United Way of Portage County OH

What United Way of Portage County OH does

United Way of Portage County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1970 and headquartered in Ravenna, Ohio, that functions as a community convener, fundraiser, and grant-maker for Portage County. The organization coordinates an annual community-wide fundraising campaign, allocates grants to more than 40 partner agencies through a multi-year Community Impact Committee process, and operates a portfolio of direct-service programs organized around three pillars: Youth Education, Public Health, and Critical Needs. Direct programs include Dolly Parton's Imagination Library (serving 4,830 children monthly with free age-appropriate books), the 2-1-1 information and referral service (handling 12,978 resident contacts in 2025), the SingleCare/FamilyWize prescription discount card program, MyFreeTaxes (free online tax preparation via H&R Block), Literacy Kits assembled with Kent State University, Big Red Bookshelf, Reading Role Models, Born Learning, the School Supply Drive, and the Emergency Food & Shelter Program.

The organization operates with a small staff of three full-time and two part-time employees plus 300+ active volunteers, and leverages technology platforms including the Galaxy Digital volunteer management system, a 2-1-1 database covering 800+ local programs, the SingleCare mobile app, and standard nonprofit CRM/donation tools. Its revenue model is multi-stream and donation-based: workplace giving campaigns via payroll deduction, individual giving (including the $1,000+ Leadership Giving Society), corporate sponsorships, event-based fundraising such as the 5th Annual Reverse Raffle in 2026, leadership giving, and federal pass-through funds for the Emergency Food & Shelter Program. Approximately 18 cents of every donated dollar goes to fundraising and administration, with all remaining funds staying local in Portage County.

United Way of Portage County serves a community where 40% of households (25,923) struggle to afford basic needs, including 12% below the Federal Poverty Level and 28% classified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and advised by three standing councils (Education, Income, Health) that identify community needs and guide program investment priorities. Operating exclusively in Portage County, it is one of approximately 1,400 local United Ways in the United States and 60 in Ohio, with autonomy over local governance, fundraising, and grant-making decisions while participating in the broader United Way network for shared programs, branding, and best practices.

Name

United Way of Portage County OH

Legal name

United Way of Portage County

Website

https://uwportage.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1970

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

United Way of Portage County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Ravenna, Ohio, that convenes community-wide fundraising and grant-making to support 40+ partner agencies addressing youth education, critical needs, and public health across Portage County.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Human Services

NAICS

Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB), Youth Housing, Foster Care & Wraparound Support (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAO), Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAK)

Keywords

• Community fundraising services
• Nonprofit grantmaking programs
• Human services coordination
• Youth education programs
• Workplace giving campaigns

Headquarters

HQ city

Ravenna

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Annual Campaign Fundraising: The primary revenue stream through community-wide fundraising campaigns. Donations support programs in education, income, and health. Every dollar donated stays local in Portage County. About 18 cents of every dollar is used for fundraising and administration.
2. Workplace Giving Campaigns: Payroll deduction campaigns allowing employees to donate through workplace campaigns. Companies with employees host workplace giving campaigns or volunteer programs.
3. Individual Giving Programs: Direct donations via website (PayPal/credit card), Leadership Giving Society ($1,000+ contributions), and planned giving through stocks, bonds, and retirement assets.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships for events and programs, including workplace campaign support and event sponsorship.
5. Event-based Fundraising: Revenue from fundraising events including Reverse Raffle (5th Annual June 2026, tickets $75-$125) and NCAA Watch Party events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

United Way of Portage County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that coordinates community-wide fundraising, administers grants, and operates programs supporting youth education, public health, and critical needs in Portage County, Ohio. It connects donors, corporate partners, and volunteers to a network of 40+ funded partner agencies delivering services such as the Imagination Library, 2-1-1 information and referral, prescription discounts, free tax preparation, and emergency food/shelter assistance.

