more than $30 million raised by United way of the midlands to support essential programs across the omaha-council bluffs metro
Thanks to the generosity and caring spirit of the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) closed its fiscal year on June 30, 2026, with strong results and growing momentum – raising more than $30 million, investing in 150 local programs and partnerships, expanding direct services, responding quickly to emerging needs and bringing more people together to make a difference.
“Our community continues to show what’s possible when we come together and care for one another,” said Shawna Forsberg, UWM president and CEO. “At a time when more families are feeling financial pressure and the systems they rely on are being asked to do more, UWM is honored to serve as a trusted partner. We bring people, resources and organizations together to respond to needs, strengthen the network of support across our community and help people find meaningful ways to give back.”
Results that Make a Difference
During the last fiscal year, UWM:• Raised more than $30 million to support local programs, initiatives and direct services.
• Raised more than $30 million to support local programs, initiatives and direct services.
• Maintained a 93% efficiency ratio, reflecting continued stewardship and efficiency.
• Invested in a network of 150 programs, partnerships and initiatives addressing healthy community, youth opportunity, financial security and community resiliency.
• Responded to more than 388,000 contacts through 211, connecting people with timely, accurate information on thousands of programs and services.
• Expanded supports for seniors, military members and young families through community navigation, including securing funding for the 211 Nebraska Warmline.
• Continued to grow JAG Nebraska with plans to serve more than 5,500 students during the 2026-2027 school year.
• Added 84 new partnerships, connecting more people and organizations with opportunities to get involved.
• Reached 405 Tocqueville Society members, surpassing Mr. Warren Buffett’s Tocqueville Society Challenge and increasing his generous campaign match.
• Supported more than 57,000 volunteer hours through custom events and days of service.
• Responded quickly when new needs emerged, including working with Mayor Ewing during the temporary disruption of SNAP benefits last fall and distributing $100,000 to four community organizations.
The campaign that ended June 2026 was led by Campaign Chairs Jeff and Lisa Russell and the team at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska. Their leadership helped inspire new partnerships, 405 Tocqueville Society members and our community to get involved. Together with thousands of donors, community partners, philanthropic foundations, government entities, our Board of Directors and UWM’s Top 100 Partners, this generosity powers a United Way built to connect resources, strengthen community support and respond when new needs emerge.
Growing and Evolving to Meet Community Needs
The needs of our community do not stand still. Neither does United Way. Sometimes that means investing in trusted nonprofit programs. Other times, it means building a new service, filling a gap or mobilizing people to help.
Through funding partnerships like the Community Impact Fund, Karnett Trust and Greener Together, UWM works alongside nonprofit partners to strengthen our community’s ability to meet growing needs efficiently and effectively. These grants help organizations respond to increased demand, sustain vital services and put resources to work.
UWM also operates direct services where specialized expertise or additional capacity helps deliver results. Last year, UWM continued strengthening the ways people connect to essential services. The 211 Helpline responded to more than 388,000 contacts, serving as a trusted, one-stop resource for people seeking help. Now providing support to seven states, UWM has built deep expertise in information, referral and navigation services and is increasingly being called on to bring that expertise to new geographies.
As 211 grows, UWM is also leveraging new technologies to support people more efficiently and effectively while preserving the human connection at the heart of the service. This best-in-class approach helps ensure more people can access vital services while creating new jobs and strengthening UWM’s capabilities here at home.
Through a partnership with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, UWM is now offering the 211 Nebraska Warmline. This new service connects Nebraska families with community-based resources that can reduce stress, strengthen stability and help prevent deeper system involvement.
At the same time, United Way continues to operate direct services that fill important gaps and meet specialized needs. The Court Referral Community Service Program, Goodfellows, Military and Family Helpline, Save Our Seniors, United Housing Network and Weatherization Assistance Program provide practical support for individuals and families while strengthening the broader network of services available across our community.
Across the state, JAG Nebraska is creating possibilities for more young people through life skills, leadership training and career development opportunities that prepare them for success in school and beyond. Thanks to strong support from Governor Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services, the program achieved a 99% graduation rate last year and is preparing to equip more than 5,500 students for the 2026-2027 school year.
UWM is also providing more ways for people and companies to play an active role in strengthening our community. Through its growing volunteer engagement program, UWM provides nonprofit organizations with free training, resources and tools to strengthen their volunteer programs, while helping corporate partners turn employee time into meaningful action through customized engagement and service opportunities. Last year alone, UWM facilitated more than 57,000 volunteer hours and organized 58 service events — connecting thousands of people with meaningful ways to give back while strengthening the organizations they serve.
Moving Forward Together
Together with our network of partners, UWM has a goal of providing 15 million services across four key areas next year:
• Healthy Community – Improving health and well-being for all
• Youth Opportunity – Helping young people realize their full potential
• Financial Security – Building financial stability and strength
• Community Resiliency – Addressing urgent needs today to advance a better tomorrow
“As the prior Board Chair and upcoming Campaign Chair, I’m proud to showcase the vital role United Way plays across the metro by connecting resources to real needs,” said Paul Maass, CEO of Scoular and last year’s UWM Board Chair. “As challenges continue to grow more complex, the work we’re doing together for our community is important. Because of its collaborations and partnerships, UWM can deliver results at a scale and scope no organization can achieve alone.”
In today’s fluid landscape of rising demand and shifting resources, UWM’s commitment to collaboration and efficiency helps maximize the impact of every dollar. By combining strategy, heart, compassion and action – UWM is strengthening the nonprofit sector and filling critical gaps. With guidance from its Board of Directors, UWM stays attuned to the community’s evolving needs and the best ways to respond. By bringing together individuals, government, nonprofits and businesses, United Way works to create meaningful and lasting impact across the metro.
“We’re proud of what our community accomplished last year, and we’re excited to build on that momentum with new Campaign Chairs Paul and Julie Maass and the team at Scoular,” said Forsberg. “Together, we’ll continue inviting more people to get involved, give back and turn their care for our community into results that make a difference.”
UWM will kick off its upcoming campaign on Thursday, August 20, at the Scott Conference Center on the University of Nebraska – Omaha campus. To take part in the campaign through volunteerism or with a donation, go to UnitedWayMidlands.org. For a full list of UWM’s investments and more information, go to: UnitedWayMidlands.org/Impact.
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About United Way of the Midlands:
Since 1923, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro by bridging the business and not-for-profit sectors and raising money to support our community’s most impactful health and human service programs. UWM’s funded programs and direct services – like 211 and JAG Nebraska – focus on four key areas to improve health and well-being for all, build financial stability and strength, help young people realize their full potential and address urgent needs today to advance a better tomorrow. Learn more at UnitedWayMidlands.org.