United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties provides annual funding opportunities to support community programs that align with its mission to mobilize community resources and measurably improve lives. Through a formal Allocations Process, grants are distributed to eligible agencies running quality programs within Wayne and Holmes Counties in Ohio. The United Way encourages collaboration and community engagement and places a strong emphasis on volunteer participation in the funding review process.

The primary focus areas for funding include Health, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse; Safety Net and Basic Needs; Workforce Development; and Youth Development. These categories reflect the organization’s commitment to addressing the most pressing issues affecting low-income families in the region. Eligible applicants must demonstrate that their services positively impact these focus areas and directly benefit residents of Wayne and/or Holmes Counties.

To qualify for funding, applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations, public education institutions, voluntary associations, or faith-based organizations registered with the Ohio Secretary of State. Furthermore, applicants must serve low-income individuals and families within the designated counties. The application process involves multiple steps, including submission of a proposal in PDF format, internal staff review, volunteer training and review, Q&A sessions, and final board approval based on volunteer recommendations.

Key dates in the 2025 funding cycle include the release of the application on October 1, 2024, with Q&A sessions scheduled for November 7, 2024, at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the United Way office. Applications are due by 5 p.m. EST on December 13, 2024. Proposals must be submitted either via mail or email as a single PDF document. Mid-term reports for currently funded partners are due on July 15, 2024.

United Way funds may be used to support eligible services but are restricted from covering expenses not aligned with their goals. The organization does not provide multi-year funding, and there are no set grant amounts; instead, funding levels depend on need and alignment with the mission. A Volunteer Investment Team composed of donors and community members ensures a transparent and mission-consistent allocation process.