FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United Way Hits $1M Milestone Through Power of The Purse, Opens Local Literacy Grants, Champaign, IL
United Way of Champaign County is proud to announce that the 12th Annual Power of the Purse event, held May 7th at Pear Tree Estate, raised more than $127,000 reaching a historic milestone of $1 million raised since the event’s inception.
More than 400 leaders and committed sponsors of Women United gathered for the inspiring evening dedicated to funding youth literacy initiatives and opportunities for children across the community. Recent 2025 data from local school districts in Champaign, Urbana, Rantoul, and Mahomet shows that more than 71% of third graders are not reading at grade level.
“The need is significant, but we know our literacy programs are working,” said Beverley Baker, President & CEO. “In just one year, we saw a 10% improvement in reading proficiency for 3rd graders across Champaign County. Together—all of us including donors, afterschool partners, literacy partners, and our schools—we are making progress.”
The evening included an entertaining live auction led by Tucker Wood and a colorful silent auction featuring 200 luxury purses and prizes donated by guests and local businesses. Attendees watched a powerful video illustrating both the challenges facing young readers and the improvements happening through the literacy programs funded by United Way of Champaign County.
Proceeds from Power of the Purse 2026 will be distributed through a competitive grant process to local agencies and educators working to improve literacy outcomes for children from ages birth through 3rd grade. We will also continue to fund POP Scholarships at Parkland College. Women United Literacy Grants are now open for eligible nonprofit organizations and education-focused programs serving Champaign County.
Agencies interested in applying should visit our website to review the grant guidelines and submit an application by June 1st, 2026. United Way encourages all eligible organizations with proven literacy programming to apply.