Apply For Funding
United Way will begin seeking applications in late 2026 for programs that align with its primary investment priority targeting families with young children living in areas of Stark and Carroll Counties with the highest levels of childhood poverty.
Look for the announcement on our social media.
FUNDING ELIGIBILITY
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.* They must have served Stark and/or Carroll County residents for at least two years.
Applicants must also meet our Organization Requirements. Consideration will be given to tax-exempt private agencies and government entities that align directly with United Way Investment Priorities.
USE OF FUNDS
Funds may be used to support personnel, program materials, staff training, space rental or other facility costs, program evaluation or other resources. Funds cannot be used for capital expenses or other-than-nominal participant incentives.
INFORMATION SESSIONS
In late 2026 United Way will host virtual information sessions about our investment priorities, eligibility, timeline, and application software.
Follow our social media for the latest on upcoming technical sessions.
TIMELINE
APPLICATION PROCESS
Letter of Intent (LOI):
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 United Way investment priority, what community need is addressed by the program and how United Way funds will be used to operate the program.
Letters of Intent will be evaluated by a council of volunteer-citizen reviewers (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.
Agency Review:
New agencies - those not funded within the last two years - who are invited to submit a proposal may be subject to an Agency Review. The Agency Review process is a biennial assessment of the health and well-being of an agency. Agency reviews will be considered by volunteer panels with expertise in financial management and/or nonprofit administration. The process includes the upload of financials and other documents and a brief interview with committee members who make recommendations to United Way.
Request for Proposal (RPF):
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 (Community Impact Council) using a standardized rubric. If additional clarification is needed, applicants may be contacted. 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.
INVESTMENT PRIORITIES
Primary Priority: To prevent or lessen the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) during early childhood among those who live under the federal poverty level.
Primary Strategy: Support developmental milestones to ensure a strong start early in life.
Secondary Priority: To improve the household stability of their parents/caregivers.
Secondary Strategy: Provide immediate economic supports to avoid long-term harms.
Mission: At United Way of Greater Stark County, our mission is to build our community’s capacity to alleviate the impact of poverty and empower families to unleash their potential.
Vision: We envision a community where all children realize their full potential.
GRANTSEEKING HELP
CANDID LEARNING
Candid offers FREE live and on-demand training. Candid's programs cover best practices in fundraising, as well as the hard and soft skills required to be an effective advocate and leader of your organization or cause. Listen, hear, or read advice from funders and nonprofit experts. Candid provides information and guidance to support confident decision making and excellence in social sector operations. Visit Candid Learning's website
Stark Library - Grant Tools
Stark Library offers FREE support to individuals and organizations, and access to an online grants data source. If you represent a non-profit organization, you can find the funders to help you make a difference! Easily search for opportunities to win more grants. Visit Stark Library's website
COMMUNITY CONDITIONS
2023 Stark County Community Assessment - Indicators of Health, Social, and Economic Conditions
The community assessment is an analysis of data related to the needs of our community. Included topics are Health, Families, Households, & Neighborhoods, Economics and Environmental. This publication is a collaboration between Stark Community Foundation, United Way of Greater Stark County and the Center for Community Solutions. Review the publication
ACES by national expert Judge Michael Howard
ACE stands for Adverse Childhood Experiences. They are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood. Together, childhood poverty and ACEs are linked to worse outcomes in nearly every aspect of life from physical, mental and behavioral health to educational attainment to job opportunities and success, as well as reduced quality of life and lifelong earning potential. Please note you will be required to enter a passcode to watch the presentation. The passcode is: B=30%k4V Watch the presentation