The Catawba County United Way (CCUW) Large RFP Grant Cycle is an annual funding opportunity designed to support local nonprofit and public agencies that provide programs addressing the needs of the Catawba County community. CCUW aims to allocate funding to initiatives that align with its mission of improving community well-being through financial assistance to qualifying organizations. The grant cycle for 2024 is set to begin in February, with a structured application process to ensure fair and impactful funding distribution.

Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations requesting at least $10,000 in funding. Organizations must have a volunteer board of directors that meets quarterly, maintain a nondiscrimination policy, and commit to providing mid-year and end-of-year reports. Additionally, grant recipients must collect and submit demographic information, measure program outcomes, and provide both current and projected budgets for the agency or program. Compliance with financial and ethical guidelines is also required, including submitting a copy of the agency’s 501(c)(3) certification, the most recent IRS Form 990, the latest audit report, and a current solicitation license.

The application process begins with an RFP interest meeting on February 4, 2024, to introduce agencies to the requirements and expectations of the grant. The RFP application portal opens on February 17, 2024, and all applications must be submitted by midnight on March 24, 2024. Following the initial review, selected agencies will be invited to present their proposals during in-person sessions at CCUW on May 13 and 15, 2024, starting at 9 a.m. By mid-June, agencies will be notified if they have been awarded funding.

All grant amounts are contingent on the total funds raised by CCUW, meaning the final award allocations may vary based on available resources. Organizations must adhere to a locally developed and adopted code of ethics governing ethical management, publicity, and fundraising practices. The selection process evaluates the alignment of proposals with CCUW's mission, financial stability, and capacity to measure and report program impact.

For further inquiries, applicants may contact John Bailey at Catawba County United Way by phone at 828-327-6851 or via email at jbailey@ccunitedway.com. The mailing address for CCUW is PO Box 2425, Hickory, NC 28603, and its physical location is at 2760 Tate Boulevard SE, Hickory, NC 28603.

This funding opportunity provides essential support for nonprofit and public agencies working to address key community challenges. Through structured evaluations and accountability measures, CCUW ensures that awarded funds contribute to sustainable and impactful programs benefiting Catawba County residents.