"Building relationships to support our community with

collaboration, compassion and purpose."

Since he was 47, Martin Parnell has run in more than 300 marathons and raised over $1,000,000 for children in need. He's also ran in Afghanistan helping to raise awareness about freedom and equality for women and girls.

The Catawba County United Way is excited to welcome Parnell to this year's 31st John F. Hall United Way Cross Country Invitational on Oct. 9 in Newton. Along with being at the meet, he will be part of a special pre-race event and make several other local appearances.

While this is a XC competitive meet, the United Way invitational requires teams to complete a service project, encouraging community outreach and making this a truly special event.

Learn more about the invitational at - THIS LINK or call 828-327-6851.

Learn more about Martin's outreach at THIS LINK.

The Catawba County United Way’s Large RFP Grant cycle opened on Feb. 19.

These grants are for Catawba County non-profits or not for profit agencies focused on helping individuals and families in the areas of health, education and income stability.

Applications due by midnight March 25.



Basic requirements for grant:



• Requesting at least $10,000,
• Have a volunteer board of directors who meet at least quarterly,
• Focus on health, income stability or education,
• Agree to provide mid-year/end of year reports,
• Provide demographic information,
• Provide outcome measurements,
• Copy of 501 C-3,
• Copy of Most recent 990,
• Copy of Most recent audit,
• Copy of Current solicitation license.

 Apply online at - THS LINK.

On February 3, 2024, the board of directors of Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry, Inc. (ECCCM) unanimously voted to change its name to Ashure Ministry.

In August of 2023, the board shared the results of their strategic planning process. They faithfully wrestled with several new realities for the ministry, including their expanding service area.

To acknowledge and address the community's growing needs and affirm their goal of serving more clients through high-quality crisis and food assistance, one of their strategic goals includes increasing the knowledge and understanding the community has for the mission and work of the ministry.



To accomplish this goal, the board recognized the need for a renaming and rebranding process for the ministry.

Read more at THIS LINK.

The Catawba County Youth Council's community grant applications are due to the Catawba County United Way (CCUW) by midnight March 1. 



Criteria to apply:

• Grants requests are $3,000 or less.
• Incorporated as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt entity or have 501-C3 legal status.
• Comply with applicable legal, federal, state, local operating and reporting requirements.
• Provide proof of non-profit status (copy of 501-C3).

APPLY at THIS LINK.

We've all heard the phrase - "It takes a village," and in the non-profit world it's true. The Catawba County United Way enjoys building relationships with its community partners and sees how much greater our impact is because of our collective efforts every day.

Below are some upcoming programs and events from just a few of those partners...please share, and if you're interested, the Catawba County Interagency Council meets the second Thursday every month at the United Way office - 2760 Tate Blvd SE in Hickory.

Call 828-327-6851 for more information or email jbailey@ccunitedway.com.

NC 211 callers sometimes receive more help than they expect. Connie called about her gas bill and is now also getting assistance with her internet bill.

For help - Call NC 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or (888) 892 1162 or visit THIS LINK.

Open 24/7, 365 days a year.

Catawba County United Way is one of several community partners who help fund this program every year.