Community Impact Grants

The Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties (CF/UWVFC) is offering the 2026–2028 Community Impact Grants, the organization’s flagship funding initiative designed to bolster nonprofit programs that enhance the quality of life in Volusia and Flagler counties. CF/UWVFC has a strong history of community engagement and philanthropic leadership in the region. With this initiative, they aim to support organizations advancing work in four strategic pillars: Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency. These pillars align with United Way Worldwide priorities and are reflective of the current needs and challenges facing the local community. Grants under this opportunity may be used for either project/program funding or general operating support. Applicants must choose one of the four focus areas that best reflects the primary aim of their proposed work. Though many nonprofits may work across several of these domains, for classification and evaluation purposes, applicants are required to select a single pillar. The funding period spans from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, with awards disbursed monthly via electronic deposit. Requests may range from $20,000 to $50,000 per year. However, organizations seeking operating support must ensure that the request does not exceed 25% of their current fiscal year’s operating budget. Certain limitations apply: religious organizations may only request funding for nonsectarian programming, and entities operating outside the target counties are only eligible if the proposed work is strictly confined to Volusia or Flagler counties. Eligibility is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofits that have been operating in the community for at least two years, with annual revenue of $100,000 or more. Applicants must meet high standards of financial accountability and demonstrate compliance with relevant policies, including non-discrimination, ADA, and drug-free workplace regulations. An annual audit or financial review is also required. Organizations must be registered with the Florida Division of Corporations and affirm their compliance with anti-terrorism laws. Religious entities and regionally operating organizations face specific restrictions regarding the scope of funding requested. The application opened on February 9, 2026, and will close on March 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. A recorded webinar held on February 11 is available to assist applicants. Submissions must be completed via the CF/UWVFC Grants Portal, where applicants can create or log into an account to access the application. Only one application per organization will be accepted for the current cycle. A multi-stage review process follows submission, starting with eligibility screening by CF/UWVFC staff. Qualifying applications are reviewed and scored by the Community Impact Cabinet, composed of subject-area experts and community leaders. Applicants not recently funded (since July 1, 2023) may be required to participate in an interview. Scoring criteria for program proposals include alignment with the selected pillar, program effectiveness, community need, staffing qualifications, and clarity of outputs and outcomes. Applicants requesting operating support will be assessed on organizational mission, leadership, financial sustainability, and readiness to implement the grant. Reporting requirements include quarterly updates, participation in funded partner activities, and contribution of data to United Way Worldwide’s global impact metrics. Notifications of recommended funding will be issued by April 23, with board decisions finalized by May 18. Signed contracts must be returned by June 15 to initiate the funding period on July 1.

Clearly align with one of the four pillars; Provide measurable outputs and outcomes tied to community need; Ensure budget and request are proportional to impact