GRANT PROCESS

At United Way Fox Cities, we believe grantmaking is most effective when it’s transparent, community-informed, and focused on long-term impact. Learn about our grant process, what to expect when applying, and how decisions are made. 

United Way Fox Cities raises funds annually through donations from individuals, workplace giving campaigns, and corporate partners. These contributions directly support the programs and initiatives we fund. 

Our model ensures that dollars are invested in the community based on needs and available resources. Because we commit to funding only what we raise, grant decisions are made after our annual fundraising campaign concludes—typically in March—with funding disbursed starting in May. 

This allows us to:

  • Align grantmaking with actual dollars raised
  • Remain flexible and responsive to emerging needs
  • Maximize the impact of every donor gift
  • Ensure accountability and sustainability across all investments

Annual Grant Application Lifecycle

1. Letter of Intent (LOI)

Organizations submit a short form to confirm alignment with our funding priorities.

2. Full Application Invite

Based on the LOI, selected organizations are invited to submit a full proposal.

3. Scoring & Review

Trained community volunteers review applications using a shared decision-making process.

4. Consensus & Recommendations

Volunteer reviewers discuss scoring and make funding recommendations.

5. Board Approval

Final decisions are reviewed and approved by our Board of Directors.

6. Award Notification & Agreements

Organizations are notified and complete a grant agreement before funds are disbursed.

7. Reporting & Learning

Grantees report on their progress and outcomes. We combine this with community data and feedback to learn, adapt, and continually strengthen our impact strategies.

Please note this is the process for our annual cycle and may not be reflective of other funding opportunities that may be available in the future.

United way funding priorities

We invest in programs that respond to urgent community needs in our four impact areas.

While our four impact areas remain consistent, the specific issues we prioritize may change each year. Refer to each grant opportunity for more detailed information on priorities.

YOUTH OPPORTUNITY

Helping young people realize their full potential

  • Making childcare and early learning more accessible

  • Supporting in-school, afterschool, and summer learning opportunities

  • Promoting early literacy that sparks imagination and growth

  • Helping families nurture each child’s strengths and curiosity

  • Connecting young people with mentors, skills, and career pathways

  • Preparing teens and young adults for college, careers, and leadership

  • Encouraging youth voices to shape stronger communities

HEALTHY COMMUNITY

Improving health and well-being for all

  • Expanding access to health insurance and quality care — especially for underrepresented populations

  • Connecting expecting parents to maternal health and early childhood services

  • Promoting nutrition and food security so families can thrive

  • Supporting mental health awareness and services for all ages

  • Increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe community spaces

  • Providing compassionate recovery resources for those affected by substance misuse

  • Raising awareness and prevention for chronic and infectious diseases

FINANCIAL SECURITY

Creating a stronger financial future for every generation

  • Improving access to technology, continuing education, job training, and career pathways

  • Supporting financial education programs and personalized coaching services

  • Investing in affordable housing solutions and homelessness prevention

  • Connecting individuals to public benefits and free tax preparation resources

  • Helping families build savings and plan for long-term stability

  • Supporting small businesses to strengthen local economies

COMMUNITY RESILIENCY

Addressing urgent needs today for a better tomorrow

  • Operating the 211 helpline for 24/7 crisis and resource support

  • Collaborating with local partners to prepare for and respond to emergencies

  • Sharing tools and information to help people navigate urgent needs

  • Supporting recovery and long-term rebuilding efforts

  • Promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable community practices

  • Mobilizing volunteers and resources at the speed of need

How We Develop Our Process

Our grantmaking framework is built on these principles:

  • Community-Led: We engage community members and partners and leverage data to shape funding priorities, our application, and the decision-making process.

  • Volunteer-Driven: Trained Community Impact volunteers review applications and make recommendations through a collaborative process.

  • Trust-Based: We reduce unnecessary burden by streamlining application and reporting requirements.

  • Transparent: We strive to publish scoring rubrics, share application timelines, and communicate openly with applicants. 

QUESTIONS

Have questions about the process or timeline? Our Community Impact Team is here to help.

Email us at:  grants@unitedwayfoxcities.org

Holiday Hours Update

Please call 211 if you are looking for local resources. 24/7, a real person will answer your call.

Our office will be minimally staffed between December 23, 2024, and January 3, 2025, and there may not be someone available to assist you.

If you are still considering a year-end gift, click the button below. Thank you for making our community brighter! 🌟