Community Cornerstone Award

This award recognizes a company who is ‘all-in’ in its support of the community and Metro United Way, generating impact through its financial investments, leadership and employee engagement, and volunteer participation.

Learn More about the nominees:

Dynacraft - Dynacraft is not only one of the greatest financial supporters of MUW's workplace campaign but also one of the most enthusiastic. From reserved parking for MUW leadership donors to engaging employee presentations, they foster a culture of giving. Employee Campaign Leaders Britney and Kenny are fantastic partners, and their 27 leadership donors highlight their commitment. Dynacraft donates over $200,000 annually to MUW, with lifetime giving nearing $2 million. As a PACCAR subsidiary, they extend their support through PACCAR Parts as well. Dynacraft truly embodies what it means to be a community partner.

Fifth Third Bank - Fifth Third's support of programs that create strong, vibrant communities and provide pathways to opportunity aligns well with MUW's mission. They are one of the largest supporters of MUW's workplace campaign, and the campaign is supported by Fifth Third employees throughout the entire company. Lealia Evans, Kimberley Halbauer, Adam Hall, Kristel Jensen, Tiffani Jett, Roberta Sherlock, Scarlett Shine, and Danielle Sullivan all volunteered their time in support of MUW in 2024. Beyond their campaign, Fifth Third collected diapers for St. Bernadette's and invited us to speak at their Women's Business Resource Group event.

Norton Healthcare - Norton Healthcare goes above and beyond to connect employees with the nonprofit partners they support. They host 8-10 engagement fairs across their locations, providing food and prizes to encourage participation. These events create meaningful opportunities for employees to give back, reinforcing a strong culture of community support, ultimately benefitting kids and families in our region.

Yum! Brands - The YUM! Brands corporation has been a strong leading corporation that has given more than $26 Million in their lifetime history of donations. In addition to their employee campaign, they provide a $100k Corporate donation, were a founding supporter of our Black L.O.V.E. Philanthropic Partner work providing a $75,000 for a 3-year corporate grant commitment and have been our Presenting Sponsor of the Greatest Give back for a $25,000 support level benefit. Lastly, we have strong support with our Board member Patrick Cody who is a Tocqueville Society member and strongly advocates for Metro United Way's mission.

Changing the Narrative Award

This award recognizes a company, organization or individual who has been critical in advancing Metro United Way’s ability to elevate the awareness of equity-related issues and improve equitable outcomes in the community through contributions of time, energy, ideas and financial support.

Learn More about the Nominees:

20/Twenty Strategic Consultants - Carl Williams, through his leadership at 20/Twenty Strategic Consultants, empowers nonprofits with strategic guidance to achieve sustainable growth and impact. With over 20 years of experience, Carl has reshaped the narrative around nonprofit development by focusing on equity, innovation, and long-term success. His work helps organizations strengthen their leadership, build capacity, and drive systemic change, aligning with Metro United Way's mission to promote equity and social justice. They've received extremely positive reviews from the current Black L.O.V.E. Philanthropic Partner cohort.

Blueprint 502 (formerly YouthBuild Louisville) - Blueprint 502 has been a leader in creating career opportunities for young adults of color through the Generation Work initiative, facilitated by Kentuckiana Works in partnership with the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the National Fund for Workforce Solutions. They began by providing education and training in construction and have expanded to fields like culinary arts and nursing. Blueprint 502 also helps create inclusive workplaces and shares best practices to help employers diversify their workforce. Their contributions have shaped a valuable toolkit benefiting both service providers and employers, driving meaningful change in workforce development.

Hip Hop Into Learning (HHN2L, Inc.) - HHN2L uses Hip Hop culture to drive structural change, particularly for marginalized youth. Their innovative approach deeply connects with young people who might otherwise feel disengaged from academic success. Through creative and culturally relevant methods, HHN2L plays a significant role in reshaping the narrative around youth engagement and education.

New Americans Initiative - NAI has been a backbone support for the newly formed Louisville Coalition for Immigrant support, which is mobilizing to promote equity for all residents amidst changing practices and policies that will create more precarity for immigrant families. They have been instrumental in forming the coalition into a group with defined mission, objectives, and working group structure, of which MUW has been able to participate. They have helped connect the group with efforts happening across the state and facilitating ideas and progress between cities, as well as facilitating national resources and information that will help our local community be safer.