The 2025–2026 United Way Grant Application for Clearwater County Non-Profits provides funding opportunities to organizations serving Clearwater County, Minnesota. Administered by the United Way of the Bemidji Area, this funding cycle supports local initiatives that align with United Way’s three core focus areas: Youth Opportunity (Education), Financial Stability (Basic Needs), and Healthy Community (Health). The purpose is to strengthen nonprofits that contribute to community well-being through direct services, program delivery, or general operating needs within these priority areas.

To be eligible, applicant organizations must be nonprofit entities with a valid 501(c)(3) status or similar standing and must serve the Clearwater County area. Funding is made available through dollars raised during the 2024 Campaign for the Community. While not all applicants will be funded, those selected will receive one-time awards ranging from $500 to $2,500. The application must be submitted by email to grants@unitedwaybemidji.org no later than 4:00 p.m. on April 18, 2025. Awards will be announced by August 31, 2025, and funds will be disbursed by November 20, 2025.

A complete application includes a completed cover sheet, a proposal not exceeding three pages, the ALICE information sheet, local board-approved budgets, an agency partnership agreement, financial documentation including the most recent audit or board-approved financial statements, IRS Form 990 (or exemption), a copy of the agency’s by-laws, and proof of registration with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office or an exemption justification. All documentation must be submitted as separate attachments via email. Incomplete applications risk rejection.

The proposal itself must address the organization’s mission and history, project alignment with United Way’s focus areas, geographical service area, specific human service needs, target population, anticipated outcomes, evaluation strategies, project schedule, and future funding sources. Special emphasis is placed on organizations that serve ALICE populations—those who are employed but fall above the federal poverty line and below a sustainable household budget. Applicants must specify what percentage of their clients fall within the ALICE category, how they are measured, services provided, and what additional programs could be offered with more funding.

Partner Agencies receiving funds must comply with United Way’s partnership agreement, which prohibits participation in non-United Way federated workplace campaigns and requires that funding be used strictly for the stated purposes. Significant changes must be reported and approved; otherwise, repayment of the grant may be requested. An exit report must be filed if an agency chooses not to reapply in the following year, though this is waived for reapplicants.