Who is eligible to apply?  

Nonprofit organizations led by a Black CEO or President, or have a Board of Directors comprised of 51%+ Black members may apply if they have operated for at least two years and provide programs for children ages 0–8 and their families in Stark County, Carroll County, or both. 

Organizations must have less than $500,000 in annual revenue and less than $500,000 in total assets, based on the organization’s most recently completed fiscal year 

Organizations must also be incorporated as a nonprofit organization in Ohio and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code 

What organizations are not eligible?  

Organizations are not eligible if they have operated for fewer than two years or do not have tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 

Programs must serve families with children ages 0–8 in Stark County, Carroll County, or both. Priority will be given to programs reaching families in neighborhoods with the highest rates of childhood poverty. 

Organizations applying through a fiscal sponsor, as part of a collaborative proposal, or for a program operated by more than one organization should contact United Way before submitting an interest form to confirm eligibility and identify the appropriate applicant. 

What priority areas are funded?  

Programs should align with either, or both, of United Way’s priority areas.

The Strong Start priority is focused on lessening or preventing the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) during early childhood (ages 0-8) among those who live under the federal poverty level. Programming should help children build skills by supporting developmental milestone to ensure a strong start early in life. Aligned programming will work to help young children build skills and strengthen relationships with caring adults. Examples include early childhood education, home visiting, parenting support, mentoring with a social-emotional component, after-school programming with a social-emotional component, and school or community-based violence prevention.

Household Stability priority helps to improve the household stability of parents/caregivers by providing immediate economic supports that help to prevent long-term harm. Aligned programming provides families with economic resources to manage household challenges, reduce stress and focus on their family’s future. Examples of programming include food assistance, health care, housing supports and safety, emergency rent/utility assistance, or crisis and trauma counseling and support.

Other approaches may be eligible if they clearly support these priority areas.

What is the average funding amount and award period?  

Maximum grant amount is $10,000 with funding awarded for one-year. Multi-year funding requests will not be considered.  

What can grant dollars be used for? 

Small-grant funds may support program personnel, materials, staff training, rental or facility costs, evaluation, and other resources directly connected to the proposed program. Funds may not be used for capital expenses or participant incentives beyond a nominal amount. Applicants should describe how each requested expense supports the program. 

How are applications reviewed?  

A volunteer-led committee reviews eligible applications for alignment with United Way’s funding priority, stated goals, proposed activities, and community impact. The committee makes funding recommendations to United Way’s Board of Directors, which makes the final funding decisions. 

Can new organizations apply?  

Yes, organizations not currently funded are encouraged to apply as long as they align with the eligibility criteria. All interested applicants are required to attend one of the in-person meet and greet events to obtain more details. Organizations must also complete an agency review conducted by United Way volunteers to determine application eligibility. 

What is an agency review?  

The agency review confirms that an organization is eligible and ready to manage United Way funding. United Way’s Agency Review Process helps ensure community investments are managed responsibly by assessing each organization’s overall health, stability, and capacity, including governance, financial management, strategic planning, and infrastructure. Volunteers then provide recommendations on agency status and organizational strength. Agency Review is part of the funding qualification process and helps determine eligibility for initial and continued funding. It is typically conducted at the beginning of a funding cycle for prospective funded partners and, once funded, continues on a biennial schedule every other year. 

Required materials, interview expectations, and instructions for submitting documents will be provided when the pre-application process opens. Attending the meet & greet and/or completing the agency review does not guarantee an invitation to apply or a funding award. 

Can current partners apply?  

Yes. Current funded partners may reapply as long as they align with the eligibility requirements. All interested applicants are required to attend one of the in-person meet and greet events to obtain more details. 

Is attending the Meet & Greet events required?  

Yes, interested applications are required to attend one in-person Meet & Greet before submitting an application. Dates, locations, accessibility information, and the RSVP form link are posted on this page. 

What are the deadlines?  

TBA: Black-led Small-Grants Application Timeline.  

All deadlines are in Eastern Time. Submission deadlines end at the time shown in e-CImpact or on the applicable form. Late or incomplete materials will not be considered. 

When will funding decisions be announced? 

Applicants will be notified of funding decisions March 30, 2027.  

CLICK HERE for Meet and Greet RSVP