The United Way of Will County (UWWC) is offering the FY26 Community Grants to support programs and projects that address key community needs in Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, and Financial Security. These grants are intended to fund innovative and impactful programs that promote equity, create sustainable outcomes, and provide both immediate relief and long-term stability. UWWC aims to strengthen community resilience by supporting organizations that drive meaningful change in these focus areas.

The grants are exclusively available to nonprofit organizations classified as 501(c)(3) entities that provide health and human services within Will County, Illinois. To be eligible, organizations must demonstrate financial accountability through IRS Form 990 filings and independent financial reviews or audits, depending on their annual revenue. Additionally, organizations must have an active board of directors that meets quarterly and must submit specific legal and financial documentation, such as corporate bylaws and articles of incorporation. Religious organizations are eligible but must ensure that participation in religious activities is not a condition for receiving services.

Grant funding may not be used for capital projects. The grant application process is conducted through the e-CImpact online portal. The submission window for the FY26 grants opens on January 21, 2025, at 8:00 AM and closes on February 14, 2025. Attendance at a mandatory grant orientation session on either January 15 or January 16, 2025, was required for eligibility. Organizations that did not attend one of these sessions are not permitted to apply for the FY26 funding cycle.

Applications undergo a thorough evaluation process, including program site visits in March and April 2025. Program review panels will convene in April and May to assess applications and make funding recommendations to the UWWC Board of Directors, which will conduct a final vote in May. Award announcements will be made on June 1, 2025. Organizations that receive funding must submit partnership agreements by June 30, 2025. The funding cycle for awarded programs begins in July 2025.

Organizations interested in future grant cycles can request to be added to the notification list for the FY27 Community Grants by contacting Loren Yaksich, the Community Impact Director, via email at loren@uwwill.org.

For more information, organizations can visit the United Way of Will County at 54 North Ottawa Street, Suite 300, Joliet, IL 60432, or call 815-723-2500.