Our organization was founded in 1942 as Red Feather 8-in-One organization, which became the North Platte Community Chest and funded 11 local agencies. Over time, our name had a few changes, but supported the community in the same capacity. We officially became Mid-Plains United Way in 1974 and have since expanded our reach to support 16 counties in Western Nebraska. We currently partner with 11 local non-profit agencies that focus on three areas: financial stability, education, and health. Investment in these sectors creates long-term economic development, which give us the opportunity to increase the average household income, and graduation/employment rates and improve the average health of individuals in our communities over a long period of time. Each agency goes through an application process to receive funds. Once approved, funds are distributed quarterly after financial and community impact reviewing.