The United Way of North Central Oklahoma is offering funding opportunities through the Community Impact Manering Grant, which is supported by the Manering Endowment and designated gifts program. This funding is available to non-profit organizations that hold IRS tax-exempt status and adhere to a policy of non-discrimination. The grant seeks to support innovative programs and special projects that align with one or more of the focus areas: Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Community, and Community Resilience. These key focus areas aim to enhance the overall well-being and stability of the community.
The endowment committee, comprised of United Way board members and community volunteers, is responsible for managing the grant funds and reviewing applications. Funding proposals will be given priority if they offer practical solutions to community challenges, encourage volunteer participation and community engagement, demonstrate financial need due to a lack of alternative support sources, respond to emerging or evolving community issues, show potential for future funding sustainability, promote collaboration among non-profits without duplicating existing efforts, and incorporate preventative as well as assistance-based approaches to social issues.
Applications must be submitted online no later than March 21, 2025, by noon. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. Approved applicants will receive grant disbursements on April 15, 2025. Organizations that have previously received funding from the Manering Endowment are required to provide a report detailing how those funds were utilized. Additionally, all awarded organizations will be required to submit an Outcome Report to United Way in November, using a form that will be emailed to the contact provided in the application.
To complete an application, organizations must submit several supporting documents. These include a cover letter (in MS Word or PDF format), a project budget (in MS Excel or PDF format), proof of IRS 501(c)(3) status (in JPG, PNG, or PDF format), a list of the organization's Board of Directors (in MS Word or PDF format), and, if applicable, a description of how prior Manering Endowment funds were used (in MS Word or PDF format).
The United Way of North Central Oklahoma encourages donations to the Manering Endowment fund, allowing community members to contribute to the long-term support of local non-profits. The grant program is designed to enhance community resilience by funding initiatives that address key needs and foster sustainable improvements in the lives of residents.
