The United Way of Southern Maine (UWSM) is offering funding opportunities through its Giving Circle Investment Application, designed to support impactful initiatives that align with its mission of fostering a thriving Southern Maine. While the broader Community Investment Process for the 2025–2027 funding cycle is currently closed, the Giving Circles application is open for eligible applicants. This grant is part of UWSM’s strategy to engage community members in funding decisions that reflect local priorities, particularly through alignment with the Thrive2027 initiative, which focuses on long-term community goals.

The Giving Circles funding opportunity supports programs that align with Thrive2027’s three ten-year goals. These goals focus on educational success, financial stability, and health and well-being. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate specific impacts on these goals and must show a dedication to racial equity, collaboration, and sound fiscal management. Proposals will be evaluated by diverse community volunteer reviewers through a structured and equitable process, ensuring that community voices guide investment decisions.

The grant funding must support programs directly serving residents in Southern Maine, specifically York County and Cumberland County, excluding Brunswick and Harpswell. The minimum funding request is $10,000. The grant does not support general operating expenses, capital campaigns, previously incurred expenses, or religious and political activities. Funding is also not available for lobbying on behalf of political candidates, although advocacy aligned with Thrive2027 goals is permitted.

Eligibility is restricted to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public schools, municipal entities, Indian Tribal governments, or those with a legally recognized fiscal sponsor. Organizations must demonstrate compliance with legal and financial requirements and submit necessary financial documents based on their annual revenue. Organizations that have previously received UWSM funds must have submitted final reports for past funding to be eligible.

The application process includes prescreening by UWSM staff, review and scoring by community volunteers, financial documentation review, and final investment decisions made by the UWSM Board of Directors. All selected applicants will enter a contracting phase, where investment terms are formalized. Applications must clearly outline program goals, evaluation methods, community collaboration strategies, and financial integrity.

For inquiries regarding the Giving Circle Investment Application, applicants are encouraged to contact Karen Stephenson, Director of Community Investments, at kstephenson@uwsme.org. Organizations are also advised to sign up for UWSM’s mailing list to stay informed about future funding opportunities, including the next cycle expected to be announced in December 2026.