Strategic Plan · FY2026–2029
This is our plan for the next three years — a shared roadmap for how United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties will serve as the community hub that connects people, programs, and policy so every neighbor has a real path to stability and opportunity.
This strategic plan charts our course through FY2026–2029. It reflects our Board-established priority of positioning United Way as the community hub for Harvey and Marion Counties — a trusted anchor that advances upward mobility for every resident. It is a living document: we revisit progress quarterly, adjust course as needed, and hold ourselves accountable to outcomes, not just activities.
Harvey (35%) and Marion (39%) households earn above the poverty line but still can’t cover the basics.
ALICE Reportof our region’s ~14,600 homes are truly available — and 36.6% of renters are cost-burdened.
Housing AssessmentKansas meets only about half its childcare demand, amid a ~84,000-slot statewide shortage.
Child Care DataHarvey County children face food insecurity — rising to 24% among Latino residents.
Hunger ReportEverything in this plan grows from one framework: a clear vision and mission, four shared focus areas, our role as the community hub, and the three vehicles we use to drive change.
The shared impact areas that connect our work to United Way’s network nationwide.
Creating environments where young people can thrive — academically, socially, and emotionally.
Ensuring all people have the opportunity to live long, healthy lives.
Empowering individuals and families to achieve lasting economic stability.
Building strong systems and social infrastructure that can adapt, recover, and thrive.
We are more than a fundraising organization. As the connective tissue of our region, we coordinate people, programs, and policy to drive community-wide impact. Every goal in this plan strengthens that hub function.
Supporting families on the journey toward greater stability, health, and opportunity — on three levels at once.
Food, housing, and mental health support when it’s needed most.
Education, workforce pathways, and transportation that build lasting stability.
Policy, equity, and investment that shift conditions for the whole community.
These aren’t departments — they’re the lenses through which every program and partnership operates.
Hands-on, personalized help that meets immediate needs — Resource Navigation, VITA tax preparation, and VOAD disaster response.
Systemic change driven through our coalitions, public policy engagement, data, and cross-sector collaboration.
Community Investment Grants and targeted funding that fill gaps, seed innovation, and strengthen partner capacity.
Our work centers on three coalition-driven priority areas, supported by cross-cutting strategies and established community programs. Each goal below carries measurable targets and timelines in the full plan.
The coalition goals depend on a strong organizational foundation. These strategies build the capacity, partnerships, and infrastructure to deliver.
Grow client-centered, one-on-one navigation to serve 200+ neighbors a year, and launch a client-voice Advisory Council of people with lived experience.
Pursue a Rural Advocacy Fellowship, adopt a formal policy agenda, and produce 2+ data-driven policy products a year as a trusted voice on rural issues.
Deepen city and county partnerships, grow Community Investment Grants by 15%, launch a United Way Consulting Program, and build a lasting presence in Marion County.
Strengthen internal collaboration and diversify revenue across giving, grants, corporate, and government sources so no single stream exceeds 40% of the budget.
Three established programs round out our community hub function, building resilience, financial stability, and civic engagement.
Coordinating local disaster preparedness, response, and recovery — with quarterly partner meetings and annual training.
Free tax preparation that returns real dollars to families, growing total returns filed by 10% year over year.
Connecting 150+ volunteers a year with meaningful service across Harvey and Marion Counties.
A plan is only as good as the discipline behind it. We measure what matters — outcomes, not just activity.
The Executive Director reports to the Board each quarter on progress against SMART goals.
Each year, the Board reviews the full plan to adjust targets and respond to emerging needs.
Every coalition tracks its own goals and reports to the Board at least twice a year.
We publish an annual report so neighbors, funders, and partners can see the progress.
Behind every number in this plan is a neighbor. When you give your time, your resources, or your voice, you help turn these goals into real change across Harvey and Marion Counties.