The United Way of Lee County offers a Mini Grant Program designed to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations serving the Lee County area. The program awards grants of up to $3,000 per year to eligible organizations that submit a simple one-page application. The mini grants are specifically intended to support human service-oriented programs, focusing on key areas such as health and basic needs, education initiatives for children and school success, financial stability and homelessness, and youth development and community enrichment.

Eligible applicants include governmental agency programs, established 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, and start-up organizations that can provide evidence of having initiated the process of filing for 501(c)(3) determination from the IRS. Applicants must request only the amount they need and provide justification for the requested funding. Grants are intended to fund specific programs rather than event sponsorships.

The application deadline for the 2025 funding cycle is February 28, 2025, at 12:00 PM. Applications will be reviewed by the United Way of Lee County's Board of Directors during their April 2025 meeting. Approved recipients will be notified by the Executive Director before May 1, 2025. Funding disbursement is scheduled to be completed by the end of May 2025.

Grant recipients may be required to submit a written report within 90 days of receiving the funds, detailing how the grant was utilized. This accountability measure ensures that the awarded funds are used effectively to support the proposed program. Applicants should direct any questions regarding the grant application process to arichter@uwleeco.org.