United Way Campaign Raises Over $3.9 Million for Mahoning Valley

Funds will support emergency response, nonprofit programs, and student initiatives across the region.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley has set a new fundraising record, collecting over $3.9 million in its 2025 campaign. The money will be used to help with emergencies, fund programs, and support other nonprofits serving the local community. United Way exceeded its $3.4 million goal and plans to invest the additional $500,000 to expand initiatives like the Saturday of Caring food distribution, care closets in schools, and after-school programs.

Why it matters

The United Way campaign is a critical source of funding for a wide range of community services and programs in the Mahoning Valley. The record-breaking $3.9 million raised demonstrates the generosity of local residents and their commitment to supporting those in need, especially during times of crisis and emergency.

The details

The 2025 United Way campaign ran from July to December and raised an additional $1 million in grants on top of the $3.9 million in donations. This represents about a $150,000 increase over the 2024 campaign total. United Way plans to quickly distribute the extra funds to expand existing programs that provide food, school supplies, and after-school activities for local families and children.

  • The 2025 United Way campaign ran from July to December.
  • In 2025, United Way coordinated with around 20 nonprofits to help serve people affected by a government shutdown.

The players

United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley

A nonprofit organization that raises funds to support a network of local charities and community programs in the Youngstown, Ohio region.

Bob Hannon

The president of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.

Josh Toot

A United Way board member and co-campaign chair.

Jami Toot

A United Way volunteer and co-campaign chair.

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What they’re saying

“We anticipated raising $3.4 million. We raised $3.9 [million], so we have about a half million in dollars that will invest. We don't put that money in the bank. We're going to make sure that money gets out to the community so we can help more people on the Saturday of caring. We can have more children in after school. We can have more care closets.”

— Bob Hannon, President, United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley (wfmj.com)

“With COVID, International towers, government shutdown, Phoenix House. I think we have a good system in place. We hope we never have to use that system again, right? But if we do, I think we can quickly ignite the nonprofit community to make sure that whoever needs help will get that help.”

— Bob Hannon, President, United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley (wfmj.com)

“We do have a reserve, just in case you never know what's going to happen. We can't control government shutdowns, so we have a rainy day fund that's ready for anything.”

— Josh Toot, United Way Board Member and Co-Campaign Chair (wfmj.com)

“They have an amazing volunteer program. People are always willing to step up and help no matter what it is.”

— Jami Toot, United Way Volunteer and Co-Campaign Chair (wfmj.com)

What’s next

United Way plans to use the additional funds raised to expand programs like the Saturday of Caring food distribution, add more care closets in local school districts, and serve more families through its after-school initiatives.

The takeaway

The United Way's record-breaking fundraising campaign demonstrates the Mahoning Valley community's commitment to supporting critical social services and emergency response efforts. The funds will allow United Way to deepen its impact across a range of programs that address local needs and strengthen the region.