The Welcome Fund is initiating its third All of Us grant opportunity aimed at supporting community-based organizations located in small and medium-sized cities. This grant is designed to enhance volunteer programs that assist newcomers as they establish their lives in the United States. The funding is provided by Welcome.us, and the program is open to organizations across all states and counties. The total funding commitment for this initiative is capped at $1 million, with individual grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 for a duration of one year.

The primary purpose of the Welcome Fund is to expand the capacity of community-based organizations to engage volunteers effectively. By doing so, the fund aims to strengthen the support network for newcomers and foster a welcoming environment. Organizations that receive funding will be expected to actively involve community members as volunteers in providing essential services to newcomers who have arrived in the United States within the past two years. These services may include English language tutoring, transportation, housing assistance, employment support, cultural integration, and childcare.

Eligible applicants for the Welcome Fund grants must be 501c3 organizations or projects that are fiscally sponsored by a 501c3 organization. Additionally, applicants must have at least two full-time equivalent employees and must have raised a minimum of $100,000 in revenue during the last fiscal year or the past 12 months. Organizations must also demonstrate a commitment to engaging community members as volunteers in their work with newcomers, focusing on roles that promote ongoing engagement, such as mentorship and tutoring. Furthermore, the organization must operate in a metropolitan area with a population of less than 2 million people.

Priority will be given to organizations that showcase collaborative efforts across various community sectors, including partnerships with faith-based groups, civic organizations, businesses, and local government entities. This emphasis on collaboration is intended to enhance the overall impact of the funded programs and ensure a comprehensive approach to supporting newcomers.

The application process requires organizations to submit specific information, although detailed submission requirements are not provided in the source document. Applicants should be prepared to answer questions related to their volunteer engagement strategies and the services they plan to offer to newcomers. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on the organization’s capacity to engage volunteers, the effectiveness of their proposed programs, and their collaborative efforts within the community.

The deadline for submitting applications for the Welcome Fund grants is October 25, 2024. Organizations interested in applying should ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and prepare their applications well in advance of this date. For further information, potential applicants can visit the Welcome.us website or contact the Welcome Fund via email at welcomefund@welcome.us.