Who We Are

Kewanee Area United Way (KAUW) has proudly served Henry & Stark County citizens since 1957, starting as the Kewanee Community Chest.  In 1982, it became the Greater Kewanee United Fund   Since that time, it has transitioned into the Kewanee Area United Way.  Although the name has changed, the goal is the same, to improve the lives of those in this area through health, educational opportunity, financial stability and community resiliency.  Those are lofty goals!  KAUW, our partner agencies and volunteers work to improve the communities we represent. 

Each year nonprofit agencies are selected by the KAUW Board of Directors to receive funding to support the important services provided by those agencies.  The agencies selected must show stability, ongoing provision of essential services and are in alignment with the mission and vision of Kewanee Area United Way (KAUW).  The nonprofit agencies that are awarded grants each year are very committed to improving the lives of people in the area. We are proud to be partnered with all of them!  Your financial support is both vitally important and very appreciated.  In an area where 75% of youth in the schools qualified for free or reduced lunches in years past, the need is great for these kids and their families.

KAUW works in the communities in Henry and Stark County, identifying and addressing opportunities to build up our area through community impact activities.  Shoes for Kids is a program started in 2024 to provide shoes for kids in the Kewanee Area School Systems.  The program will continue in 2025 and expand to further reach the needs of the kids in our area. To donate directly to the Shoes for Kids project, go to our Donate page and pick Shoes for Kids.