Program Funding
United Way of Abilene strengthens our community by focusing on innovative solutions to community needs
in the areas of Education, Health, and Financial Stability. We believe these areas are the cornerstones for
strong families and a strong community.
We seek strategic non-profit partners with sustainable programs to tackle community issues. We
recognize improvements in our community require substantial, long-term investments and we are
committed to identifying these impactful organizations.
United Way relies on volunteer-driven committees to ensure every program is effectively and efficiently
managed, provides specific community-based services, and meets basic needs.
Funding is made possible through generous gifts from donors who give through workplace
campaigns or individual donations. To learn more about making a gift to United Way,
organizing a workplace campaign at your company, or joining one of our giving societies,
contact Katie Deal at 325.677.1841 or katie@unitedwayabilene.org.
For more information about funding opportunities, contact Marcus Wiley at 325.677.1841 or
marcus@unitedwayabilene.org.
Catalyst Grants
Catalyst grants support community efforts that strategically align with long-term solutions related to our focus areas of health, education, and financial stability.
Grants are awarded on an annual basis and do not exceed $10,000.
The Catalyst Grant application is open to any local non-profit who meets the funding requirements and is able to show how their program directly aligns with the goals of United Way of Abilene.
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Requirements
Catalyst Funding supports community efforts that strategically align investments with long-term solutions related to our focus areas of health, education, and financial stability.
Particularly, we will consider proposals that:
- align with the mission of United Way of Abilene.
- demonstrate fiscal accountability.
- demonstrate the ability to measure and document outcomes.
- demonstrate the capacity and leadership necessary to complete the proposed activity.
Awards will not be granted to:
- fundraising, capital campaigns, or endowment efforts.
- deficit financing.
- grants to individuals.
Eligibility:
- be a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, health or human service organization, or a governmental agency providing health and human services.
- provide services that benefit residents in the 19 counties served by United Way of Abilene.
- maintain a local, voluntary board of directors comprised of enough members to conduct business and provide quality oversight.
- file an IRS 990 and provide one filed if serving as the fiscal agent for the partnership.
Funding:
Catalyst funding requests should not exceed $10,000.
2023 Catalyst Timeline:
1. Catalyst Grants open June 22, 2023, and are due to the United Way of Abilene office by 12:00 p.m. on July 27, 2023.
2. Catalyst Grants are presented during the Campaign Kick-off on September 8, 2023.
Application
This year, the 2023 Catalyst Grant application is only available online, click here to apply.
| Catalyst funding application opens | June 22, 2023 |
| Catalyst funding application due | July, 27, 2023 | 12:00 p.m. |
| Catalyst award presentation at United Way Campaign Kickoff | September 7, 2023 | 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. |
August 2023: Executive Committee reviews to meet proposals.
Community Investment Funding
United Way of Abilene invests in programs that impact the education, financial stability, and health of our community.
Community Investment funding sustains and strengthens a network of local programs and services prepared to address pressing needs in our area. We know community challenges are multifaceted, and we endorse the strength of collaboration.
At this time, we are accepting applications from current agency partners or from agencies that have received an invitation to apply.
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Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
The organization must demonstrate competency in four main areas and meet the minimum requirements outlined in this section.
- Addressing community needs
- Organization alignment with United Way of Abilene priority areas
- Good financial standing
- Sound governance by a Board of Directors
Organization Requirements
At a minimum, organizations must certify or provide the following to apply for and receive funding from United Way of Abilene’s Allocations Review Process:
- Be recognized as an organization exempt from federal income tax under IRS Section 501c (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. (Exceptions to this requirement may be granted for governmental programs at the discretion of the United Way of Abilene Board of Directors.)
- Be involved in providing program(s) and services that offer financial stability, health, education, or human-service-related programs and directly serve individuals in Taylor and/or surrounding counties.
- Have an independent governing body consisting of at least nine voting members who shall meet at least four times per year.
- Maintain a non-discrimination policy or plan.
- Be financially stable and able to submit an annual certified audit as well as an IRS 990 tax form.
- Comply with all federal and state laws.
Allocations Application
| Application for Community Impact Funds Opens | October 3, 2023 |
| Application for Community Impact Funds Due | November 1, 2023; 3:00 p.m. |
| Allocations Program Presentations | December 13, 2023 |
| Allocations Site Visits | January 15 – 19, 2024 (tent.) |
| Stewardship Application Due | November 14, 2023; 3:00 p.m. |
| Notification of 2023 Investment Decision | Mid to late February 2024 |
Request for Continuation of Funding
| Application for Community Impact – RCF Opens | October 3, 2023 |
| Application for Community Impact – RCF Due | November 1, 2023; 3:00 p.m. |
| Stewardship Application Due | November 14, 2023; 3:00 p.m. |
| Notification of 2024 Investment Decision | Mid to late February 2024 |
Stewardship Application
Stewardship Review is the process of evaluating an agency’s capacity to support those programs through efficient fiscal management and board governance. Committee members have the responsibility to our donors to evaluate the infrastructure and fiscal responsibility of the organization.
| Stewardship Application Due | November 14, 2023; 3:00 p.m. |
| Notification of 2024 Investment Decision | Mid to late February 2024 |
Emergency Food and Shelter Program Funding
The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) was created in 1983 to supplement and expand the work of local social service agencies, both nonprofit and governmental, in an effort to help people with economic emergencies (non-disaster related). The EFSP funding is open to all organizations helping hungry and homeless people. EFSP funds must be used to supplement feeding, sheltering (including transitional sheltering), and rent/mortgage and utility assistance efforts only.
EFSP is governed by a National Board composed of representatives of the American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; The Jewish Federations of North America; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Salvation Army; and United Way Worldwide. The Board is chaired by a representative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This diverse representation is also reflected at the state and local levels, with representatives from these organizations serving on the State Set-Aside and local EFSP Boards.
Phase 39 & ARPAR
Spending timeline is November 1, 2023 – December 31, 2024.
(325) 677-1841
240 Cypress St. Abilene, TX 79601
uwab@unitedwayabilene.org
