Four local nonprofits will pitch their programs for a share of $105,000 in funding at United Way of the Plains' annual Impact on the Plains competition on Sept. 17.

The Shark Tank-style event puts finalists on stage before an expected crowd of more than 400 and a panel of community judges at Textron Aviation Activity Center. Cocktails begin at 5 p.m., with the program starting at 6 p.m.

United Way selected the four finalists from dozens of applicants, according to a Sept. 1, announcement. The organization has not yet publicly named the competing nonprofits. Applications closed at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, and finalists were notified Monday, Aug. 31.

The first-place winner will receive $40,000. Second place earns $30,000, third place $20,000 and fourth place $10,000. Attendees also get a say: a separate $5,000 People's Choice Award goes to the finalist who wins the audience vote.

"These finalists are bringing that entrepreneurial spirit to their work, developing approaches that challenge traditional ways of doing things and creating new opportunities for our neighbors to thrive," Marty Baumbach, United Way of the Plains vice president of community impact, said in the announcement.

The competition also ran in 2025. Last year's event, held Sept. 18, 2025, awarded its top prize to Cairn Health for a charitable pharmacy program that provides lower-cost or free prescriptions to people without insurance. The Pando Initiative took second place and the People's Choice Award for Realidad U, a bilingual financial education program. CarePortal placed third for its GO Project, and oneCommunity finished fourth for its Child Development Network.

Sponsors for the 2026 event include Textron Aviation, Koch Industries, Kansas Health Foundation, Meritrust Credit Union, Hutton and Cordell Wealth Management. Additional sponsors include Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas, Kansas Leadership Center and Wichita Public Schools, according to the event page.

Tickets are available through Thursday, Sept. 10, on the United Way of the Plains website. Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the Sept. 17 event.