Product overview

United Way of Portage County OH operates as a nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of community programs organized around three pillars: Youth Education, Public Health, and Critical Needs. The organization functions as a convener and funder, connecting residents to resources through its core programs including the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library (free monthly books for children birth-5), the 2-1-1 Information Line (24/7 referral service), Literacy Kits (educational materials for kindergarten students), My Free Taxes (free online tax filing), SingleCare Prescription Discount Program, Big Red Bookshelf (community book distribution), Reading Role Models (volunteer reading program), and Born Learning (early childhood education support). Additional offerings include School Supply Drive, Emergency Food & Shelter Program, Community Impact Grants (funding to partner agencies), Galaxy Digital Volunteer Platform (volunteer management), Workplace Campaigns (workplace giving), and the United Relief Podcast. The organization also maintains three advisory councils (Education, Income, and Health) that guide community investment priorities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• United Relief Podcast: A storytelling and conversation series that shines a light on the challenges and triumphs within the Portage County community, featuring local voices working toward building a stronger, more resilient community.
• Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
• 2-1-1 Information Line
• Big Red Bookshelf
• Reading Role Models
• Literacy Kits
• SingleCare Prescription Program (formerly FamilyWize)
• My Free Taxes
• Day of Caring
• Born Learning Trail

Products and services

• Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Ohio A program that provides free age-appropriate books monthly to children from birth until age 5 in Portage County, helping set children up for success by putting books into their hands.
• 2-1-1 Information Line A free, confidential information and referral service available 24/7 connecting Portage County residents to essential services including crisis counseling, food assistance, healthcare, housing, utilities, employment, veteran services, and family services.
• Literacy Kits Educational kits provided to kindergarten and Head Start students containing age-appropriate books paired with hands-on activities designed to improve early grade reading and encourage long-term school success.
• My Free Taxes Free online tax filing service powered by H&R Block's software, available to individuals and families earning less than $66,000, providing both federal and state return filing at no cost.
• SingleCare Prescription Discount Program A prescription discount program providing free discount cards that lower prescription costs by an average of 45%, with no age, income, or usage restrictions.
• Big Red Bookshelf A program that places bright red bookshelves stocked with books for children ages birth to 3rd grade in community locations where families visit, allowing children to take books home to keep.
• Reading Role Models A volunteer program that pairs adults with local early grade learning centers and schools to participate in regularly scheduled reading days, encouraging early grade reading proficiency.
• Born Learning An early childhood initiative that helps parents, grandparents, and caregivers turn everyday moments into fun, educational opportunities for young children, including the Ravenna Born Learning Trail.
• School Supply Drive (Fill The Bus) An annual school supply collection program that partners with local organizations to provide supplies for children in the community, helping hundreds of families ensure children have tools needed to start the school year.
• Emergency Food & Shelter Program A program that distributes federal funds for the provision of food and shelter to help meet the needs of hungry and unhoused residents throughout Portage County.
• Community Impact Grants Grants awarded to local programs in three categories (Youth Education, Public Health, and Critical Needs) through a volunteer-driven multi-year funding cycle that ensures effective and efficient community impact.
• Galaxy Digital Volunteer Platform An online tool that connects volunteers in Portage County to meaningful projects posted by nonprofit partners, allowing users to search by cause or skills, track volunteer hours, and follow nonprofits.
• Workplace Campaigns Workplace giving campaigns that unite employees to donate through payroll deduction, volunteer for local agencies, and participate in community service projects like the annual Day of Caring.
• United Relief Podcast A storytelling and conversation series featuring local voices working toward building a stronger, more resilient Portage County.
• Reverse Raffle Fundraiser An annual community fundraising event featuring a reverse raffle drawing with ticket tiers at $125, $100, and $75 and a $2,000 grand prize.

