WayFinder Innovation Grant 2025

The WayFinder Innovation Grant offered by the United Way of Central Oklahoma supports groundbreaking approaches to solving key social, health, and human service issues in central Oklahoma. The program is designed to invest in nonprofit organizations that are developing new initiatives not currently implemented within the region or within their own operations. Funding amounts for individual projects range between $10,000 and $250,000 and are intended as one-time investments in innovative concepts with measurable impact potential. The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI), which is due by June 6, 2025. An informational session for interested applicants will be held on May 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the United Way of Central Oklahoma offices. Those wishing to attend must RSVP via email to Liliana Macias at WayFinder@unitedwayokc.org. After the LOI phase, selected agencies will be invited to submit a full application between June 27 and July 18, 2025. Applicants advancing to the final stage will present a 10-minute “Elevator Pitch” and participate in a Q&A session with the grant review panel on August 19, 2025. Final funding decisions will be announced on September 11, 2025. All awarded funds must be used within the grant period, which runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. Selected organizations are required to publicly acknowledge their grant award and provide biannual progress reports, including a final report at the end of the grant period. They will also return to deliver a final presentation of their outcomes to the panel. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations classified under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code and based in one of the following counties: Canadian, Cleveland, Grady, Kingfisher, Lincoln, Logan, McClain, or Oklahoma. Organizations must have an independent annual audit or review, demonstrate a clear plan for measuring outcomes, and have the capacity to implement and sustain the proposed project. Projects that promote collaboration and serve diverse community groups without residency or membership restrictions are encouraged. Funding will not typically be awarded for capital needs, grants to individuals, environmental, arts, cultural, or animal service programs. Past recipients include A Chance to Change, which received $21,580 for a support group initiative for teachers, and The Homeless Alliance, awarded $228,150 to pilot a homelessness diversion program. For more information, contact Liliana Macias, Community Initiatives and Research Manager, at 405-523-3512 or via email at WayFinder@unitedwayokc.org.