The United Way of Central Missouri has announced a historic funding opportunity of up to $430,000 to support nonprofit health and human service agencies in 2025. This grant allocation, the largest in the organization's history, surpasses the previous high of $423,535 awarded in 2021. The funding milestone aligns with United Way’s 100-year anniversary, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to strengthening the community and addressing urgent needs.

The funding is divided into two primary grant opportunities: the Community Support Grants and the Century of Caring Grant. The Community Support Grants will provide up to $330,000 to address immediate, critical unmet needs or emerging challenges in the organization’s nine-county service area. Eligible applicants include both United Way member and non-member agencies that meet the prequalification requirements. Since 2002, United Way has awarded over $3.2 million in one-time grants, with individual awards typically ranging from $1,000 to $30,000, with most grants falling between $5,000 and $10,000.

In celebration of its 100th anniversary, United Way is introducing a special $100,000 Century of Caring Grant, which is exclusively available to United Way member agencies. This grant is intended for transformative, high-impact projects rather than operational expenses. Agencies can apply for the full $100,000, which may be utilized over a two-year period—an extended timeline not available in other grant opportunities. This unique grant aims to create lasting change in the region and drive meaningful community improvement.

Eligible applicants for the Community Support Grant must be 501(c)(3) health and human service organizations that operate within at least one of the nine counties served by United Way of Central Missouri: Cole, Moniteau, Osage, Miller, Camden, Morgan, Maries, Phelps, and southern Callaway counties. Applicants must have been in operation for at least five years and propose projects that align with priority areas, including behavioral health, education, food insecurity, financial stability, health, shelter, transportation, or other critical needs. The Century of Caring Grant follows the same eligibility criteria but is restricted to United Way member agencies.

Applications for the Community Support Grant open on February 26, 2025, and are due by March 28, 2025, at 4:00 PM. Grant recipients will be notified no later than May 30, 2025, and awards will be publicly announced in early to mid-June during a press conference. The Century of Caring Grant also opens on February 26, 2025, but has a later deadline of April 25, 2025, at 4:00 PM. The recipient(s) of this grant will be announced in mid-September 2025 at United Way’s Community Campaign Launch Event and 100-Year Birthday Celebration.

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of United Way Board Members and community volunteers. Organizations interested in applying can begin the application process through the United Way of Central Missouri website. For further information or questions, applicants can contact the United Way of Central Missouri office at (573) 636-4100.