The United Way of Central Florida (UWCF), in partnership with Polk County Health and Human Services, is seeking proposals under its Community Wellness Initiative to address the behavioral health and preventive care needs of Polk County residents. The program is funded through a $10.4 million allocation under the Polk County Health and Human Services Community Health Care (CHC) program, enabled by Florida Statutes 212.055(7) and Polk County Ordinance 2015-76. These funds are aimed at reducing health disparities and improving access to care for uninsured, income-eligible residents.
The initiative targets programs focused on behavioral health or prevention/early intervention. Behavioral health proposals should improve the psychological and emotional well-being of clients, while prevention or early intervention projects may address areas such as physical activity, nutrition education, or general wellness. Each proposal must include a health component, though inclusion of a behavioral health component is optional for prevention programs. Applicants may submit for both categories but must use separate applications for each.
Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with valid registration under Florida’s Solicitation of Contributions Act and must comply with all application requirements, including submission of IRS letters, financial documents, Form 990, audit reports, and insurance certificates. Additionally, applicants must adhere to strict program requirements such as data collection, eligibility screening, and detailed monthly and quarterly reporting. Client eligibility includes full-time residency in Polk County and household income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Recipients must also be uninsured, with few exceptions.
The minimum grant request amount is $50,000. Each application must address program scope, service delivery methods, evaluation criteria, and sustainability plans. Proposals must also outline collaborative partnerships and referral mechanisms. Submission must occur in the prescribed format and be received by the deadline to be considered. No late applications will be reviewed.
UWCF emphasizes outcomes and accountability, requiring applicants to define SMART goals, collect performance metrics, and support their strategies with data. All awarded organizations must demonstrate the ability to manage funding responsibly, meet reporting deadlines, and contribute to the overall health of the Polk County community.
Ensure eligibility documentation is well prepared and submitted in correct format. Address both categories separately if applying to both. Include clear outcomes and use SMART goals.
