Youth Education Community Impact Grant

The Youth Education Community Impact Grant, administered by the United Way of Portage County, is a funding opportunity designed to support local programs focused on youth education. United Way of Portage County (UWPC) is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives and advancing the common good through initiatives focused on Youth Education, Critical Needs, and Public Health. By leveraging strategic partnerships with community stakeholders and service agencies, UWPC seeks to implement impactful solutions that foster long-term positive outcomes for individuals and communities. This grant offers a three-year funding cycle beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2029. Through this initiative, UWPC funds nonprofit organizations and community service agencies that align with its mission, particularly those working to improve educational outcomes for youth. The review and approval of grants are overseen by a volunteer committee and the UWPC Board of Directors, ensuring a transparent, community-driven decision-making process. Applicants are required to submit their completed applications through an online portal by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026. All applicants must create or use an existing account to complete and save drafts of their submissions. Incomplete applications will not be accepted, and applicants are instructed to fill in every field, using “N/A” if necessary. The same account credentials will also be used for reporting and future applications. The review process includes site visits conducted throughout March and April, with a final deadline of April 24, 2026, for these evaluations. Funding recommendations are made in May by the Community Impact Committee and submitted to the UWPC Board of Directors for final approval in June. Successful applicants will be notified in June 2026, and funding will commence on July 1, 2026. Award recipients are required to submit mid-year and year-end reports in January and July of each funding year (2027–2029). These reports play a critical role in ensuring accountability and tracking the progress and outcomes of funded programs. Evaluation of submitted applications is conducted by a group of independent community volunteers, who use an online scoring system to assess alignment with UWPC’s Youth Education focus area. Scoring and site visit assessments guide funding recommendations. This grant opportunity is recurring and rooted in the values of transparency, community engagement, and impact-driven investment. Programs that demonstrate clear educational benefits for youth and align with the strategic goals of UWPC stand a strong chance of receiving multi-year support.