The United Way of Virginia’s Eastern Shore has opened its 2025 funding application for programs supported by contributions from the 2024 campaign. This funding opportunity is designed to support organizations serving the Eastern Shore of Virginia that meet strict eligibility requirements. The deadline for submitting applications is March 12, 2025. Eligible organizations may complete the application online or by downloading a printable Word document version. The United Way of Virginia’s Eastern Shore serves as the funder and seeks to improve community well-being through support of programs in the areas of Arts, Education, Financial Stability, and Health.

To qualify for funding, applicants must be incorporated as non-profit voluntary organizations serving the Eastern Shore of Virginia and classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Additionally, organizations must be authorized to solicit contributions through registration with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). The organization’s financial condition must be well-documented, demonstrating proper accounting controls, diversified income sources, and clear community support through active volunteer participation and successful fundraising efforts. Applicants must also maintain comprehensive records tracking client demographics such as age, race, and geographic area served.

The proposed programs must fall within the United Way's designated impact areas of Arts, Education, Financial Stability, or Health. Applicants must provide clear documentation of the problems faced by the target population and the resulting needs being addressed. Programs should be supported with evidence that justifies the need for United Way funding. Objectives should be defined in measurable, time-specific terms to enable evaluation of program performance and service delivery outcomes.

Applicants must further demonstrate that their programs do not duplicate existing services and that the proposed work could not be carried out more effectively by another agency already serving a similar population or addressing the same needs. Programs must also meet non-discrimination standards in staffing, board recruitment, and service provision. All applicant organizations must be governed by an active Board of Directors composed of local, unpaid volunteers who meet at least twice per year to set policy and make governance decisions.

The application period is currently open, with applications due no later than March 12, 2025. Applicants with questions are encouraged to contact Dawn Taylor Byrd, Executive Director of the United Way of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, at dbyrd@esunitedway.org or by phone at (757) 787-5622. The physical mailing address for the United Way of Virginia’s Eastern Shore is P.O. Box 605, Onley, VA 23418. Additional resources, including a brochure and campaign information, are available on the organization’s website.