KEARNEY, Neb. - The Kearney Area United Way is pausing grants and restructuring its organization in response to financial pressures, staffing changes, and a continued drop in donations.

The organization announced Wednesday that it will temporarily pause grants to partner agencies, citing unsustainable reliance on reserve funds after recent fundraising campaigns fell short.

“Our community’s generosity has always been the foundation of our work,” said Paul Downey, Board President of United Way of the Kearney Area. “These changes are necessary to protect that legacy and position United Way to continue serving our neighbors well into the future.”

Executive Director Savannah Lyon called it a difficult but necessary move, emphasizing the organization will continue honoring donor-directed contributions while working toward a more efficient model.

“This restructuring gives us the opportunity to strengthen and refocus on what we do best—connecting people in need with the incredible resources available in the Kearney community. It’s a positive step toward ensuring we can continue making a meaningful impact for years to come,” said Lyon in a news release. 

United Way says it remains committed to serving the Kearney community, having invested nearly $2 million into local health, education, and financial stability programs over the past six years.

The organization also saying on Facebook they informed the city late last summer that they would not be able to have their annual fireworks show again this year, also due to a lack of volunteer support.