Who Do We Help?
The United Way supports organizations in Ross County as well as operates programs that assist in our community.
In 2026, the Ross County Community is being served through partnerships with the following organizations: The Assistance House, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Carver Community Center, the Child Protection Center, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Easter Seals Discovery Garden, all 7 Ross county/City School Districts with the United for Student Success Program, Frankfort Senior Center, Good Samaritan Food Network of Ross County, Harrison Township Fire and Rescue, Hope Clinic, Mighty Active Packs Club and Produce Markets, Paper City Mentoring, Project School Tools, Ross County's Community Action Center's Resource Center and Domestic Violence Sheter, Ross County Reentry Coalition, Sojourners Care Network, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, the YMCA of Ross County, and we oversee the 2-1-1 Resource Line.
How Do We Help So Many People with So Many Needs?
We focus on four impact areas to address the needs in our community: Community Resiliency, Financial Security, Healthy Community, and Youth Opportunity.
We have partnered with 16 local agency programs that facilitate 24 programs supporting Ross County residents. United Way of Ross County houses initiative programs that enhance the health, education, and financial stability of Ross County. When a program doesn't already exist to meet a need in our community, we work with non-profit partners to create programs to address those specific community needs.
How Do We Decide Which Programs to Fund?
Our Community Impact Council, Board of Trustees, and UWRC staff review funding requests, assess current program results, and consider new initiatives that address the unique needs of Ross County. Together, we work to make a meaningful difference for our partners and residents.
97% of all donations made to United Way of Ross County stay right here in Ross County, directly supporting the people and programs that strengthen our community.
This commitment to local impact is why United Way relies on community leaders and volunteers to help guide where and how dollars are invested. Our volunteer reviewers spend dedicated time evaluating programs and funding requests, carefully considering where the greatest needs exist across the county.
Based on their recommendations, United Way invests donor dollars into programs that demonstrate strong outcomes and meaningful community benefit. We follow up throughout the year through reports, audits, and on‑site visits to ensure funds are being used effectively and responsibly.
This volunteer‑driven process allows United Way to remain highly efficient—keeping administrative costs low so more resources go directly toward services that change lives.
When you give to United Way of Ross County, you can be confident your donation is meeting the most deserving needs in our community and making the greatest possible difference.
How Do Non-Profit Agencies Apply for Funding?
If you are a non-profit agency with a 501(C)(3) status and are interested in becoming a Program Partner by receiving a United Way Grant, please click here for more information or contact us at 740-773-3280. Together we can help make our community a better place.
The United Way also provides immediate impact and new initiative grants to agencies that need assistance. Click here to find out more about these available grants.