(Stark and Carroll Counties, Ohio) October 1, 2021 – United Way of Greater Stark County will open its grant application process on October 8, 2021, for a 12-month funding cycle.
United Way will seek applications from programs that align with its investment priorities in Youth Success, Childhood Success and Access to Health. United Way will prioritize aligned programs that target childhood poverty by serving families living in areas of concentrated poverty, families of color and/or families living under the ALICE threshold.
Funding will be determined through a competitive process conducted by its volunteer-citizen panels. To be eligible to apply for funding, organizations must be incorporated as a non-profit organization by the state of Ohio and have tax- status under IRS code 501(c) 3. Programs must serve Carroll and or Stark County residents. The timeline for applications is as below.
Timeline for Request for Funding:
10/08/2021: OPEN – Letter of Intent available (Link to submit the LOI into our e-CImpact software site will be available on Oct. 8)
10/08/2021: 9AM: Virtual training session on Letter of Intent content & software (recording will be posted)
10/15/2021: 9AM: Virtual training session on agency review for new agency applicants only
10/30/2021: DEADLINE – Letter of Intent due
11/19/2021: OPEN – Eligible programs invited to submit Request for Proposal
12/19/2021: DEADLINE – Request for Proposal due
3/31/2022: NOTIFICATION – Programs notified of funding award
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.
- In addition to a concise program description, the LOI should convey how the program aligns with health and education investment priorities, what community need is addressed by the program, and how United Way funds will be used to operate the program.
- LOIs will be evaluated by a council of volunteer-citizen reviewers (United Community Impact Council). Their recommendations are forwarded to the volunteer leadership of the Community Impact division (Community Investment Committee). These subject-matter experts, community leaders and council chair/vice chairs make final recommendations regarding invitations for full proposals.
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 response to volunteer reviewers. Reviewers’ recommendations are forwarded to volunteer leadership of the Community Impact division (Community Investment Committee) for consideration. These volunteer leaders make funding recommendations to the Board of Directors. Based on available funding, the Board of Directors makes all final funding determinations.
- New agencies must also successfully complete an Agency Review before they can submit an RFP. The Agency Review process is a biennial assessment of the health and stability of an agency. Volunteers with expertise in administration and/or finance review pertinent agency documentation and conduct interviews with applicants. Agencies that applied for funding for 2021-2022 do not need to complete Agency Reviews for this funding opportunity.
Please join us October 8 for a virtual training session. Pre-registration is required, and capacity is limited. To ensure a fair funding process, we cannot meet individually with organizations.
Visit uwstark.org/rfp to register and learn more.
About United Way of Greater Stark County
For nearly 100 years, United Way of Greater Stark County has served Stark and Carroll Counties. During that time, we have continued to build a better, equitable community where every person has the potential for a healthier life, a better education and more financial stability. We look to the future through our investment priorities, which ensure our community will have the foundation it needs to thrive: Access to Health, Childhood Success, Youth Success, Economic Mobility and Basic Housing Needs. With the support of volunteers, community partners and donors, we invest donor dollars efficiently and effectively into local community programs serving the most critical needs. Learn more at uwstark.org.
###