FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: United Way of Southwest Virginia Awarded $500,000 Grant from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to Strengthen Disaster Recovery and Preparedness
Abingdon, VA [December 1, 2025] – United Way of Southwest Virginia is proud to announce the receipt of a transformative two-year, $500,000 grant from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP). This funding will sustain and expand the work of the United Recovery Force: Disaster Division, ensuring that local families and communities continue to receive vital support for long term disaster recovery while also strengthening preparedness and mitigation efforts for the future. Over the past year, United Way’s Disaster Division has been on the ground helping families rebuild and recover after Hurricane Helene and Winter Storm Jett.
With this new investment from CDP, United Way will not only continue its critical disaster recovery work but will also grow its capacity to prepare communities for future emergencies, reduce risks, and build resilience across Southwest Virginia. “This grant is a testament to the resilience of our community and the incredible dedication of our volunteers, staff, and partners who have worked tirelessly to respond when our neighbors needed us most,” said Megan Parks, Executive Director of United Way of Southwest Virginia. “Our region has endured unimaginable challenges, and yet, because of the strength of our people and the generosity of partners like the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, we can ensure that Southwest Virginia is not only recovering but preparing to thrive in the face of future disasters.”
The United Recovery Force: Disaster Division is engaged in both the immediate response after disaster strikes, as well as remaining active and seeking solutions for long-term recovery efforts. United Way of Southwest Virginia has assisted families with emergency housing, provided essential supplies, coordinated volunteer clean-up efforts, and connected survivors with critical long-term recovery resources. With CDP’s investment, the program will now take proactive steps, such as community education, resilience planning, provision of emergency kits to families, and risk mitigation strategies, to reduce the impact of future disasters on families and communities.
“As disasters increase in frequency and intensity, investing in preparedness and risk mitigation is critical,” said Cari Cullen, program officer for domestic funds at CDP. “CDP is pleased to support the United Way of Southwest Virginia’s efforts to help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters, ensuring that families can withstand future storms and rebuild stronger.”
United Way of Southwest Virginia extends heartfelt gratitude to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy for its leadership and investment, and to the many local partners and volunteers who make this work possible. Together, we are building a future where our region is not only ready to respond but equipped to recover and grow stronger with every challenge. For more information about United Way of Southwest Virginia’s disaster recovery and preparedness efforts, or to learn how you can get involved, please visit The United Recovery Force: Disaster Division site.
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United Way of Southwest Virginia fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Southwest Virginia because they are the building blocks for a good quality of life. United Way convenes cross-sector partners to make an impact on the most complex problems in our region. Through collaboration with government, businesses, nonprofits, and individuals, United Way innovates for positive, lasting social change. With a footprint that covers more than 20% of the state of Virginia, United Way of Southwest Virginias serve the counties of Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe, and the cities of Bristol, Galax, Norton, and Radford.
Media Contact:
Megan Parks, Executive Director, United Way of Southwest Virginia
276-628-2160
Unitedwayswva.org