United Way of Ellis County, in collaboration with the City of Hays and Ellis County, is currently accepting applications for its 2026/2027 local funding cycle. The organization is dedicated to investing in community-based programs that deliver measurable results, with an overarching mission to support initiatives that enhance Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency in Ellis County, Kansas. This funding opportunity reflects United Way’s commitment to strengthening local impact through strategic resource allocation, volunteer involvement, and stakeholder engagement.
This opportunity is limited to nonprofit organizations that are classified as 501(c)(3) entities and operate services specifically for residents of Ellis County. Applications will be reviewed by the CARE Council, a 12-member volunteer committee responsible for assessing program alignment with community needs, effectiveness, and organizational capacity. Organizations whose proposals are selected for consideration will be contacted to schedule an in-person site visit or interview as part of the evaluation process.
The application process requires that interested applicants create an account on the United Way of Ellis County website. This system allows applicants to save and return to their work before final submission. Applications must be submitted electronically through the platform, and incomplete or late submissions will not be considered. The final deadline for application submission is 5:00 PM Central Time on Friday, December 5, 2025.
The evaluation will take into account several factors including alignment with one or more of United Way's four focus areas, potential for measurable impact, service to Ellis County residents, and overall organizational readiness. No pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers are indicated in the materials. There is also no information provided on award amounts, ceilings, or total funding pool.
There is no indication of recurring grant cycles, rolling applications, or multi-year commitments. The application period appears to be open at the time of publication and closes definitively on December 5, 2025. Applicants seeking further clarification may contact Bill Ring, Interim Executive Director, via email at director@liveunited.us or by phone at 785-628-8281.
The United Way of Ellis County's office is located at 1200 Main Street, Suite 102, PO Box 367, Hays, KS 67601. Their online platform serves as the access point for the application and any relevant updates. There is no documentation provided regarding previous recipients, funding history, or tips for successful applications.
