Rice County Area United Way Awards $250,000 in Community Impact Grants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT: Laura Riehle-Merrill Rice County Area United Way Executive Director, at Laura@ricecountyunitedway.org.

Rice County, MN — Rice County Area United Way is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026–2028 Community Impact Grants, investing approximately $250,000 annually in programs that address the county's most pressing needs. As the largest local grantmaking organization in Rice County, Rice County Area United Way is committed to improving lives by supporting initiatives that advance financial stability, healthy communities, literacy, and youth opportunity.

The two-year funding cycle will support 25 partner agencies that provide essential services, remove barriers to success, and create pathways to opportunity for residents throughout Rice County–made possible through the generosity of local donors, workplace giving campaigns, corporate partners, and community supporters.

"These investments reflect our community's commitment to ensuring that each one of our neighbors has the opportunity to thrive," said Laura Riehle-Merrill, Executive Director of Rice County Area United Way. "By partnering with trusted local organizations, we are addressing urgent needs while building long-term solutions that strengthen Rice County for everyone."

Financial Stability

Grants in this area will help families meet basic needs and build a stronger foundation for the future. The Community Action Center will continue providing housing, food access, recovery, and employment services for lower-income residents. The Lonsdale Area Food Shelf will expand access to culturally appropriate food for families experiencing food insecurity, and Workforce Development, Inc. will offer urgent support and resources to help community members secure and retain employment.

Healthy Communities

For organizations serving vulnerable residents, this funding is about more than programs–it’s about sustainability. HOPE Center provides advocacy services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking and has been a United Way funded partner for years. Executive Director Erica Staab, who has led the organization for 18 years, spoke to what this kind of support means for smaller nonprofits:

"United Way has been a powerful lifeline for small nonprofits. So often grants are focused on new ideas, new programs, new staff–when really what we need is the ability to sustain the programs that have proven themselves to be effective, that are answers to clients' needs and serve the community. To have a partner focused on fundraising and community building amplifies the voices of smaller nonprofits in ways we could not do alone. We are better together."

Also receiving funding in this area, HealthFinders Collaborative will connect uninsured and underserved residents with medical, dental, and behavioral health care, and Ruth's House of Hope will continue providing housing and essential support for women and children experiencing homelessness, trauma, domestic violence, or substance abuse.

This cycle also welcomes A Great Day Farm as a first-time grantee. The organization provides accessible, family-centered recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers — fostering inclusion and meaningful community connections. Executive Director Hayley Teopaco reflected on what the recognition means:

"Receiving funding from United Way for the first time is a true honor. In a world where coordinated services often drop off after high school, building community spaces and infrastructure that recognize disability from the start is critical. At A Great Day Farm, this investment makes our work go so much further, and we are incredibly grateful for United Way's belief in our mission to foster recreation and true belonging for adults with disabilities."

Literacy & Youth Opportunity

Investments in this area will help young people succeed both in and out of the classroom. Through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program, United Way will provide monthly books to 2,000 local children. TORCH (Tackling Obstacles Raising College Hopes) will deliver academic, college-readiness, and social-emotional support for students who are lower-income, first-generation, and/or students of color. Northfield Union of Youth will offer food access, housing stability, and mental health support for at-risk youth. Tri-City United School District will provide preschool scholarships that remove financial barriers and prepare children for long-term academic success, and Surad Academy will provide literacy interventions for first-generation and lower-income students.

Together, these grants reflect Rice County Area United Way's commitment to addressing immediate needs while creating lasting opportunities for individuals and families across the county. For more information email Laura@ricecountyunitedway.org. A complete list of grants appears below.

About Rice County Area United Way 

For over 50 years, Rice County Area United Way has mobilized the caring power of our community to advance the common good. Rice County Area United Way invests in programs and initiatives that advance financial stability, healthy communities, literacy, and youth opportunity, creating lasting impact for residents across the county. Join us at https://www.ricecountyunitedway.org/donate.

Rice County Area United Way 2026-2028 Grants