Grants

United Way of Lake County is currently accepting Letters of Intent (LOI's) through January 8th, 2027

Open Funding Model - 2 Year Funding Cycle

United Way of Lake County invites organizations with new programs seeking funding to complete this initial inquiry. Submissions will be reviewed for alignment with UWLC's impact priorities and funding objectives. Organizations whose programs are a good fit may be invited to participate in the full funding application process alongside currently funded partner agencies.

Submitting an inquiry does not guarantee an invitation to apply or an award of funding.

Eligibility

Nonprofits with programs currently funded by UWLC do not need to submit an LOI unless it's for a new program. All others with programs that align with the organization’s focus areas are invited to submit an LOI.

Nonprofit programs that align with UWLC’s mission of measurably improving the quality of people’s lives in Lake County and specifically address one or more of the following impact areas are of interest to UWLC:

  1. Youth Opportunities: Programs that support academic success and lifelong learning, focusing on early childhood education, literacy, and school readiness.
  2. Financial Stability:  Initiatives that promote financial empowerment, stability, and independence, including workforce development, job training, and access to affordable housing.
  3. Healthy Community: Projects that improve access to healthcare, mental health services, and wellness programs, contributing to the overall health and well-being of Lake County residents.
  4. Community Resiliency: A resilient community is one that can anticipate, withstand, adapt to, and recover from crisis — and emerge stronger than it was before. United Way helps communities build that resilience through the 211 helpline, disaster preparedness and response, and long-term recovery support.

Applicants must meet the following minimum guidelines to pursue funding:

  • Letter of 501c3 designation from the IRS
  • Physical location in Lake County, Ohio
  • Audited or reviewed financial statement, completed within the last 3 years
  • Strategic Plan (or equivalent document) completed within the last 5 years

Ineligibility

UWLC does not fund the following:

  • Private/For-Profit Companies
  • Individuals
  • Capital projects
  • Endowment campaigns, annual appeals, or membership drives
  • Religious organizations for religious purposes
  • Travel for individuals or groups when travel is the proposal’s primary focus
  • Community services such as police and fire protection, road repair, or snow removal
  • Publications, audiovisual projects, or video productions. However, consideration may be given when they fall within a promising project.

Letter of Intent (LOI) Submissions

Your submission of an LOI is a request for an invitation to apply for funding through our two-year open funding cycle for our 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 fiscal years.

A completed application does not guarantee an invitation to apply for funding, but it is required for all nonprofits seeking funding for a new program or one that has not been funded by UWLC in the last five years. 

Funded partners from our last grant allocation cycle can be found here.

 

Application and Selection Process for New Program Funding Inquiries

The eC Impact "2026 LOI" form is available by clicking the blue button below, and a training/instruction manual for eC Impact can be found by clicking here.
 

Blue Button Link_Click Here to Submit Your LOI

Register your agency. Then, complete the agency and program information. Complete all forms
included in the process. Please be sure to click submit once complete.

Each submission will be reviewed for responsiveness based on the eligibility criteria above.

Our Community Investment team will review the submissions for detailed information about the program as outlined on the form. The team will select the agencies that will be invited to submit a full program application.

Agencies that show close collaborative relationships will be looked upon favorably.

Timeline

January 8, 2027 at 11:59 pm EST: LOI Submission Deadline

Remaining Timeline (subject to change. The schedule is subject to change, but will be finalized before January 8th.

  • January 11 - 13, 2027: Internal review of submissions and notification to applicants on status. Selected agencies will be invited to submit a full proposal for further consideration.
  • January 18- February 21, 2027: Full funding application process (if selected from the inquiry process, or an existing partner agency)
  • March 1, 2027: The review process begins, and funding decisions will be made by mid-May.

United Way of Lake County remains committed to funding impactful programs that demonstrate a clear alignment with their focus areas and a measurable impact on our community. 
 

Questions

Contact David Whittaker at 440.639.1203 or via email at dwhittaker@uwlc.org. 

Interested in Volunteering to Serve on our Community Investment Committee?

Anyone with an interest in the Lake County nonprofit community with a passion for making a difference in our is invited to serve as a volunteer on our Community Investment Committee to help determine which nonprofit programs will receive funding are invited to fill out a short volunteer application here.