Good afternoon,

United Way of Indian River County launched its 2025-2026 Powered by Purpose Speaker Series with Meet the Funders, connecting more than 45 local nonprofits with key funding partners. The event, hosted at Northern Trust, fostered collaboration, shared insights, and strengthened the county's philanthropic network. The series continues throughout the year with discussions designed to inspire innovation and impact in the nonprofit community. 

Please see the full release and photos below.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best,

Sarah Tucci

Sarah Tucci

United Way of Indian River County

(772) 567-8900, ext. 111

 

VERO BEACH, October 30, 2025 – United Way of Indian River County launched its 2025-2026 Power by Purpose Speaker Series with Meet the Funders, a collaborative event connecting nonprofit organizations with local funding partners. Hosted at Northern Trust, the event brought together funders, community leaders, and nonprofit professionals to exchange insights, build relationships, and strengthen the local philanthropic network.

United Way CEO Meredith Egan opened the session by reflecting on the event’s purpose and the importance of partnership in today’s nonprofit landscape.

“We created this event a few years ago because we recognized a challenge: funders want to understand the full landscape of programs serving our community, and nonprofit providers need clarity on the funding opportunities available to them,” Egan shared. “Today, we’re breaking down those barriers by bringing everyone together in one room.”

Egan emphasized the need for meaningful connection between organizations and funders, noting that every conversation contributes to a stronger, more resilient nonprofit sector. “The partnerships forged in this room will help carry our community through whatever lies ahead.”

The Meet the Funders event featured representatives from Corbett Foundation, Grand Harbor Community Outreach, Impact 100, Indian River County Hospital District, Indian River Club’s Head, Heart, and Hands program, Indian River Community Foundation, Children’s Services Advisory Council, John’s Island Community Service League, John’s Island Foundation, and Quail Valley Charities, as well as United Way of Indian River County. Each shared details about their funding priorities, timelines, and eligibility requirements, followed by small group discussions that encouraged direct engagement.

More than 45 local nonprofit organizations participated, representing diverse missions across health, education, and financial stability. The event provided opportunities for collaboration and resource-sharing, with attendees leaving better equipped to navigate the evolving funding landscape.

Egan also highlighted LEARN United, a partnership between United Way of Indian River County and Indian River Community Foundation. The initiative offers professional development opportunities designed specifically for nonprofit leaders, giving them the chance to learn directly from experts who can help navigate complex challenges in the sector.

“Our nonprofit sector is facing unprecedented challenges – from workforce shortages to increased demand for services,” Egan said. “Strategic, sustainable, and diverse funding isn’t just important-it’s essential.”

The Powered by Purpose series will continue throughout the year, featuring conversation and workshops that inspire collaboration, innovation, and impact with Indian River County’s nonprofit community.

About United Way of Indian River County
United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to building a healthier, more resilient community. Through local programs and partnerships, UWIRC provides essential resources to those in crisis while working year-round to create long-term solutions in health, education, and financial stability. For more information, please call (772) 567-8900 or visit UnitedWayIRC.org.