Youth Education Community Impact Grant Application 2026

Funding period July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2029
This is a 3-year funding cycle.

Application Instructions

All applicants are required to have or create an account to complete and submit your application. Keep your user name and password handy so that you can "save a draft" and return to complete your submission. Also this user name and password will continue to be used for agency reporting and future applications.

LOGIN HERE (If you already have a user name and password)
CREATE AN ACCOUNT (New users only - an email will be sent to you)
RESET YOUR PASSWORD (if your email has been used previously, you can reset your password)
LOGOUT (Be sure to log out once you have saved your draft or submitted your application)

Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Do not leave any blanks; enter N/A if not applicable.

Applications are due by 5:00p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026.

Introduction

United Way of Portage County works to improve lives by advancing the common good and creating opportunities for a better life for everyone. United Way focuses on Youth Education, Critical Needs, and Public Health which are the building blocks for a good life. To achieve this mission United Way strategically engages and builds relationships with diverse community stakeholders, contributors and partners to identify community goals, develop impact strategies and implement those strategies in partnership with others. United Way of Portage County funds numerous community programs through our partnership with multiple community service agencies. Program review and grant making is governed by a volunteer review team and approved by United Way’s board of trustees. United Way values accountability, transparency and openness throughout all stages of the decision-making process.

UWPC RFP Timeline

1/5/26 Agency Grant Application Available Online
2/13/26 Agency Application Deadline
March & April Site Visits done by 4/24/26.
May Community Impact Committee Approval and recommendation to BOD
June UWPC Board of Directors Approval
June Funding Awards Announced
7/1/26 UW Funding Begins
January 2027, 28, 29 Mid-year Report Due
July 2027, 28, 29 Year End Report Due
6/30/29 UW Funding Cycle Ends

Evaluation Criteria

All applications for United Way funding will be reviewed by an independent group of community volunteers. All volunteers will evaluate applications using an online scoring method. Volunteers make funding recommendations to United Way's Board of Directors based on the scoring of the application and site visit and how well the proposed program activities align with United Way's focus in the areas of Youth Education.

Policy Statement Rejecting Racism, Anti-Semitism and Ethnic Discrimination

At United Way of Portage County, we know that a community thrives when everyone feels respected and included. That’s why we are committed to fostering an environment where everyone can be

themselves and achieve their full potential. We, the United Way of Portage County Board of Directors and employees, stand committed to affirming our identity as an organization that rejects all

racism, anti-Semitism and ethnic discrimination in all their forms. We recognize that systemic racism, unjust policies and practices in our institutions, and other forms of oppression have -

and continue to - marginalize entire populations of people. While racism and prejudice are not always conscious, their consequences are always dehumanizing. We denounce all forms of racism,

anti-Semitism and ethnic discrimination. They have no place in our society and undermine our efforts to create a community where all people can realize their full potential.

We stand committed to challenging and correcting inequities and ensuring that those whose voices have been quieted are heard. We will continue to work alongside all stakeholders and

partners to foster opportunities for education and awareness to create a more equitable community for all.