Grants

Letters of Intent for United Way of Lake County Funds Being Accepted Through January 5, 2025

Open Funding Model 

 

United Way of Lake County (UWLC) is accepting Letters of Intent (LOI) from nonprofit organizations to request funding for the 2025 application cycle covering the 2025-2026 program year.

Eligibility

Nonprofits with programs currently funded by UWLC do not need to submit an LOI unless it is 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. Education: Programs that support academic success and lifelong learning, focusing on early childhood education, literacy, and school readiness.
  2. Financial Security:  Initiatives that promote financial empowerment, stability, and independence, including workforce development, job training, and access to affordable housing.
  3. Health: 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. Basic Needs: Programs that address immediate and essential needs such as food security, shelter, and emergency assistance for individuals and families facing crises.

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.

LOI Submissions

By submitting an LOI, you are asking for an invitation to apply for funding in our 2025 application cycle for grants covering the 2025-2026 program year.

A completed LOI does not guarantee an invitation to apply for funding but it is required for all nonprofits seeking funding for a new program 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 LOIs

The eC Impact LOI solicitation 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 LOI will be reviewed for responsiveness based on the eligibility criteria above.

Our Community Investment Committee volunteers will review the LOIs for detailed information about the program as outlined by the LOI template. The committee 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 5, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST: LOI Submission Deadline

 

  • January 6 - 8, 2025:: Internal review of LOI’s and notification to applicants on status. Selected agencies will be invited to submit a full proposal for further consideration.
  • January 13- February 23, 2025: Full funding application process (if selected from LOI process, or an existing partner agency)
  • March 1, 2025: 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.