Community Impact Grant

The Community Impact Grant offered by the United Way of Greater Baytown Area and Chambers County is a competitive funding opportunity aimed at supporting local nonprofit organizations that demonstrate the capacity to produce measurable improvements in community outcomes. Rooted in United Way’s mission to bring people, organizations, and resources together to create lasting change, this one-year grant initiative channels local donations directly back into impactful local programs. The grant targets four strategic funding areas: Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resilience. Each of these areas represents a vital component of a thriving community, addressing everything from healthcare access and youth development to financial stability and neighborhood strength. Funded programs must align with one or more of United Way’s core priorities and present a clear plan for measurable outputs and outcomes. The initiative encourages collaborative approaches, shared data usage, and a commitment to centering equity and lived experience in programming decisions. Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, educational institutions, and governmental entities that operate within a defined 11-zip code service area. The funding is designed to be flexible in terms of internal allocation across multiple programs or activities but requires a direct connection to United Way’s strategic goals. Indirect costs are capped at 25%, and funding requests cannot exceed $175,000. Costs not directly tied to approved activities, such as executive leadership salaries or fundraising expenses, are ineligible. The grant cycle begins in July 2026 and concludes in June 2027. Applicants are required to attend at least one FY27 Grant Orientation session, scheduled for January 2026, with a registration opportunity on January 28 at 1:00 PM. The application window runs from February 2 to February 28, 2026, and awards will be announced in June 2026. Proposals are reviewed by a panel of community volunteers, donors, and United Way board members. Funded partners are expected to engage actively with United Way’s broader mission, including participation in quarterly meetings and storytelling initiatives, as well as consistent reporting. Comprehensive reporting is a cornerstone of this grant. Quarterly reports must include program updates, participant demographic data, and financial accountability metrics. Reporting is conducted through United Way’s e-CImpact system and used as a learning and transparency tool. Failure to comply with these reporting expectations can result in delays in funding or disqualification from future opportunities. Additional documentation requirements include the submission of financial documents such as IRS 990 forms, board-approved budgets, program logic models, and demographic reports. In terms of governance and operational readiness, applicants must demonstrate active board oversight, consistent hours of operation, and readiness to track client demographics and program outcomes. Collaboration with other organizations is strongly encouraged and expected. The emphasis on shared responsibility, community engagement, and results-driven programming reinforces United Way’s role as a steward of community well-being and resource allocation. For any questions regarding the application process, applicants are advised to contact [email protected]. The program represents a significant opportunity for local organizations to secure funding for impactful, community-centered work while participating in a larger ecosystem of change agents supported by the United Way.

Ensure alignment with one of four funding priorities; define clear, measurable outcomes; demonstrate collaboration with other organizations.