Request Funding

New this year, we’ve segmented our grant opportunities, not by Bold Goal, but instead by investment pathway; Community Essentials and Community Building. We will be investing in all three Bold Goals during each grant cycle and providing guidance to new applicants about the appropriate pathway following a Pre-Application Letter.

Community Essentials

• 1 year Investment
• These are safety-net services that ensure all families have access to the critical supports and resources they need today.
• These are programmatic grants that are intended for programs that are meeting immediate needs.
• Examples of programs that align with this investment pathway might include: basic needs and crisis response services, access to daily essentials, and immediate stabilization supports.

Community Building

• 3 year Investment
• These are strategic, long-term partnerships that strengthen systems and create lasting pathways out of poverty.
• These are operational grants that are intended for programs that are collaborative, strategic, and building systems change.
• Examples of programs that align with this investment pathway might include: housing stability and prevention, expansion of access/quality/capacity of early childhood education, workforce development and economic stability and collaborative community health and well-being efforts.

Current Verified Impact Partners have received their pathway notification by email on January 8.

United Way utilizes a multi tiered, volunteer led vetting process with a multi stage application. Beginning in 2027, all programs move through one unified investment cycle with two pathways. Our investment pathways help us evaluate programs based on what they are designed to do, invest strategically across short term needs and long term solutions, and stay agile as community needs change.

• Community Essentials supports immediate needs and stability.
• Community Building supports long term opportunity and systems change.

We also use application tracks to recognize strong performance from current partners. This reduces unnecessary workload while maintaining high expectations for impact and accountability.

• United Way announces the Notice of Funding Availability on December 9, 2025
  • The NOFA outlines eligibility, expectations, and the goals and strategies that guide investment decisions.
  • Current VIPS receive pathway assignment on December 8, 2025
• Organizations express interest (January 5 to 25, 2026)
  • Prospective partners and current partners in the New and Evolving Program track submit a Pre Application Letter for consideration.
  • Current Verified Impact Partners in the Established Program track move directly into the next step.
• Pathway assignment on January 30, 2026
  • United Way assigns each new program to either Community Essentials or Community Building and communicates expectations for that pathway.
• Organizations complete the full Application (February 2 to 22, 2026)
  • Organizations submit the online Application for their assigned pathway.
  • Organizations sign up for coaching sessions with United Way’s Community Impact Team.
  • Organizations sign up for their in-person presentation date and time.
• Internal review and coaching
  • United Way’s Community Impact team reviews Applications for clarity and completeness and holds brief coaching sessions to prepare organizations for the volunteer process.
• External financial review
  • United Way’s Finance Committee and approved community finance professionals assess each organization’s financial health and stability.
• Volunteer training
  • United Way prepares Community Impact Committee (CIC) and Community Investment Review Panel (CIRP) volunteers with training on community data, investment strategies, desired impact, key requirements, and evaluation tools.
• Volunteer evaluation and presentations (April 6 to 24, 2026)
  • CIC and CIRP volunteers review Applications for alignment with United Way’s goals and strategies. Organizations then present their work to volunteers who help steward donor investments.
• Volunteer funding recommendations
  • The Community Investment Review Panel evaluates each program using United Way’s rubric.
  • The Community Impact Committee then reviews these findings against our goals and targets to recommend the programs that will make the greatest impact toward our Bold Goals.
  • These recommendations move forward to the Board of Trustees.
• Board review
  • United Way’s Board of Trustees reviews volunteer recommendations and finalizes all funding decisions.
• United Way communicates final decisions to all applicants by June 26, 2026

Taylor Syvertson, Director of Community Impact

Email: tsyvertson@unitedwaycassclay.org

Direct Phone: 701-532-4604

Ali Ott, Senior Community Impact Manager

Email: aott@unitedwaycassclay.org

Direct Phone: 701-532-4608

In addition to our primary investment process for multi-year grants, United Way considers Community Event Sponsorship requests on a rolling basis from local nonprofit organizations and public agencies. These sponsorships are intended to support events that align with one or more of United Way’s Bold Goals:

• Prevent Hunger and Homelessness Increase access to food and housing for families and youth by supporting efforts that reduce hunger and prevent homelessness.
• Prepare Children to Succeed Help children enter school ready to learn and support students in graduating with the tools they need for college, career, or life.
• Strengthen Families Improve family stability by increasing access to employment, mental health services, and community resources.

We prioritize events that increase awareness of community issues, promote equity, and support long-term impact for individuals and families in Cass and Clay Counties—particularly those that serve primarily low-income, historically underserved, or marginalized populations.

Check out our guidelines for community event sponsorships for more information. You can apply anytime by filling out our application.