Apply now for grant funding eligibility from United Way

We have opened the one-year grant process for 2013-14 for local non-profits. The current grant funding cycle will provide grants between $25,000 and $100,000 for projects that help local people in need connect with services in education, financial stability and health and well-being.

“Many individuals and families throughout our region continue to struggle, particularly given our persistently stagnant economic climate,” said Zeke Smith, chief impact officer. “We recognize the incredible work many nonprofits in our community are doing to address these issues and encourage organizations to see if they are a good fit for United Way funding.”

Grants will focus on the areas that help build a strong, connected and engaged community:

o   Education: Middle school success, high school completion and post-secondary transition.

o   Financial Stability: Employment and housing supports.

o   Health and Well-Being: Family health, healthy relationships, mental health and oral health.

Grant funding is open to organizations serving residents of Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties in Oregon and/or Clark County in Washington.

The process begins with an online Request for Qualifications (RFQ), which allows organizations to demonstrate their basic eligibility to be funded by us. The RFQ application is due by November 30, 2012. Organizations that are eligible to receive funding from United Way will then be invited to submit a proposal with more details about their project during the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. After an evaluation process, grant funding will be distributed July 1, 2013 and will last for one fiscal year.

To reduce barriers to applying, especially for organizations that have never before applied for United Way funding, we will offer an online webinar on October 31 to go over eligibility requirements as well as hold free work sessions in each county beginning in January 2013. Detailed Frequently Asked Questions are also available online and our staff will be available to answer questions along the way.

Thanks to Cornerstone Partners, companies that cover our overhead costs, 100% of all private donations go directly to support grant-funded projects. We are highly rated by Charity Navigator, GuideStar and the Better Business Bureau for the wise use of funds.

To learn more and start the process, visit our website.