The United Way of Calhoun County (UWCC) invites eligible organizations to apply for community grants to support their programs and initiatives. Applications for the 2025-2026 grant cycle will open on November 4, 2024, and close at midnight on December 2, 2024. Organizations must submit their applications online using the UWCC platform, ensuring all required information is completed, as incomplete submissions will not be accepted.

To apply, organizations must meet eligibility requirements and provide specific financial documentation. Agencies with total revenues of $500,000 or more must submit an annual audit performed by a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Those with revenues between $50,000 and $499,000 need to provide an IRS Form 990 and a financial review by a CPA. Agencies with revenues under $50,000 must submit internally prepared financial statements, including a year-end balance sheet and detailed income and expense reports.

As part of the application process, organizations are required to deliver a presentation to the Allocations Committee in January. This presentation should complement the application by providing an overview of the organization’s mission, programs, and impact. Instructions for presentations will be provided to applicants following the review of their submitted application.

The Allocations Committee, composed of board and community members, will evaluate all applications and presentations in-depth before recommending funding allocations to the Board of Directors. Final grant decisions are made in February, with award notifications sent in March. Selected organizations will become Partner Agencies beginning April 1, pending acceptance of a partnership agreement. Partner Agencies participate in community campaigns and United Way events throughout the year and must reapply annually for funding and status.

To assist with the application process, UWCC provides instructional videos and requires applicants to create an account on the application portal. This account will also be used for reporting and future grant applications. Applicants are encouraged to save their progress regularly, as the form does not auto-save. For additional support, users can reset their passwords, access their accounts, or create new accounts through the UWCC portal.