When Jane Conn took the helm as executive director of the United Way of Warren County in May 2024, she brought a wealth of experience in nonprofit management and a genuine passion for community service. Jane is focused on bolstering the nonprofit organizations the United Way supports, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed.
“Nonprofits are the backbone of our community,” Jane says. “They’re the unsung heroes providing essential services to those who need them the most. My goal is to strengthen our partnerships and increase our collective impact. By working together, we can address the challenges facing our neighbors and create lasting change.”
Camp Joy, an experiential learning resource for people of all ages, is one of the many partner agencies of the United Way. Philanthropy Director Stephanie Vorhees reflects, “We are really grateful for our support from the United Way of Warren County. They support our underserved programming, our summer camps and our Outdoor School program. The kiddos who get to come have life-changing experiences, and the United Way’s support truly makes all the difference in the world."
Under her leadership, the United Way has begun to refocus its efforts on fostering deeper connections between nonprofits, funders and community members. One of her key initiatives is to refocus the United Way on its primary goal of supporting these organizations.
“Let the main thing be the main thing,” explains Jane.
The United Way of Warren County is now providing mini-impact grants for special projects, anywhere from $500 - $5,000. Grant applications are available online. Local nonprofit Women Walking West (W3) was a recent mini-impact grant recipient.
W3 Chief of Operations and Development, Dr. Fatemeh Hajihosseini, shares, "Leadership training at Camp Joy provided our 11 mentees with invaluable life experiences about themselves and their peers."
Historically, fundraising focused on the United Way’s annual campaign, the primary fundraising effort to support its grants and community initiatives. This year’s campaign is more important than ever as nonprofits navigate challenges posed by the economic climate and rising costs.
Jane notes that they are expanding their vision of fundraising beyond the annual campaign.
“We are always campaigning,” Jane shares. “For us to grow and expand, we will allow organizations to decide which month works best for them to campaign or donate.”
As the United Way embarks on this new chapter, they’re calling on community members to support their mission. Jane encourages residents to connect their workplaces to the United Way to lead employee contributions and encourage their employers to donate directly. Whether through donations, volunteering time or spreading the word, every contribution matters.
With the arrival of Jane Conn, the United Way of Warren County is poised for an exciting new chapter that promises to continue its legacy of support for local nonprofits and to expand its impact.
Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more resilient community for generations to come. To learn more and get involved in the annual campaign, visit UWWCOH.org.
United Way of Warren County Partner Agencies:
Abilities First, American Red Cross, Camp Joy, Cancer Family Care, Family Promise of Warren County, Franklin Area Community Services, Kings Local Food Pantry, Lebanon Food Pantry, Little Miami Food Pantry, SAFE on Main, Warren County Community Services, Wayne Township Community Aid