As spring approaches, our United Way has gotten many inquiries on the timeline regarding applications for 2021 funding. This blog post will explain everything you need to know about applying for funding from the United Way of Southern West Virginia for your non-profit’s 2021 programming.
First, our Board of Directors has issues a statement regarding types of 501c3 organizations that we do not fund:
As of 2020, United Way of Southern West Virginia does not fund recreational or youth sports leagues or complexes,
parks and recreation, libraries, foundations, animal services, capital improvements, religious
organizations or governmental entities.
Last year, we had a series of grant application workshops open to any non-profit organization interested in becoming a United Way funded agency. We will not be hosting these workshops again this year due to staffing re-organization and other factors. If you have any questions regarding the application itself, you may reach out to Christina, Community Impact Coordinator, whose information will be listed at the bottom of this page.
Another change to this year’s application is that we will NOT be differentiating between ‘Safety Net’ and ‘Community Impact’ programs. There will be one version of the funding application. Each organization (operating under an independent 501c3) may complete ONE application for funding; however, if funding support is being requested for multiple programs within that organization, the organization will have the opportunity to detail each program as a part of their application for funding support. Again, organizations may only complete ONE application, but the application may include requests for multiple programs.
This year, we are also implementing a funding request cap of $25,000. This does NOT mean that any approved applicants will receive that maximum amount of funding. We want to remain transparent with our agencies and applicants. Due to the lengthy process involved in approving our grant applications, we want applicants to have realistic expectations on the award amount they may receive, if approved. The average size of grants given by our United Way is between $2,500-7,500.
Application Timeline:
Application posted on www.unitedwayswv.org and open to applicants: March 30, 2020
Application closes – NO EXTENSIONS WILL BE GRANTED: 4pm on May 22, 2020
Site Visits and Grants Reviewed: June-September 2020
Decisions should be made no later than January 2021.
Any and all questions regarding our 2021 Grant Funding Process should be directed to Christina Cowley, Community Impact Coordinator. The best way to reach her is via e-mail at ccowley@unitedwayswv.org but phone calls may also be made to our office at 304-253-2111.
