020-2023). Holt has stated: "I believe this role continues my life's work of improving the wellbeing of children and families" and "In my 11 years of state service in juvenile justice, I know the importance of strong community resources." She describes the organization's mission as: "United Way of Central Oklahoma connects people and resources to support health and human service agencies serving central Oklahomans."

Executive Team:

  • Nina Daylor, Chief Operations Officer
  • Ashleigh Sorrell Rose, Chief Development Officer
  • Christopher Bell, Chief Financial Officer

Board of Directors

The Board consists of unpaid volunteer business and community leaders. Notable members include:

  • Lane R. Neal (Administration Chair) - Attorney at Durbin Larimore Bialick
  • Clay T. Farha (Audit Chair) - President of B.D. Eddie Enterprises
  • Lee Symcox (Campaign Co-Chair) - CEO of First Fidelity Bank
  • Kristin Peck (Communications & Events Chair) - Vice President, Government & Public Affairs at The Rausch Companies

The board includes executives from major Oklahoma organizations including EY, Chickasaw Nation, Devon Energy, OG&E Energy Corp., Bank of America, MidFirst Bank, and Oklahoma City Public Schools.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Partner Agency Funding:

  1. Contact United Way staff to discuss program and funding request
  2. Submit Letter of Intent by 5 p.m. on last business day in December
  3. Submit full application by 5 p.m. on first business day in February
  4. Volunteer evaluation teams conduct approximately six meetings and site visits
  5. Teams review budgets, 990s, audits, and measurable outcomes
  6. Community Investment Committee makes recommendations to Board in June
  7. Funding begins in July

WayFinder Innovation Grant (2025 cycle):

  1. Attend informational session (May 14, 2025 at 10am)
  2. Submit Letter of Intent by June 6, 2025
  3. Selected agencies access formal application on June 27, 2025
  4. Submit formal application by July 18, 2025
  5. Present 10-minute "Elevator Pitch" to review panel on August 19, 2025
  6. Funding announcements made September 11, 2025

Decision Timeline

Partner Agency: Approximately 6 months from Letter of Intent (December) to funding decision (June) and funding start (July)

WayFinder Innovation Grant: Approximately 3 months from Letter of Intent (early June) to funding announcement (early September)

Notification methods include direct communication from program staff and public announcements for WayFinder recipients.

Success Rates

Specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed. However, context includes:

  • 68 Partner Agencies currently funded out of central Oklahoma's broader nonprofit sector
  • WayFinder typically awards 2-4 grants annually from the applicant pool
  • Two new agencies were added to Partner Agency roster in 2024 (Wings and Hope House)

Reapplication Policy

Partner Agency: Once accepted as a Partner Agency, organizations submit annual funding requests through the structured review cycle. Evaluation is continuous with volunteer teams monitoring program effectiveness as a component of ongoing funding decisions.

WayFinder Innovation Grant: The grant supports one-time pilot programs. Organizations can apply for future WayFinder cycles with different innovative projects. Past WayFinder recipients have later become Partner Agencies.

Application Success Factors

Evaluation Criteria

United Way of Central Oklahoma emphasizes that evaluation is "done entirely by donor volunteers" who assess: "what are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?" The organization is "committed to investing in local programs producing measurable results."

What Makes Applications Successful

For Partner Agency Funding:

  • Measurable Outcomes: Demonstrate clear metrics and program effectiveness
  • Financial Accountability: Strong audit reports and fiscal management
  • Community Need: Address genuine gaps in central Oklahoma's health and human services
  • Operational Stability: Meet minimum thresholds (3+ years operation, $250,000+ budget, 3+ full-time staff)
  • Alignment with Focus Areas: Programs must fit within the five priority areas
  • Volunteer Review Success: Programs must withstand scrutiny from donor volunteers conducting site visits

For WayFinder Innovation Grant:

  • Innovation: Must be "a new, innovative way that has never been implemented in central Oklahoma"
  • Social Service Focus: Align with United Way's mission areas
  • Diverse Impact: Serve diverse community groups
  • Sustainability Potential: Demonstrate path to long-term viability
  • Strong Presentation: 10-minute elevator pitch must compel the review panel

Recent Funded Examples

2024 WayFinder Recipients:

  • A Chance to Change ($21,850): "Strength in Solidarity" - Mental health support groups for Oklahoma teachers
  • The Homeless Alliance: Diversion program to prevent homelessness by identifying alternatives at point of shelter entry

2025 WayFinder Recipients:

  • Lilyfield ($150,000): Strengths-based coaching model for adolescents
  • Upward Transitions ($58,960): Transportation assistance through e-bike program

2023 WayFinder Recipients:

  • Healthy Minds Policy Initiative ($113,850): Multi-year initiative to align Oklahoma City's mental health resources
  • NewView Oklahoma ($69,926): NewView Print House for blind and low-vision population
  • Calm Waters ($40,000): Grief support program for medical students and residents

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Choose the Right Path: Partner Agency funding is for established organizations with proven track records; WayFinder is for innovative pilot projects testing new approaches
  • Demonstrate Innovation for WayFinder: Your idea must be genuinely new to central Oklahoma - not just new to your organization
  • Emphasize Measurable Outcomes: Donor volunteers scrutinize how you measure success; provide specific, quantifiable metrics
  • Prepare for Deep Review: Volunteer teams conduct site visits and review financial documents thoroughly - ensure your house is in order
  • Align with Focus Areas: Explicitly connect your program to one or more of the five focus areas (strong families, successful kids, healthy citizens, independent living, community preparedness)
  • Meet Operational Requirements: For Partner Agency status, ensure you meet all minimum thresholds before applying (3 years operation, $250,000 budget, 3 full-time staff, annual audit)
  • Perfect Your Pitch: WayFinder applicants must deliver a compelling 10-minute elevator pitch - practice extensively and focus on innovation and impact

References

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