We are committed to making change happen in our community by working with, and investing in, our partners across the region. Non-profit organizations that demonstrate results and are aligned to our strategic priorities are invited to submit an application through our annual Community Investment Fund grants.
Effective for the 2025 funding cycle, all Community Investment Fund grants must be for new projects or programs. These grants are for two years to help organizations develop the capacity to run and sustain a new program.
Applications for the 2025 Community Investment Fund are open until Friday, April 11.
Investing in SDGCA
Funding is disbursed to programs in our region that fit within our three community impact areas:
1. Helping Kids Be All They Can Be
2. Building Strong and Healthy Communities
3. Moving People From Poverty to Possibility
Community Investment Fund (CIF) Grants
Effective for the 2025 funding cycle, all Community Investment Fund grants must be for new projects or programs. Grants are for two years to help organizations develop the capacity to run and sustain a new program. UWC SDG will not fund programs it has funded previously. This funding is not available to organizations for existing or historically funded UWC SDG programs.
The Allocations and Review Committee may choose to fund projects beyond the stated term limits if they feel the project directly meets a United Way focus and community need year over year.
Program/Service Eligibility
The following types of programs/services are not eligible for funding from UWC SDG:
- Duplicate programs in the same geographical area
- Loans/grants programs
- On-going rent supplements (emergency one-time payments may be eligible)
- Government-mandated programs
- Licensed childcare programs
- Primarily cultural programs (i.e: theatre, music, museum, art programs)
- Religious programs
- Medical research/procedures
- Exclusionary programs
- Lobbying or advocacy programs
Costs Ineligible for Funding:
- Capital expenses
- Alcohol/drugs
- Gifts
- International travel
- Fraudulent activities
Generally speaking, funding must be used for operating purposes for the specific project/program for which the proposal has requested funding.
Please note that UWC SDG will work with applicants that cannot meet all criteria and may make exceptions where appropriate.
Non-Qualified Donees (NQDs)
Registered non-profits who do not hold official charitable status as well as grassroots organizations (NQDs) may apply for CIF funding directly to the UWC SDG. If the organization is able to demonstrate a continuous history of five (5) years or more of work in the community and demonstrate financial stability/accountability (through the provision of externally reviewed financials) they may apply for up to $15,000 for a project. If the organization is newer and is unable to provide this evidence of continuity as well as financial accountability, they may apply for up to $5,000 for a project.
Once a relationship has been established with the NQD and the UWC SDG and the NQD has been able to successfully demonstrate their ability to manage funds and achieve stated project outcomes/impact, funding level restrictions may be removed for subsequent project proposals.
Application Process
The following application processes are essential to the success of an organization’s proposal:
- Application must be completed online only – no Emailed or paper copies will be accepted;
- All components of the application must be submitted through the online portal by April 11, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.
- The proposal must clearly support the stated Strategic Priority/Focus Area.
- The proposal must clearly detail a sustainability plan for beyond the UWC SDG funding-cycle.
- The proposal must clearly indicate how their project is new and outline the full project plan for the two-year new project grant.
- The applying organization’s charitable number must be included. If the organization applying is an NQD, their non-profit registration number (if available) must be provided
- While any member of an organization may apply for CIF grants, the Executive Director (or similar) and the Board Chair must sign the application indicating they have read it and are supporting the submission
CIF Allocations
Through an annual review process by volunteers who participate in our Allocation Committee, our United Way allocates funding for specific programs. This year the review process will occur in April/May and can include interviews (in person or virtually) of your organization with members of our Committee.
Community volunteers, members of our Board of Directors and United Way staff ensure accountability through a thoughtful review process. Agencies submit applications and the committee makes funding recommendations to the United Way Centraide SDG Board of Directors. This process ensures that community resources are well invested, avoiding duplication and redundancy.
This collaborative approach supports strong service networks that help people when they need it most. Our United Way collaborates with frontline agencies, government funders and people with lived experience, identifying gaps, challenges and opportunities, facilitating coordination of services to avoid duplication. Please ensure you are well versed on the work of the Vibrant Communities so as to better understand the current needs and service gaps when identifying how the program you seek to have funded best meets the needs of the community.
Contact us if you have questions
Jan Vesna
Community Impact Coordinator
United Way Centraide SDG
613-932-2051