United Way of Clark, Champaign and Madison County Annual Grants

United Way of Clark, Champaign, and Madison Counties (UWCCMC) administers an annual competitive grant process that supports organizations serving residents across its three-county Ohio service area. With a long-standing commitment to improving local lives, UWCCMC's funding initiative channels contributions from individuals, businesses, and organizations into targeted community programs. The goal of the grant program is to uplift individuals and families through access to educational, health, and financial resources, ensuring a stronger, healthier, and more equitable region. Each year, the organization opens its grant application cycle from January 15 to February 28, encouraging applications from eligible nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies. The grant program is divided into two primary funding categories: "Thrive in Five" and "Crisis Services." "Thrive in Five" focuses on early childhood development, supporting initiatives that contribute to kindergarten readiness and early learning outcomes. This track is part of a larger vision to build a cradle-to-career support system for local youth. In contrast, the "Crisis Services" category provides essential support for individuals experiencing urgent needs such as food insecurity, homelessness, mental health crises, and other immediate hardships. These funds are designed to assist vulnerable residents with stabilizing their lives during difficult times. The review process is rigorous and community-centered. After the application deadline, submitted proposals are reviewed by committees composed of knowledgeable local stakeholders who evaluate programs based on impact, need, alignment with United Way’s focus areas, and feasibility. Their recommendations are then forwarded to the UWCCMC Board of Directors, which makes the final determination of fund allocations. Notification of awards or declinations is issued in early June, and successful applicants are required to return signed grant agreements by June 30. The grant performance period spans one year, beginning on July 1 and ending June 30 of the following year, with most disbursements distributed evenly over the 12-month period. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, educational institutions, or government agencies that serve residents of Clark, Champaign, or Madison Counties. While the applicant's headquarters need not be located in these counties, the proposed program must provide services within the tri-county area. UWCCMC requires that all funded organizations provide services without discrimination and have an active governing board. Additionally, those under fiscal sponsorship must be sponsored by a qualified 501(c)(3) and provide appropriate documentation. The funding amounts for each grant vary depending on the results of United Way's annual giving campaign, with all funds raised within a county remaining in that county for allocation. There are no fixed grant ceilings published, but funding is determined based on application merit, community need, and available funds. Grant applicants are expected to provide clear documentation, demographic data, program impact narratives, and budget breakdowns. Specific forms, including the budget template and program reports, are required during the application and post-award phases. These documents, along with application guidelines, are accessible on UWCCMC's website. Questions about the process should be directed to Natalie Driscoll, the Senior Director of Community Impact, via phone at 937-324-5551 or email at [email protected]. Her office coordinates all inquiries and helps guide organizations through the application process. All applicants are advised to reach out in advance if their program falls outside the defined impact areas, to determine eligibility alignment. The next funding cycle will open again on January 15, 2027, maintaining its annual rhythm of community-driven grantmaking that reinforces UWCCMC's mission of creating lasting, local change.

Ensure program aligns with either Thrive in Five or Crisis Services; contact funder if program falls outside impact areas; emphasize community collaboration and service data.