United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties awards mental health grants

United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties announced the recipients of its spring 2026 mental health microgrants, marking the first cycle of a newly redesigned, more responsive funding model.

As part of this shift, United Way Wayne and Holmes will now distribute grant funding throughout the year rather than through a single annual cycle, allowing the organization to better respond to real-time community needs.

The spring 2026 cycle focused specifically on mental health, an area of growing importance across Wayne and Holmes counties. A total of 22 applications were received from local organizations working to support mental health and well-being.

All applications were reviewed and scored by United Way’s Volunteer Investment Team, a group of community volunteers who play an important role in ensuring funding decisions are fair, thoughtful and aligned with community priorities. In this cycle, special emphasis was placed on the strength of each organization’s alignment with mental health needs.

Through this competitive process, 13 organizations were selected for funding, a total of $65,000 in this microgrant cycle, some fully funded and others partially funded, demonstrating both the strength of local programming and the continued need for investment in this space.

The spring 2026 mental health microgrant recipients are Anazao Community Partners, Boys and Girls Club of Wooster, Children’s Advocacy Center, Encompass Christian Counseling, Flex Foundation, Homeward Bound, Mt. Eaton Medical Group, OneEighty Inc., Pure Gift of God, Sacred Ground, The Counseling Center, Viola Startzman Clinic and Wooster City Schools.

“These grants represent more than funding; they represent trust in our local organizations to meet people where they are,” said Katie Koglman, CEO of United Way Wayne and Holmes. “Mental health needs continue to rise, and our goal is to be nimble, responsive and supportive of the organizations doing this critical work every day.”

United Way Wayne and Holmes will remain committed to evolving its funding approach to better serve the community, ensuring resources are directed where they are needed most, when they are needed most.

Currently, United Way Wayne and Holmes is offering ALICE stability grants, open to organizations meeting the direct needs of employed individuals in our community.

For more information about United Way Wayne and Holmes or funding opportunities, visit uwwh.org or contact info@uwwh.org.