The Cape and Islands United Way (CIUW) Community Impact Grant offers funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations through a two-step application process, beginning with a Letter of Intent (LOI). Eligible organizations may apply for one grant per year, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $30,000. The grants are focused on four pillars of impact: improving education, encouraging economic stability, promoting health, and creating housing stability. Applicants must align their proposals with specific strategies and desired community outcomes under these pillars, which are detailed on the CIUW website. Selected LOIs will advance to the full application stage, where further detail and additional criteria will be evaluated.

The LOI submission process includes several specific requirements. Applicants are advised to clearly define the unmet need their program addresses, supported by local data where possible. They should also specify the target population, including an estimate of non-duplicated participants to be served, outline the primary activities or services to be provided, and state the expected outcomes and metrics for evaluation. Responses to these key questions will be scored using CIUW's rubric, which assesses alignment with priorities, clarity, and the feasibility of achieving stated goals.

Organizations should strive to incorporate data-driven measurement practices, best practices in service delivery, trauma-informed approaches, collaboration with other agencies, and transparent financial data. While these elements are not mandatory in the LOI phase, they will be assessed during the full application process if the LOI advances. CIUW does not allow Impact Grant funds to be used for capital improvements to nonprofit facilities, though other grant types may accommodate such needs.

Budget allocations must be categorized under personnel expenses, general operating/overhead costs, capital expenditures, or supplies/materials. Detailed guidelines are provided to help applicants correctly allocate and report their budget items. Prohibited costs include refreshments, facility payments, fundraising activities, and overlapping expenses funded by other federal grants. Applicants are encouraged to ensure their proposed budgets align with these requirements.

The CIUW will host an informational Zoom workshop on January 6, 2025, which is particularly recommended for first-time applicants. The deadline for submitting the LOI through the CIUW online platform is available on their website, and applicants may contact CIUW staff for guidance before submission. Selected applicants will be notified and invited to submit a full application for further consideration.

Applications will be reviewed based on their clarity, alignment with impact strategies, and overall feasibility as judged by CIUW’s scoring rubric. Successful applicants will be expected to deliver clear, impactful programs addressing community needs and providing measurable outcomes that advance the CIUW mission.