United Way of Clark Champaign and Madison Counties supports organizations serving individuals in our three-county area through an annual competitive grant process.
The application window is open from January 15 through February 28 each year, and 501c3 organizations, schools and government agencies are welcome to apply.
UWCCMC welcomes grant applications in two categories: Thrive in Five and Crisis Services.
- About Thrive in Five: Recognizing the power of early intervention, the focus of this initiative is on early childhood development and kindergarten readiness. A long-term goal is to support building a community mindset focused on Cradle-to-Career support of local youth.
- About Crisis Services: In times of crisis, no one should feel alone and without support. United Way will continue its work to provide grant funding to services uplifting individuals needing immediate support for things like food, shelter, housing assistance, mental health and more.
All applications will be reviewed by committees comprised of a cross-section of involved, knowledgeable local individuals who will recommend to the UWCCMC Board of Directors how each year’s funds should be allocated. The Board of Directors makes the final determination as to where funds will be allocated.
Grant applicants will receive grant offers or declination letters in June. Grant contracts run from July 1 through June 30 the following year. Most grant funds will be distributed evenly through the 12 months.
The funds from United Way’s annual giving campaign – during which local individuals, businesses and organizations contribute to the county of their choice – are the source for supporting grant recipients. The yearly grant funding available varies based on donations and other income toward each annual campaign.
Have questions about United Way’s annual competitive grant process? Contact Senior Director of Community Impact Natalie Driscoll at 937-324-5551 or ndriscoll@uwccmc.org.
2026-2027 Grant Process
Grant Application
Budget Template
2-1-1 Agency Form
6 Month Report
DUE: DECEMBER 15, 2026
Year End Report
DUE: JUNE 15, 2027
Unity Fund Grant Application
Grant Application
Application Guidelines
What does United Way Fund
Organizations that work in one of our three Impact Areas:
EDUCATION
Helping Youth Achieve Their Potential
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Supporting Birth to 5 Development
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Early Grade Reading Proficiency
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Graduation & Educational Success
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Leadership and Asset Development
FINANCIAL STABILITY
Promoting Financial Stability & Moving Toward Financial Stability
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Rent/Utilities
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Emergency Housing
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Permanent Housing
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Managing Money & Other Resources
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Training for Success
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Supporting Employment Success
HEALTH
Improving Health & Decreasing Risky Behaviors
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Access to Healthcare
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Healthy Choices
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Safe Homes, Communities & Neighborhoods
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Prevention
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Mental Health
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Healthy Beginnings
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Healthy Eating & Exercise
If my program is outside of the Impact Areas that United Way Funds, can I still apply?
Funding is not limited to those specific categories listed. However, before you apply for funding, we strongly recommend reaching out to United Way to discuss your application.
Does my organization have to be located in Clark, Champaign, or Madison Counties?
Non-profit organizations are invited to apply in each of our three counties, as long as they have a presence in that county. To be eligible for funding, non-profits must serve residents in one of our three counties. The organization’s headquarters does not have to be located in Clark, Champaign, or Madison counties, but its program(s) must serve those who live in one of the three counties.
Is my organization eligible to apply for funding?
All applicant organizations must serve the residents of Clark, Champaign, and Madison Counties. The applicant organizations must be exempt from income taxes as determined by the Internal Revenue Code, under section 501(c)3. Applicant organizations must have a governing board and provide services without discrimination.
What is the Grant Funding Cycle and how does it work?
The Grant Funding Cycle starts with raising money through the Annual Campaign. Then, local organizations apply for funding. Once the application deadline arrives, the applications are reviewed, evaluated and discussed by committees of local community volunteers who then recommend the allocations to the board. The allocation recommendation must be approved by the United Way of Clark, Champaign, and Madison Counties’ Board of Directors.
How is the funding for each program determined?
Each year, United Way has an Annual Campaign where funds are raised for the Grant Funding Cycle and for non-profits designated by donors. All funds raised in a county, stay in that county and are allocated accordingly. From the United Way Annual Campaign, funds that are not already designated by donors are allocated to non-profits through the Grant Funding Cycle. Applications are reviewed, evaluated and discussed by committees of local community volunteers who then recommend the allocations to the United Way of Clark, Champaign, and Madison Counties’ Board of Directors. The allocation recommendations must be approved by the board. The non-profits who receive a grant are selected from the group of applicants based on their programs and application.
When will funding decisions be sent out?
In early June, those organizations that are selected to receive funds will be sent a Grant Agreement and those are due back to United Way by June 30.