Agencies can apply for $10,000 - $15,000 per year for one program. Grants commence October 1, 2025 and end on September 30, 2027. The amount awarded in year two may be modified based on funds available. United Way funding should not be the only source of funding for the proposed program.

To submit a Letter of Interest, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Provide services to children (birth – middle school) in Benton and/or Franklin County, Washington, USA;
• Be a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization (or its faith-based equivalent) in good standing with the IRS and registered with the Washington State Secretary of State as a charitable organization (if applicable for their size);
• Have $1.5 million or less in gross revenue as reported on the most recent IRS form 990.
• Have an active board of directors that meets, with a quorum, at least quarterly to review and approve financial statements.
• All organizations invited to submit a full grant proposal will be required to provide a 2025 agency budget; an October 2025-September 2026 project budget; approved IRS form 990, 990EZ or 990N (if required by law) for 2023 and 2024; and board-approved financial statements for 2024.

• Submit an online Letter of Intent (LOI) by 5:00 pm, July 15, 2025.
• Applicants will be notified by July 31 whether or not they are selected to submit a full grant application.
• Grant applications will be accepted until Midnight, August 17, 2025.
• Decisions will be announced by September 26, 2025, via email with an attached draft grant agreement. Funding begins October 1, 2025.

1. We anticipate a high number of LOIs. A complete, concise LOI increases the likelihood of funding. When you write your LOI, be aware that it will be evaluated as follows:

• 30% - Need: How well does the LOI describe the community need addressed by the proposed program? Your answer should clearly identify the need for the program and who it will serve (the program’s target population).
• 40% - Program Design: How well will the proposed program meet the need? Describe your program, how it supports the funding priority area you’ve selected (the online LOI form will have you select from three categories: Kindergarten Preparedness, Student Success, or Basic Needs), and how it will address the community need you’ve identified.
• 30% - Expertise: How well is your organization equipped to deliver the program? Describe your organization's experience in serving the target population, delivering services in areas related to the proposed program, and its ability to manage the program.

2. A Review Team will assess LOIs and make a recommendation for programs to be invited to submit a grant application. The review team includes an expert in each focus area - Kindergarten Preparedness, Student Success, and Basic Needs, and a local person with lived experience and a deep understanding of our United Way’s goals.

• Attend an information meeting on Microsoft Teams on Thursday June 26, 2025 at 9:00 am or Monday June 30, 2025 at 3:00 pm. The same information will be presented at both sessions. Attendance is optional. 
• If you have additional questions, please email us at grants@uwbfco.org or call 509-581-3937 during normal business hours.

Do I have to attend an information session for my agency to be considered for funding? No. The information sessions are optional but are a great opportunity to ask questions and learn how to submit a quality proposal. 

Can I apply if my agency does not have 501c3 status from the IRS? No. United Way only grants to agencies with 501c3 status as designated by the IRS.

How many programs can I apply for? Each agency may apply for one program.

Can I submit a Word document instead of the online application? No. All applications must be submitted through the online form to be considered for funding.

If we are collaborating with another agency on this program, should they also fill out an application? No. An application is only needed from the primary agency serving as the fiscal agent for the project, as this agency is responsible for appropriate use of funds.

My agency was not awarded funding in a previous United Way funding cycle. Can I still apply? Yes! We welcome applications from any agency meeting the required qualifications regardless of previous funding history with United Way.

Do I need to submit financial documents with the LOI? No financial documents are required with the Letter of Interest. Agencies invited to submit a full grant proposal will be required to provide a 2025 agency budget; an October 2025-September 2026 project budget; most recent approved IRS form 990, 990EZ or 990N (if required by law); and board-approved financial statements for 2024.

How will the Letters of Intent be reviewed? A team of reviewers, including an expert in each focus area, United Way of Benton & Franklin Counties, and persons with lived experience, will review LOIs and recommend programs to submit a full grant application. For more information on the LOI review process, see LOI Review Process.

If my agency’s program receives a grant, can we expect to receive the full amount of our funding request? If we are unable to fund 100% of a request, we will contact the requesting agency to discuss scalability before final grant decisions are announced in September. No modifications will be made to funding requests during the LOI process.

How will available funding be allocated? We do not have a pre-determined amount of funds for any specific area. This allows us to be responsive to the capacity of nonprofits to meet local needs. Reviewers will look at all applications and compare program requests against local community need.

Can I apply if my agency does not have 501c3 status from the IRS? No. United Way only grants to agencies with 501c3 status as designated by the IRS or their faith-based equivalent.