Making an Impact: Hickman County

Hickman County, nestled in the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee, is a community rich in natural beauty and heritage. Known for its scenic rivers, state parks and charming small towns, Hickman County offers a peaceful retreat with a close-knit community atmosphere. The county’s commitment to preserving its rural character while fostering growth and opportunity makes it an appealing destination for both residents and businesses. It’s a unique place to live and work, and we take pride in collaborating with local residents, businesses and nonprofits to build brighter futures for our neighbors.

A look at our work.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Each year, United Way volunteers help thousands of low-income and at-risk taxpayers prepare their taxes through the VITA free tax prep program. In 2025, we offer in-person VITA tax prep at the Bernard Community Center as well as a virtual option. 

CARE Grant Hickman 
The Hickman County Health Council and United Way received a $250,000 grant to repair and upgrade five community centers across Hickman County. These improvements have allowed the centers to provide expanded programming for youth and senior citizens. This meaningful prevention work earned this project a Bright Spot Award from the Department of Human Services in 2024.   

SNAP E&T
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training (E&T) helps eligible participants achieve their vocational goals and increase self-sufficiency through funded education, skills training and supportive services. Funded by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS), and the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD), UWGN plays a pivotal role as the statewide intermediary, in connecting eligible SNAP recipients to training providers offering essential soft skills and industry specific training. Through collaboration with multiple partners, UWGN aims to focus its efforts on addressing skilled labor shortages that align with the in-demand job sectors of healthcare, manufacturing hospitality and tourism to assist individuals with achieving economic self-sufficiency through skill-building, education, and employment. To learn more about how to become a partner, please contact us.

HIV/AIDS Initiative
Through Ryan White Part B and CDC Prevention funding, we are able to address health-related disparities that can help reduce HIV/AIDS-related morbidity by funding vital prevention and care services. We work with community-based clinics and care providers to link individuals to medical services, dental care, and vital supportive services. Serving over 3,000 individuals statewide with Ryan White Part B funding and over 4,000 with CDC Prevention funding, our partners provide clients suffering from mental health issues and chronic disease with resources to manage their conditions so they can live healthy, productive lives. Area care provider is: Columbia CARES.

Financial Empowerment Center
The Nashville Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) offers one-on-one, financial counseling to residents across the Greater Nashville area. In collaboration with the Nashville Mayor’s Office, the FEC helps individuals transition from financial instability to empowerment by developing positive savings habits, improving credit scores, and reducing debt burdens. With counseling sessions offered by phone, in-person, and now virtually, the FEC is accessible to those in surrounding communities as well. Please contact us at 615.748.3620 today to start your journey towards financial independence!

Hands On Volunteer Opportunities
Community volunteers can team up with local nonprofits to complete projects that enhance their work and help serve our most vulnerable neighbors. Visit the Hands On website to find your opportunity!

Days of Action
United Way’s Days of Action are community-wide volunteer opportunities. Each year, thousands of volunteers come together to support our work and improve the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors through initiatives such as Stuff the Bus and Give Thanks. 

211 Helpline
211 is a free and confidential service helping people find the local resources they need for help in times of crisis and beyond. 211 Navigators are available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST, to provide tailored guidance for those in need. Resources are accessible 24/7 on the 211 website. Click here to learn more or search for services in your area. 

Funded Partners

Our Community Impact Funding process mobilizes resources to provide results-oriented funding to 24 nonprofit agencies serving Hickman County. Funding recommendations are made by a dedicated group of community volunteers and are approved by our board of trustees. In 2023, we put $134,554 back into Hickman County through our Community Impact Funding.

View our Funded Partners in Hickman County on the Funded Partners page where you can filter by county.