United Way of Greater Chattanooga today announced the launch of the Impact Cohort — its first-ever multi-year funding collaborative, involving a three-year, $6.6 million investment in 19 local nonprofit partners.
Officials said, "Each organization plays a unique role in delivering whole-family services intended to ensure economically vulnerable families can thrive.
"The Impact Cohort represents a strategic shift in how United Way of Greater Chattanooga invests in long-term, community-driven change.
The selected nonprofits serve ALICE households—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—particularly those with children with a two-generational approach that addresses the needs of both caregivers and kids. Funding decisions were made through a rigorous process involving more than 60 trained volunteer reviewers and the United Way of Greater Chattanooga Board of Directors.
"The most recent ALICE data shows that nearly 11,000 households with children in Hamilton County are struggling to afford basic needs like housing, transportation, childcare and healthcare, despite being employed. The Impact Cohort is designed to support families in this financial gap, many of whom do not qualify for public assistance but still face barriers to stability."
“As we deepen our understanding of our community, especially our ALICE neighbors, our strategy is evolving too,” said Abby Garrison, vice president of Community Investments at United Way of Greater Chattanooga. “We know that whole-family solutions require a whole-community, long-term approach. That’s why we’re making this multi-year investment. It’s more than funding. It’s partnership, shared goals, and long-term commitment to meaningful change.”
Officials said, "Each of the 19 organizations brings a unique perspective and service model to the cohort, from early learning and financial empowerment to mental health care and workforce development. Together, these partners will create a connected network of support that reflects the real-world needs of working families in the region.
"The three-year structure encourages innovation, collaboration and stability among participating organizations, allowing them to plan and scale impact over time. This initiative is part of United Way’s broader 2030 Impact Agenda, which focuses on regional collaboration, smarter investments, and improved transparency to build long-term opportunity for families across the region."
The Impact Cohort includes: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga, Chambliss Center for Children, Chattanooga 2.0, Chattanooga Area Food Bank, Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise LLC, Crabtree Farms of Chattanooga, First Things First, Girls Inc. of Chattanooga, La Paz, LAUNCH, Legal Aid of East Tennessee, LifeSpring Community Health, Medicos Mission Fund, The Momentum Network, Northside Neighborhood House, Partnership for Families, Children and Adults, Signal Centers Inc., Siskin Children's Institute and YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga.
To learn more about the Impact Cohort, visit unitedwaycha.org/impact-cohort, and to see the list of funded partners, visit unitedwaycha.org/fundedpartners.
"United Way of Greater Chattanooga will share stories and updates from the Impact Cohort over the next three years," officials said. "To support these efforts and invest in long-term solutions for local families, visit unitedwaycha.org/give today."