United Way of Broward County (UWBC) is accepting applications for its Community Impact funding strategies focused on financial prosperity. This Request for Applications (RFA) seeks proposals from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to implement evidence-based, promising, or replicable programs aimed at improving financial stability for individuals and families in Broward County. The funding period for this grant is from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with the possibility of renewal for two additional years. Programs must be results-oriented, with measurable goals and objectives to ensure successful outcomes for the populations served.

UWBC has a longstanding commitment to fostering positive community change by addressing financial instability, workforce development, and emergency basic needs. This funding opportunity is based on the Collective Impact model, which emphasizes collaboration among local governments, businesses, educational institutions, and civic organizations. Programs should address root causes of financial instability while leveraging community resources and partnerships to create a holistic service delivery approach. Applicants are expected to incorporate the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) framework, a data-driven initiative designed to support individuals who are employed but still struggle to meet their basic needs.

The grant supports three primary funding strategies: workforce development, financial coaching and services, and emergency basic needs assistance. Workforce development programs should focus on job skills training, employment placement, and credentialing to increase income and job retention. Financial coaching initiatives should provide services such as budgeting, credit improvement, savings, and access to mainstream financial resources to help families build assets. Emergency basic needs programs should assist individuals facing unexpected financial crises with essential expenses such as rent, utilities, and transportation. Programs must incorporate evidence-based best practices and demonstrate the capacity to produce measurable improvements in financial well-being.

Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with a proven track record of providing financial stability services. Programs should reflect diversity, equity, and inclusion principles, considering language, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic status, and other demographic factors. Additionally, applications from organizations proposing collaborative initiatives must include letters of support from participating agencies. Successful applicants will need to demonstrate how they will leverage UWBC funds and resources to maximize program impact and sustainability.

Applications must be submitted online and include key elements such as a program summary, statement of need, evidence-based program plan, evaluation plan, organizational capacity, and collaboration efforts. The grant selection process includes an evaluation of program effectiveness, financial sustainability, and alignment with UWBC priorities. Proposals will be reviewed based on adherence to the Results-Based Accountability (RBA) framework, which assesses program performance through measurable outcomes related to income growth, financial stability, and emergency support.

Key dates include the release of the RFA on January 6, 2025, an application workshop on January 13, 2025, and the submission deadline on February 13, 2025, at 12:00 PM EST. The review process will involve panel presentations in March and April 2025, with funding decisions announced by May 21-22, 2025. The funding cycle will commence on July 1, 2025. Questions regarding the application process can be directed to Alexis Basgil or Natasha McFarquhar at UWBC.