By Dawn Scotland
The Truth Reporter
United Way of Greater Toledo is accepting applications for community grants beginning January 8, 2024, through February 23, 2024. Funding will be awarded to grantees for the agency’s upcoming three-year grant cycle from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027. United Way invites nonprofit organizations with education, financial stability, health and/or housing programs in Lucas, Ottawa, or Wood counties to apply.
“We’re one of the biggest philanthropic organizations in Northwest Ohio,” stated Jill Bunge, vice president of Impact & Outreach United Way of Greater Toledo, “We provide dollars to different organization and programs through this grant to support health and human services across our three-county footprint.”
The previous funding window for this grant, which awarded over $6.7Million for 2023-2024, last opened for applications in 2021.
The first step to apply is to visit www.unitedwaytoledo.org/grant. The website provides a wealth of resources for individuals wishing to apply and take advantage of this immense funding opportunity. The site includes a guidance document that can help applicants access their eligibility and if their program aligns with United Ways funding priorities.
In addition to funding, United Way partners receive:
- Membership in Collaborative working groups,
- Specialized support in data collection and tracking,
- Professional development and shared learning opportunities, and more!
Office hours are available for individuals with additional questions. Bunge will talk one-one-one to address any issues, concerns or inquiries via phone every Wednesday 1-3 p.m. and Friday 10:30 a.m. – noon at 419-254-4648.
“We’re really looking for people who want to be in partnership with us,” continued Bunge, “We know there are a ton of amazing organizations doing great work in their neighborhoods [and] communities so we want to help them put their best foot forward and provide funding for their programs but also really to see how we can better work to support change in our community at a population level.”
“It’s just not one organization’s responsibility… but across all the programs how can we really make sure that the collaboration between all those efforts are actually making people’s lives better in our community.”
United Way of Greater Toledo’s current investment includes over 50 programs in the three-county area. The grant minimum has raised to $15,000 with no program receiving under that from the grant, according to Bunge. The largest grant funded program is currently $176,000 annually. Current funding partners include programs such as the Closing the Food Insecurity & Health Disparity Gap initiative at Grace Community Center and The Tabernacle Neighborhood hubs program.
Small businesses and individuals are not eligible for this grant. Those interested must be non-profit organizations and have either 501(c)(3) and/or be eligible to receive tax deductable donations.
Email Jill Bunge, vice president of Impact & Outreach United Way of Greater Toledo, jill.bunge@unitedwaytoledo.org for more information.