Apply for funding

Step One - Letter of Intent:

The application for funding process begins with the Letter of Intent (LOI).  The LOI is designed as a preparation and screening tool and is open to all organizations incorporated as a non-profit organization by the state of Ohio who have tax- status under IRS code 501(c) 3. Programs must serve Stark and/or Carroll County Ohio residents. In addition to a concise program description, the LOI should convey how the program aligns with the UWGSC investment priority, what community need is addressed by the program and how UWGSC funds will be used to operate the program.

Letters of Intent will be evaluated by a council of volunteer-citizen reviewers (Community Impact Council). Their recommendations are forwarded to the volunteer leadership of United Way. These volunteer leaders make final recommendations for programs to be invited to continue in the application process by submitting a full Request for Proposal.

Agency Review:

New agencies – those not funded within the last two years – who are invited to the RFP may be subject to an Agency Review. The Agency Review process is a biennial assessment of the health and stability of an agency. The agencies required will complete this process in mid-December. Volunteers with expertise in finance or administration review pertinent agency documentation and conduct interviews with applicants in mid-January.

Step Two - Request for Proposal:

The Request for Proposal (RFP) is issued by invitation to organizations that succeed in the LOI process. The RFP provides detailed content including the program’s use of best practices/evidence-based models, goals and objectives, operations, partner roles, and budget.

Proposal evaluations are conducted by volunteer-citizen reviewers (Community Impact Council) using a standardized rubric. If additional clarification is needed, applicants may be asked to provide a brief virtual presentation to reviewers. Reviewers’ recommendations are forwarded to the volunteer leadership for consideration.  These volunteer leaders make funding recommendations to the Board of Directors which makes all final funding determinations.

United Way’s Primary Priority: To prevent or lessen the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences during early childhood among those who live under the federal poverty level.  

No applications for our primary priority will be accepted during this application process. Three-year funding awards were announced in April 2024. Funded strategies included early childhood education and home visiting, parent/caregiver skills training, mentor and after-school programs with a social emotional component, and violence prevention programs. 
 
Available funding for all programs is contingent upon our annual fundraising campaign. 
 
To give to United Way of Greater Stark County’s annual campaign, please visit our webpage. Together, we can create a community where all children realize their full potential.