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 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 our traditional model of grant funding, which invest in local organizations and programs that meet long-term community goals, our 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 launch 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, financial sustainability, and potential impact.
"We were incredibly encouraged by the response to this year's Innovation Grant opportunity. The applications highlighted not only innovative ideas, but also the dedication and vision of organizations committed to making Sheboygan County a place where everyone can thrive" said Hanna Maechtle, United Way's Director of Essential Needs and Nonprofit Engagement. "Reviewing these proposals was a powerful reminder of the strength, compassion, and ingenuity that exist throughout our community."
The 2026 Focus: Meeting Essential Needs
For the 2026 grant cycle, United Way intentionally focused funding on projects that address essential needs.
This term was intentionally defined broadly with "essential needs" extending beyond just food and housing. The committee opened the definition to include projects and programs that would also address transportation needs, safety, access to healthcare, financial literacy, child care and any other foundational resources that could address every day needs and well-being of our community members.
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 and Families and Neighbors Together have been awarded a $10,000 Innovation Grant to launch a community garden designed to engage at-risk youth and strengthen family connections.
Above: Hanna Maechtle (Dir. of Essential Needs - United Way), Tammy Pelletier (UWSC Board Member and Chair of Community Action Team), McKenzie Urbina (Social Worker - Families and Neighbors Together), Lizzie Kroll (Social Worker - Student Engagement Team), Hannah Streiber (Bemis Manufacturing and volunteer member of Community Action Team) on the front porch of the Wesley House on Union Avenue, where the community garden will be installed.
Families and Neighbors Together (FNT), a program of Sheboygan County's Department of Health & Human Services, offers resource referrals, advocacy support, and problem-solving assistance to residents in the areas of housing, food security, employment, and health via relationships. The Student Engagement Team often works with at-risk youth, specifically focusing on providing students, their families, and the school district an option besides the traditional responses of using a citation or making a referral to Youth Justice to address truancy.
Committee members were impressed by the program’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, and positive youth development.
In addition to creating a community garden at the Wesley House on Union Avenue, the program will also create renter-friendly take-home garden kits for families. This will allow community members to 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
Sheboygan Area Black American Community Outreach has been awarded a $10,000 Innovation Grant to strengthen financial literacy opportunities for youth throughout our community.
Above: Kate Baer (President & CEO - United Way), Hanna Streiber (Bemis Manufacturing and volunteer member of Community Action Team), Pennye Rogers and Toni White (both of Sheboygan Area BACO), Tammy Pelletier (UWSC Board Member and Chair of Community Action Team) and Meagan Van Ahn (Dir. of Marketing & Outreach - United Way).
Financial knowledge is one of the strongest predictors of long-term financial stability. 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 of Sheboygan County has been awarded a $20,000 Innovation Grant to strengthen English literacy efforts.
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.
Above: Jason Wesolowski (Aurora Health Care and volunteer member of Community Action Team), Shannon Schuren (Literacy Council Coordinator - FRC), Kirsten Cooper (Executive Director - FRC) and Hanna Maechtle (Director of Essential Needs - United Way)
The importance of this work cannot be overstated. Research consistently show that stronger literacy skills are associated with higher employment rates, higher earnings, better health outcomes and greater economic mobility. For many adults that are learning English, building literacy skills is a critical step toward accessing opportunities and achieving long-term financial stability. (Read more: "Navigating Life with Low Literacy and Numeracy" by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)
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.
By investing in English literacy, we are investing in helping our neighbors take a critical first step on the ladder. A step that helps not only just the individual learners, but will help their families, employers, and the broader Sheboygan County community.
Innovation Made Possible By You: 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.
