Community Impact Funding, Annual Grants:
The United Way of Ross County (UWRC) works to align community needs and priorities with donations. Each year, between September and October, United Way accepts applications from 501(c)(3) organizations for grants. To receive funding, these organizations, operating in Ross County, must strive to improve Health, Education and/or Financial Stability in our community through their programming. Organizations and programs must be in existence for one year prior to applying for a grant. Additionally, the grant request must align with the UWRC community investment matrix. Programs must measurably demonstrate outcomes in one or more of the UWRC Impact areas: Health, Education, and Financial Stability. Programs must also serve a documented need in Ross County. Organizations awarded UWRC impact funds will be paid through reimbursement by showing receipts, outcomes, and success stories via quarterly reports. The UWRC impact application process is totally automated. ALL grant applications must be submitted online to be considered for approval by the Community Impact Council. This committee uses a grading matrix to select partners to be funded.
New Initiative Grants:
United Way of Ross County also funds New Initiative Programs throughout the year. The program is required to show its potential to enhance Health, Education, and Financial Stability, and it must secure the necessary funding to initiate. The agency must have been operational for at least a year and hold a 501(c)(3) status. For approval, the new program should provide measurable results in one or more of the UWRC Community Impact Focus Areas—Health, Education, and Financial Stability—include a detailed program budget, and address a verified need within Ross County.
Immediate Impact Funds:
In addition to Community Impact Funding, and the New Initiative Program Grants, the United Way of Ross County awards Immediate Impact Funds to nonprofit agencies in emergent situations, on a first come, first serve basis. The agency must have been operational for at least a year and hold a 501(c)(3) status. The requesting organization must provide supporting information on how this item will help improve education, health, or financial stability for those that will be using or benefiting from these funds. Immediate Impact Funds, formerly, Special Needs Grants are not given for operating costs or to general fundraising for organizations. Immediate Impact Funds are reviewed once a quarter by our Community Impact Council.