LAS VEGAS (June 27, 2023) – United Way of Southern Nevada (UWSN) was presented as
a recipient of $1.2 million in funds through the legislature’s ‘Christmas Tree’ bill, alongside a
wide assortment of other community nonprofits throughout the State of Nevada. Gov. Joe
Lombardo signed SB341 and AB525 on June 16th, amounting to over $110 million directed to
community support by over 70 non-profits and government agencies throughout the state. This
much needed investment in nonprofits, was possible thanks to an appropriations bill that funds a
large range of nonprofits across a variety of sectors including social service, education, public
media, social advocacy, legal services, and more.
“We are so thankful that United Way of Southern Nevada and several of our fantastic
community partners were selected to receive these funds,” said Julian High, President and CEO
of United Way of Southern Nevada. “This funding will afford us the opportunity to expand our
efforts, creating a lasting impact and meaningful change for every Southern Nevadan.”
“Every day, some 650 nonprofit organizations and their 46,000 dedicated employees are
serving their neighbors and communities in every corner of Nevada. From responding to soaring
needs during the pandemic to building a stronger, more inclusive future for all, we count on
Nevada’s nonprofits.” said Miles Dickson, CEO of Nevada GrantLab. “The State’s recent
unprecedented investment is key to supporting the nonprofit sector and strengthening Nevada.”
Other recipients of the bill include UWSN nonprofit partners, Green Our Planet, Spread the
Word Nevada, HopeLink of Southern Nevada, Boys Town Nevada, Inc., and Catholic Charities
of Southern Nevada to name a few.
“We’re grateful to state legislators and the Governor in helping The Center continue our growth
in providing the LGBTQ+ community a safe and affirming space to live authentically,” said John
Waldron, Executive Director of The Center. “This funding affords The Center team the
opportunity to better serve LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as under-resourced families throughout
Nevada, providing advocacy, health and wellness, and connecting people to community.”
“As the largest children’s literacy non-profit in the state, Spread the Word Nevada is thrilled to
be a recipient of this government funding award, which will directly impact Nevada’s children in
need,” said Lisa Habighorst, Co-Founder & CEO of Spread the Word Nevada. “Despite having
distributed more than 7 million free books to children in need since our inception in 2001, our
efforts are far from over. There are still thousands of children that we haven’t been able to reach
yet. This funding will ensure students in low-income communities statewide have adequate
access to the books they need to foster a love of reading at home and in the classroom.”
“Green Our Planet is deeply grateful to the Nevada State Legislature and Governor Lombardo
for approving and signing Nevada State SB341. This support is instrumental in expanding our
GardenConnect and HydroConnect programs, which not only provide STEMworks – accredited
school garden and hydroponics curriculum, but it also helps drive Green Our Planet’s mission to
increase student academic performance in STEM subjects as well as to conserve and protect
the environment through project-based STEM education.” said Tami Lemire, VP of Partnerships
& Impact for Green Our Planet, “Together, and because of support shown by the Legislature
and Governor Lombardo, we can support a generation of environmental stewards and cultivate
food justice, ensuring every child has access to the knowledge and resources needed for a
thriving, sustainable world.”
The CEO Exchange is a collaboration of Southern Nevada’s foremost nonprofit leaders, who
work together to strengthen the social safety net. During the 2023 legislative session, the CEO
Exchange focused on advancing policy that supports food security, housing stability, and health
care—three issues that directly affect quality of life for Southern Nevadans.
Included in the CEO Exchange is Barbara Buckley, Executive Director of Legal Aid Center of
Southern Nevada. “Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada expresses deep gratitude for the
government appropriations dedicated to our organization. This funding will serve as a catalyst
for advancing our mission and making an even greater impact within the community. Our efforts
directly touch the lives of numerous individuals, including abused and neglected children,
victims of domestic violence, and vulnerable individuals under guardianship who face the risk of
exploitation. We are steadfast in our commitment to serving our community and meeting their
needs, and this funding will enable us to extend our reach and positively influence the lives of
countless Nevadans.”