United Way of Central Oklahoma launched its 2026 fundraising drive with $2,662,500 already raised through early workplace campaigns.
Campaign co-chairs Peter and Hillary Farrell announced the Pacesetter total at a block-party-style event at Oklahoma City Innovation Hall, 316 NE 9th St., according to United Way of Central Oklahoma. Presbyterian Health Foundation sponsored the morning celebration, which drew corporate teams, nonprofit leaders and volunteers under the banner "Rooted in Community: United in Hope."
The $2.66 million came from 57 Pacesetter organizations that run workplace campaigns from June through August, building momentum for more than 500 fall campaigns across central Oklahoma. Longtime Pacesetter chair David Harlow led the effort. Participating companies and nonprofits include Arvest Bank, BancFirst, OG&E, American Fidelity, Ernst & Young, The Homeless Alliance, The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command, YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City and YWCA Oklahoma City.
At the June 4 Pacesetter Games, Harlow framed the stakes: "In 2025, Pacesetters and Employee Campaign Coordinators played a key role by raising more than $3 million … That is approximately 20% of the overall campaign total which was more than $19 million to help fund human and health services for Central Oklahomans in need."
The 2025 campaign raised $19,553,414 for 66 partner agencies, according to United Way of Central Oklahoma.
Two Wayfinder Innovation Grants totaling $220,000 were also unveiled at the Sept. 15 event. City Rescue Mission, partnering with City Care, received $185,000 for a system that simplifies how families experiencing homelessness navigate services. Alpha Community Foundation received $35,000 to establish Oklahoma City's first coordinated My Brother's Keeper community framework.
The Wayfinder program awards up to $250,000 each year to local nonprofits. Finalists pitch their ideas in a Shark Tank-style presentation to volunteer community leaders, who make the final funding decision. Since 2019, the program has directed $1,577,960 to 21 health and human services programs across central Oklahoma.
The event also celebrated the 2026 Fellows Class, chaired by David Williams. Board President Mark Funke and board member David Ortloff joined KOCO 5 News anchor Kylie Walker in a Route 66-themed remote control car race, while DJ LiTEBRiTE provided music and guests explored a "Partner Agency Road Map" highlighting community impact.
Residents interested in supporting the campaign can sign up for workplace giving at unitedwayokc.org. More than 500 workplace campaigns are scheduled to run this fall.
Upcoming community events:
- Oklahoma State Fair opens Thursday, Sept. 17, at State Fair Park
- United Way workplace campaigns run through fall 2026; sign up at unitedwayokc.org
