United Way of Central Iowa recently invested more than $518,000 in 26 of its nonprofit partners to meet the continuing needs of the coronavirus pandemic. The funding was the second distribution of $1.8 million that was planned for COVID-19 relief, and is on top of the $22.2 million the agency is distributing throughout the community in the fiscal year that ends June 30. The recent investments are aimed at meeting the community’s most pressing needs by supporting United Way of Central Iowa’s partners and central Iowa’s most vulnerable residents. According to a news release, the decisions for the recent investment were based on the advice and direction of community experts in the organization’s five elements of a thriving community: essential needs, early childhood success, education success, economic opportunity, and health and well-being “Health and human services nonprofits in our community are critical partners for reaching and supporting children, adults, and families in central Iowa who may otherwise not receive it,” said Elisabeth Buck, president of United Way of Central Iowa. “We know this dedicated investment will help fill the gaps and enhance the delivery of in-person or virtual services and programming right now.” The list of nonprofit partners receiving funding are included in the release.