Making a Difference Together in the Columbia River Gorge
At United Way of the Columbia Gorge (UWCG), we collect donations year-round to support vital services right here in our community. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, volunteers, and supporters, we awarded $309,500 during the 2024–2025 funding cycle to 30 local organizations making a meaningful impact across the Columbia River Gorge.
How Are Funds Distributed?
Each year, our Allocations Committee volunteers from Hood River, Klickitat/Skamania, and Wasco/Sherman Councils review grant applications and recommend how to distribute funds. This year, 39 nonprofits applied. Committee members reviewed applications, heard presentations, and asked questions to better understand each organization’s mission and impact. It was a sobering reminder of the needs in our region, but also an inspiring look at the work being done to address them. The committee prioritized funding efforts that address food insecurity, domestic violence, youth mental health, and literacy. Based on their recommendations, the UWCG Board approved grants for 33 organizations in the 2025–2026 funding cycle. We are grateful to everyone who donates, volunteers, and supports UWCG. Together, we are creating stronger, healthier communities throughout the Columbia Gorge.
United Way of the Columbia Gorge
2025-2026 Funding Recipients
● Books for Kids Columbia Gorge
● Columbia Gorge CASA
● Columbia Gorge Discovery Center – For the Gorge Ecology Institute Program
● Columbia Gorge Food Bank
● Columbia Gorge Perinatal Mental Health Initiative
● Community Art Studio of Skamania (CASS)/Skamania Kids & Youth (SKY)
● CultureSeed
● Diversity Studios
● FISH Food Bank
● Helping Hands Against Violence
● Hood River County Christmas Project
● Hood River Valley Adult Center
● Lyle Lions Club
● Mid Columbia Senior Center
● Mid Valley Elementary PTO
● New Hope Farms
● Play Frontier
● Skamania County Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
● Six Rivers Dispute Resolution Center
● SMART Reading
● Special Olympics Hood River
● Sunshine Club
● The Backwoods Foundation
● The Dalles Community BackPack Program
● The Dalles Community Meal, Inc.
● The Dalles Farmers Market
● The Dalles Lions Club
● The Dalles Meals on Wheels
● Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) – Food Bank and Youth Center
● WAGAP – Support mental health therapy sessions through Alton Counseling Consulting
● Wylde Wind & Water
● Youth Empowerment Shelter (Y.E.S.)
