Grants

2024-2025 GRANT PROCESS

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.