United Way of Sheboygan County Awards $40,000 in Innovation Grants to Address Essential Needs
At United Way of Sheboygan County, we know that solving our community’s biggest challenges requires more than maintaining the status quo. It requires listening, collaborating, and investing in new ideas that have the potential to create lasting change.
That is why we are proud to announce that $40,000 has been awarded through our 2026 Innovation Grant program, supporting three local initiatives that are addressing some of the most pressing essential needs facing Sheboygan County residents.
What Are Innovation Grants?
United Way of Sheboygan County’s Innovation Grants are designed to encourage bold, collaborative, and forward-thinking solutions to complex community challenges.
Unlike traditional program funding, Innovation Grants invest in new approaches, pilot programs, and creative ideas that have the potential to improve lives in meaningful ways. These grants allow organizations to test innovative strategies, respond to emerging community needs, and build solutions that can create long-term impact.
Each year, organizations participate in a competitive application process, with proposals reviewed by volunteer members of our Community Action Team. Applications are evaluated based on demonstrated community need, innovation, measurable outcomes, collaboration, sustainability, and potential impact.
The 2026 Focus: Meeting Essential Needs
For the 2026 grant cycle, United Way intentionally focused funding on projects that address essential needs—the building blocks every individual and family needs to live, learn, work, and thrive.
Essential needs extend beyond food and housing. They include the knowledge, skills, relationships, and resources that allow people to achieve long-term stability and independence.
This year’s proposals highlighted the many interconnected barriers facing individuals and families throughout Sheboygan County. From financial education to youth engagement and language access, applicants demonstrated that addressing these foundational needs creates stronger outcomes across every aspect of life.
After a thoughtful and competitive review process, three projects were selected for funding.
Families and Neighbors Together Receives $10,000 to Launch Community Garden for At-Risk Youth
The Student Engagement Team at Families and Neighbors Together has been awarded a $10,000 Innovation Grant to launch a community garden designed to engage at-risk youth and strengthen family connections.
Reviewers were impressed by the organization’s commitment to meeting youth and families where they already are—both physically and relationally. The proposal demonstrated how shared, hands-on experiences can foster trust, belonging, leadership, and positive youth development.
The committee also recognized the value of the project’s take-home garden kits, which will extend learning beyond the garden site and encourage families to continue growing together at home.
Black American Community Outreach Receives $10,000 to Expand Financial Literacy
Black American Community Outreach has been awarded a $10,000 Innovation Grant to strengthen financial literacy opportunities throughout our community.
Financial knowledge is one of the strongest predictors of long-term financial stability. The committee appreciated the organization’s practical, community-centered approach to helping participants build confidence in budgeting, saving, credit, and financial decision-making.
By meeting people where they are and providing accessible education and support, this initiative will help individuals and families develop the skills needed to create greater financial security and economic opportunity.
Family Resource Center Receives $20,000 to Expand English Literacy Opportunities
The Family Resource Center has been awarded a $20,000 Innovation Grant to strengthen English literacy efforts across Sheboygan County.
Throughout this year’s Innovation Grant process, one theme emerged again and again. Nearly every applicant identified limited English literacy as a significant barrier preventing community members from accessing services, securing employment, supporting their children’s education, navigating healthcare systems, and fully participating in community life.
The committee was especially impressed by the Family Resource Center’s clear presentation of local data demonstrating the growing need for English literacy instruction and the organization’s thoughtful strategy for helping individuals build language skills, confidence, and meaningful community connections.
The importance of this work cannot be overstated. National research consistently shows that adults with the lowest levels of literacy experience substantially higher rates of poverty and unemployment than those with stronger literacy skills. Improving literacy opens doors to better employment opportunities, increased earnings, improved health outcomes, and greater independence. For many adults, building foundational English literacy skills is a critical first step toward achieving long-term economic stability and breaking cycles of poverty.
By investing in English literacy, we are investing in opportunity—not only for individual learners, but for their families, employers, and the broader Sheboygan County community.
Thank You to Our Donors
These Innovation Grants are possible because of one simple but powerful truth: people in our community choose to give.
To every individual, family, workplace donor, retiree, volunteer campaign champion, and business that has made a gift to United Way of Sheboygan County—thank you.
Whether you gave $5, $50, $500, or more, your generosity makes our Innovation Grant Fund possible. More importantly, your investment empowers local organizations to test new ideas, launch innovative solutions, and respond to the evolving essential needs of our neighbors.
Every gift creates opportunity. Every donation helps build a stronger Sheboygan County. Every act of generosity makes innovation possible.
Together, we are creating a community where every person has the opportunity to thrive.
