Apply for funding

Step One - Letter of Intent: The application for funding process begins with the Letter of Intent (LOI). The LOI is designed as a preparation and screening tool and is open to all organizations incorporated as a non-profit organization by the state of Ohio who have tax- status under IRS code 501(c) 3. Programs must serve Stark and/or Carroll County Ohio residents. In addition to a concise program description, the LOI should convey how the program aligns with the UWGSC investment priority, what community need is addressed by the program and how UWGSC funds will be used to operate the program.

Letters of Intent will be evaluated by a council of volunteer-citizen reviewers (United Community Impact Council). Their recommendations are forwarded to the volunteer leadership of United Way. These volunteer leaders make final recommendations for programs to be invited to continue in the application process by submitting a full Request for Proposal.

Step Two - Request for Proposal: The Request for Proposal (RFP) is issued by invitation to organizations that succeed in the LOI process. The RFP provides detailed content including the program’s use of best practices/evidence-based models, goals and objectives, operations, partner roles, and budget. Proposal evaluations are conducted by volunteer-citizen reviewers (United Community Impact Council) using a standardized rubric. If additional clarification is needed, applicants may be asked to provide a brief virtual presentation to reviewers. Reviewers’ recommendations are forwarded to the volunteer leadership for consideration. These volunteer leaders make funding recommendations to the Board of Directors which makes all final funding determinations.

New agencies – those not funded within the last two years – may be subject to an Agency Review. The Agency Review process is a biennial assessment of the health and stability of an agency. Volunteers with expertise in finance or administration review pertinent agency documentation and conduct interviews with applicants.

United Way’s Secondary Priority: To improve the household stability of parents/caregivers of young children by providing immediate economic supports.

Meeting the emergency and basic needs of community members remains of great concern to United Way. Current basic needs funded partners will continue to receive funding through March 2025. These programs provide homeless and domestic violence shelters, utility assistance, mortgage/rent payment, food, health care, and safety.

Thus, no applications for our secondary priority (basic needs) will be accepted during this application process. Instead, applications will be available in fall 2024 for funding to begin in April 2025. Available funding for our Secondary Priority is contingent upon the annual fundraising campaign.