Quantifiable outcome

• 4,830 children receive free books monthly through Imagination Library
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Dolly Parton's Imagination Library / Ohio Governor's Imagination LibraryflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Way of Portage County is a Dolly Parton Imagination Library Affiliate. Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine established the Ohio Governor's Imagination Library in 2019 which matches funds to offset costs for local affiliates. Nearly 4,830 children in Portage County receive free age-appropriate books monthly through this program.
• SingleCare (formerly FamilyWize)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to provide prescription discount cards to individuals without insurance or adequate coverage. Cards available free-of-charge with no restrictions. Discounts average 45% off prescription costs. Part of 700+ United Ways in all 50 states that have helped 13 million people save $1.5 billion since 2005.
• Kent State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Kent State University to assemble Literacy Kits for kindergarten students. Kent State staff and student volunteers donate time to prepare kits containing children's storybooks paired with hands-on activities. Over 1,200 Literacy Kits distributed annually.
• NEOMED (Northeast Ohio Medical University) - SOAR CliniccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with SOAR (Student-Run Free Clinic) at NEOMED. Medical and pharmacy students provide free primary care to uninsured/underinsured residents. Clinic offers chronic disease management, routine care, physical exams, basic labs, and medication counseling at no cost to patients. Partnership began in 2017.
• Axess Family ServicesflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrimary funded partner administering numerous programs including Center of Hope, Kent Social Services, Consumer Credit Counseling, Freedom House, HESS, Miller Community House, Safer Futures domestic violence shelter, addiction and mental health services, re-entry programs, and Senior Corps programs. Represents the largest cluster of funded programs.
• Coleman Health ServicescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFunded partner providing Adult Day Services (only medical-level adult day facility in Portage County) and Youth Mental Health Care programs including school-based counseling and Adventure Therapy.
• Habitat for Humanity of Portage CountycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFunded partner providing housing program that rehabilitates or builds homes for families in inadequate housing who cannot otherwise afford better housing.
• MyFreeTaxes (H&R Block)coreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with H&R Block to provide free online tax preparation software for households earning less than $66,000. Powered by H&R Block's premium software with IRS-certified specialists available for questions.
• Reed Memorial Library, Kent Free Library, Portage County District LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLibrary partners supporting Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program distribution and access in Portage County.
• Portage County Board of Developmental DisabilitiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program to reach children in Portage County.
• County Health Rankings and RoadmapsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational partner supporting United Way's health initiatives and data-driven community health improvement efforts.
• Girls on the RunminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFunded partner providing Healthy & Resilient Girls program - physical activity-based youth development for girls in 3rd-8th grades.
• Kidney Foundation of OhiominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFunded partner providing Transportation Assistance Program for dialysis patients and Medication Assistance Program for renal patients.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• United Way Worldwide: The global federation to which United Way of Portage County belongs, coordinating ~1,800 local United Ways in 45 countries. Directly comparable as the umbrella network for the same federated fundraising and community impact model.
• The Cleveland Foundation: One of the largest community foundations in the US, based in nearby Cleveland. Comparable mission of stewarding charitable capital and awarding community impact grants across Northeast Ohio.

Direct peers

• Akron Community Foundation: A community foundation in the same Northeast Ohio region administering charitable funds and grants to local nonprofits, competing for the same donor and corporate giving dollars.
• Portage County Community Foundation: A county-specific community foundation operating in the same Portage County geography, distributing grants and stewarding endowed funds for community benefit—a direct competitor for local philanthropy.
• United Way of Greater Cleveland: A larger Ohio United Way serving Cuyahoga County with the identical three-pillar (Education, Income, Health) structure, 2-1-1 service, and Community Impact Grant framework. Comparable operating model at greater scale.
• United Way of Summit County: A neighboring Ohio United Way affiliate operating in adjacent Summit County, sharing donor geography (Akron metro) and running the same 2-1-1 referral, Community Impact grant, and workplace campaign model.

Emerging players

• findhelp (Aunt Bertha): A social care referral platform competing directly with the 2-1-1 model by connecting users to community resources. Comparable technology-enabled approach to information and referral services.

Others

• Dolly Parton's Imagination Library: The flagship literacy program administered by UWPC at the local level. Relevant as the upstream national partner with matching state funds that anchors UWPC's signature direct service.

Regional players

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Portage County: A funded UWPC partner providing one-to-one youth mentoring in the same county, comparable in operating model as a small local nonprofit reliant on community grants.
• Habitat for Humanity of Portage County: A funded partner agency of UWPC focused on housing rehabilitation and construction in Portage County. Comparable as a nonprofit operating in the same geography and partially dependent on UWPC grant funding.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCPGNIYAb3OA26MezHLJzN7Q
• Facebookfacebook.com/uwportage
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/united-way-of-portage-county-oh
• Instagraminstagram.com/uwpc44266
• Xx.com/uwportage

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about United Way of Portage County OH