Our Grant Application Period is Now Open
Applications are accepted until September 15, 2026, 5pm
Community Impact Fund
United Way of South Central Illinois invites eligible nonprofit organizations to apply for funding through our Community Impact Fund.
The Community Impact Fund invests locally raised dollars in programs that address critical needs, strengthen individuals and families, and create measurable improvements across South Central Illinois. We seek proposals that respond to demonstrated community needs, remove barriers to essential services, and create meaningful, lasting results.
As a leader in community collaboration, United Way brings organizations, donors, volunteers, and local leaders together around a shared goal: improving lives and building stronger communities. We prioritize programs that offer practical solutions to persistent challenges, address underlying causes rather than symptoms alone, and demonstrate measurable outcomes.
New This Year: In order to make an equitable impact in the community, we ask that requests submitted are no larger than $10,000.
Our Vision
United Way’s Grant Evaluation Process
The United Way of South Central Illinois is dedicated to ensuring the people in our communities have access to the education, financial stability and health programs they need. Funding is awarded based on need, the availability of funds and evaluation/measurement of the community outcomes achieved by the program(s). Funding recommendations were presented to the Board of Directors for approval.
Volunteers from diverse segments of South Central Illinois evaluate agency programs and outcomes through our competitive grant process.
Priority Populations
Funding priority will be given to programs serving:
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Households living below the federal poverty level.
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ALICE households—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
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Individuals experiencing housing, food, healthcare, transportation, or financial instability.
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Children, older adults, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations.
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Residents of rural or underserved communities where access to services is limited.
Partner Expectations
Organizations receiving Community Impact funding must:
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Sign and comply with a Memorandum of Understanding with United Way of South Central Illinois.
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Use awarded funds exclusively for the approved program and purpose.
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Actively participate in applicable United Way programs, partner meetings, roundtables, trainings, community initiatives, volunteer activities, and special events.
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Track program services, participation, outcomes, and other required indicators.
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Submit complete financial and program reports by established deadlines.
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Recognize United Way’s support in appropriate marketing, social media, publications, events, and public communications.
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Provide impact stories and photographs when appropriate and legally permitted.
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Notify United Way of significant organizational, financial, leadership, or program changes.
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Cooperate with reasonable monitoring, evaluation, and program-visit requests.
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Maintain required nonprofit standing, insurance, policies, financial controls, and legal compliance throughout the funding period.
Failure to meet these expectations or comply with the MOU may result in delayed payments, corrective action, reduced funding, termination of the award, repayment of funds, or ineligibility for future funding.