The United Way of Southern Kentucky (UWSK) is seeking proposals to advance its Community Impact initiatives, aligning with its mission to improve lives by focusing on key areas: Education, Income, Health, and Safety Net. This grant program is a core component of UWSK's strategy to address critical community needs and create lasting change through strategic investments in proven programs.
The target beneficiaries for these grants include individuals and families within the selected counties of Kentucky, specifically those who will benefit from improved Kindergarten Readiness, College & Career Readiness, Workforce Development, Access to Affordable Health Care, Safe Home & Community environments, Transportation, or Access to Basic Needs. The overall impact goal is to create a stronger, healthier, and more educated community by supporting programs that directly address these identified areas of need.
UWSK's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated across its four impact areas. In Education, the focus is on early childhood development and preparing students for future success. For Income, the emphasis is on economic empowerment through workforce development. Health initiatives aim to ensure access to essential healthcare services and foster safe living environments. Lastly, the Safety Net area prioritizes providing fundamental support, such as transportation and access to basic necessities, to vulnerable populations.
The expected outcomes and measurable results for this program are tied to the specific strategies within each impact area. For example, in Education, successful programs would demonstrate measurable improvements in kindergarten readiness or increased rates of college and career placement. In Income, outcomes would include higher employment rates or enhanced job skills. Health-related grants would track improved access to healthcare services or reductions in health disparities. Safety Net programs would show enhanced access to transportation or basic necessities for those in need. UWSK encourages collaborative programs to amplify these outcomes.
UWSK's strategic priorities are to fund federally tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations that are either currently providing or can successfully implement quality programs aligned with one or more of its impact strategies. This reflects the foundation's theory of change: by investing in effective, community-based programs within these critical areas, UWSK believes it can create a ripple effect of positive change, leading to a more resilient and thriving Southern Kentucky. The emphasis on collaboration further strengthens this theory, recognizing that collective efforts yield greater and more sustainable results.
