Community Investments Grant

The United Way of Greater Chattanooga (UWGC) Community Investments Grant seeks to fund organizations advancing systemic change within the Chattanooga region through three strategic focus areas: Opportunities for All Children, Economic Mobility for Families, and A More Connected Community. UWGC is a collaborative hub in the local nonprofit, government, philanthropic, and business sectors. Through its 2030 Impact Agenda, it emphasizes data-driven efforts and partnerships to support Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) households, particularly those with children. Its grant program reflects this mission by offering tailored funding streams aligned to innovative, immediate, and long-term community needs. Three types of funding are available: the Impact Fund, the Catalyst Fund, and the Bridge Fund. The Impact Fund offers three years of support for collaborative, transformational programs with data-backed outcomes addressing systemic community issues. The Catalyst Fund provides one-year support for innovative and collaborative projects exploring emerging or scalable solutions. The Bridge Fund supports programs offering immediate relief, such as housing, food, or health services, over a one-year term. While organizations may apply to all three funds, they cannot receive both Catalyst and Impact grants simultaneously but may combine either with a Bridge award. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofits, faith-based organizations, or governmental entities. They must have been chartered before January 1, 2022, and demonstrate capacity to collaborate with other local stakeholders while serving ALICE families through a two-generation approach. Organizations must also operate within the geographic scope specified: Hamilton County applicants may apply to all funds, while those in Catoosa, Dade, or Walker Counties may apply to the Catalyst or Bridge Funds only. Marion and Sequatchie Counties are ineligible for this cycle. Ineligible proposals include capital campaigns, endowments, and sponsorships, among others. The application process begins with a pre-application/Letter of Intent (LOI) due February 5, 2025, submitted via the Foundant portal. Approved applicants may then submit a full application by February 27, 2025, at 5:00pm ET. Weekly office hours are hosted between January 16 and February 27 to support applicants. LOIs are reviewed on a rolling basis, and only approved organizations may proceed to the full application. Applications are scored by volunteer reviewers, followed by review and funding recommendations by the Community Investment Committee and final approval by the UWGC Board of Directors. Notifications of award decisions will be made in June 2025, with funds beginning disbursement on July 1, 2025. Organizations must sign funding agreements by July 15, 2025. Funding decisions are final and cannot be appealed, though applicants may request feedback. Recipients must report on demographics and outcomes as part of their agreement. If program information changes post-submission or post-award, notification to UWGC is required. This grant opportunity is part of a recurring annual cycle and continues UWGC’s commitment to advancing measurable, community-based change.

Align clearly with the 2030 Impact Agenda and demonstrate collaboration. Two-generational approach and cross-sector partnerships are highly prioritized.