Update September 2020
United Way Kicks-Off the 2020 Campaign!
The United Way of Knox County will officially Kick-Off the 2020 Campaign on September 18, 2020 with the Campaign Theme this year:


We are committed more than ever to partnering and support local businesses who support United Way. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the look of the campaign will be much different. Usually Campaign Week is filled with events, educational and volunteer opportunities, and leads to a breakfast or luncheon. 2020 is a Campaign year like no other. Being mindful of public safety, our staff really stepped up and developed some exciting, innovative and educational approaches to make this campaign unique, while still engaging our Knox County communities.
We have partnered with Kokosing River Productions to produced short 60-90 second videos, showcasing agencies and programs that United Way funds. These videos will be posted online daily throughout September.

Our corporate partners have also stepped up and purchased or donated $100 gift cards from local restaurants and businesses to be used for our $5 Buck Friday events. Every Friday, community members are welcome to donate $5 dollars to be entered to win a $100 gift card.

On Sundays, there will be a Silent Auction Sunday. Businesses have donated gift cards, purses, overnight stays and other unique items for online auction. We believe that these two new events will keep everyone connected to the campaign as they will run every Friday and Sunday through December

Both $5 Buck Friday and Silent Auction Sunday items will be featured at uwayknox.org and on the United Way Facebook Page. Items will be available for pick-up at 305 East High Street by appointment the week following their online feature.

In 2020 United Way partnered with 17 local agencies to fund 25 programs, in addition to offering United Way coordinated programs such as The Imagination Library, Crunch Out, Free Tax Preparation Assistance, and After School Tutoring and Enrichment programs. This year United Way also announced a grant with the Area Development Foundation to create a Career Navigator position serving area schools. United Way anticipates an even greater need in 2021 as agencies encounter the new need for Personal Protective Equipment and other program adjustments.

United Way of Knox County is a cornerstone of community wellness and success, strategically connecting partners and resources to community needs in order to measurably impact the quality of the lives of Knox County residents. For more information visit uwayknox.org or call 740.397.5721. Use this link to pledge your support to the 2020 United Way Campaign.
United Way Investment Program Grant Application Available September 14
United Way of Knox County is accepting online applications from 501(c) (3) agencies for investments in programming that address community needs focusing on education, financial stability, and health. Dollars invested in targeted programs will be awarded for use as 2021 Community Investments.

The application is available to the public starting Monday, September 14 - the first day of the United Way Campaign Kickoff week. The process for completing an application will be strictly online and can be accessed at uwayknox.org under the "Partners" tab. Deadline for submission is 5 pm on Friday October 30, 2020.

Prospective partner agencies are eligible to apply for United Way funds if they have been in existence for at least one year and provide programs that serve Knox County residents. No strictly religious organization serving a limited group of people is eligible to be a partner agency. New organizations interested in applying for program funding are encouraged to contact United Way at 740-397-5721 for more details on the application requirements and process.
Incentive to Give
As part of the CARES Act enacted in March, 120 million individual taxpayers who do not itemize their deduction are now eligible for a new charitable deduction. This new benefit, also referred to as a universal deduction, allows for individuals to claim a tax deduction for a charitable donation of up to $300. Please donate to United Way today.
COVID-19 Response and Recovery Grant Programs Announced
Several organizations have applied for and been awarded COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery grant funds. Funds will continue to be awarded until the fund is exhausted. Community organizations can visit the United Way website to access the application.

Early COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Grant Projects were shared in earlier editions of the Newsletter. May 2020 announced the Knox County Mobility Management's Grocery & Prescription Program and expansion of Interchurch Social Services' Financial Aid program, providing funds for Transportation Assistance to Medical Appointments. August 2020 announced Food For The Hungry Great Milk Giveaway, Food For The Hungry Summer Grant Program, Sew Special Network's production of Handmade Personal Protective Equipment for Knox County, Faith Lutheran Christian Preschool Supplies for Reopening, as well as Naomi’s House Recovery Residence cleaning and hygiene supplies. In the list below, we share new grant announcements!
The Public Library of Mount Vernon & Knox County - COVID-19 Response
The Public Library of Mount Vernon & Knox County will be supported in maintaining essential services, resources, and programs for patrons throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
The grant from United Way will be used to offset the expenses related to the Library’s response to the COVID-19 crisis: 1) implement cleaning standards that comply with COVID-19 prevention protocols to ensure safe circulation of materials and site hygiene at all of the library locations 2) support for streaming services including digital lending and e-books, 3) bolster staff time dedicated to assisting patrons in economic crisis.
Food For The Hungry of Knox County - Covenant Church Food Pantry Emergency Food Storage Solution Replacement
Food For The Hungry of Knox County partnered with United Way to fund replacement of a failed commercial freezer for The Covenant Church Food Pantry. The Covenant Church Food Pantry offers free food staples to community members and families in need in Knox County.
Volunteer Knox
Volunteer Knox County will be an online county-wide volunteer management platform.

This site will allow organizations in search of volunteers to provide agency information and specific volunteer job descriptions in a central database. Through this same platform, community members and groups can create logins and view, filter, and strategically select opportunities to pursue.
Organizations and volunteers will utilize the tool for free under one United Way of Knox County Ohio, Inc. agreement. Contact United Way of Knox County Ohio, Inc. Program Director for more information!
We aim to make United Way activities a reflection of Knox County's priorities. We rely on community volunteers to lead the process, we strive to LIVE UNITED.
Local Health Officials Are Seeking Donations For Use In Knox County
Information on donating fabric face masks and commercial protective equipment is available online. Read the full details prepared in partnership with United Way, Knox Community Hospital, and Knox Public Health online.

American Red Cross Blood Drives
Public Health is currently a large concern. Cancelled appointments and drives put the country at risk for a blood shortage. Healthy eligible donors are encouraged to give back to their community by donating blood. Upcoming opportunities to give can be found online.

Mount Vernon Farmers Market
The Mount Vernon Farmers Market is in need of two to three volunteers to help with set up, tear down and clean up plus crowd management and even dog sitting (while dog mom or dad shops). Any volunteers willing to serve any Saturday mornings through October please contact farmersmarketmountvernon@gmail.com.
We are actively searching for volunteer opportunities in the community to share online and in our newsletter. If you know of an agency or program looking for help, please email elizabeth@uwayknox.org to provide details.