TAUW’s Social Innovations Grants

The Tulsa Area United Way (TAUW) is now accepting applications for its 2025 Social Innovations Grant. This initiative reflects TAUW’s commitment to fostering creative and impactful solutions within its six-county service area: Creek, Okmulgee, Osage, Rogers, Tulsa, and Wagoner counties in Oklahoma. TAUW has a long-standing reputation for supporting community-based work through funding, volunteer engagement, and collaborative problem-solving. The Social Innovations Grant is one of its flagship initiatives, emphasizing innovation, equity, and community-centered outcomes. The purpose of the Social Innovations Grant is to support new and innovative approaches to challenges facing the region's communities. The grant specifically seeks proposals that address gaps or barriers within the applicant's organization or the broader community. To be considered, proposals must align with one or more of TAUW’s four key focus areas: Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency. In addition to being innovative, proposals must demonstrate a clear benefit to individuals within the six-county region. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or those currently operating under a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) status are eligible to apply. Applications must serve a majority of clients from the eligible counties and clearly articulate how the proposed innovation addresses inequities or systemic barriers. The program prioritizes organizations with annual budgets under $2 million, leadership with lived experience, and projects that aim to yield learnings for the broader community. Organizations are advised that this is a highly competitive process and TAUW expects more eligible proposals than it can fund. The application process begins with a mandatory mini-application, which is due by Thursday, July 31, 2025. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit a full application, including responses to specific questions from the review committee. Finalists will be invited to a public event where they can present their ideas and compete for additional funding through an Audience Choice Award. Resources such as the application packet, mini-application form, guidance documents, and a webinar recording are available to support applicants. TAUW will award five grants of $40,000 each. Funding can be used entirely in 2026 or divided across two years (2026 and 2027). However, awarded funds cannot be used to cover expenses incurred prior to 2026 or to supplant existing funding. Prohibited uses also include capital or endowment campaigns, land acquisition, construction, or decorating expenses. In addition to the financial award, grantees will receive training and capacity-building support throughout 2026. Applicants may attend optional office hours on July 10, July 22, or July 28 to ask general questions or receive technical assistance with the application platform. Questions must be submitted by email and will be answered anonymously on a public forum through July 28. For accessibility, applicants may request accommodations or alternate formats of the application by email or by calling 918-295-6635. The competitive nature of the grant precludes TAUW staff from offering feedback on funding likelihood or preferences of the committee.

Review the application packet and tip sheet; ensure proposals address equity and include leadership with lived experience.