fund distribution process
The 2023 grant application process
The mission of United Way of the River Cities (UWRC) is to connect our community with resources to reduce poverty and improve lives. And we envision a community where everyone has the tools and opportunity to thrive. With that in mind, our work focuses on the education, financial stability, health, and basic needs of our six-county service area (Cabell, Lincoln, Mason and Wayne counties in WV, and Gallia and Lawrence counties in OH).
NOTE: United Way if the River Cities does not make grants or distribute funds to individuals. If you are looking for assistance, call 2-1-1 in WV to speak to a community resource navigator in OH call the Ironton-Lawrence County CAO at 740-532-3140.
2023 Grant Calendar (Tentative)
- July 17: Letter of Intent (LOI) Opens
- August 18: LOI Closes
- August: LOIs are reviewed by Community Impact Council (CIC) Volunteers
- Late August: Eligible Applicants are notified
- September 15: Grant applications opens
- October 16, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.: Grant applications close
IMPACT GRANTS
EDUCATION
Community Goal: To create a thriving community, we must support families and students throughout the entire educational process.
STRATEGIES FOR CHANGE
- Improve family ability to support social and language development in children
- Provide character development and empowerment opportunities for youth (ages 4-24)
Financial Stability
Community Goal: To create a thriving community, we must help families overcome barriers to opportunity, develop economic mobility and build generational resilience.
STRATEGIES FOR CHANGE
- Increase support of collaborative, workforce training programs
- Reduce barriers to financial stability including financial literacy education and access to services
Health
Community Goal: To create a thriving community, we must increase the opportunities for healthy lifestyle choices and promote overall health and wellbeing.
STRATEGIES FOR CHANGE
- Increase access to primary, behavioral, vision & dental health care services
- Increase opportunities for wellness and access to prevention
SAFETY-NET GRANTS
Safety Net Grants are awarded annually to programs that provide short-term, emergency assistance with Basic Needs.
Eligible services:
- Safe shelter
- Food
- Clothing
- Personal care items
- Infant essentials; defined as car seats, diapers/wipes, formula/baby food, and safe sleep accommodations
- Prescription medication
- Low- or no-cost healthcare
- Utilities/rent assistance
- Transportation to access any of the above
REQUIRED REPORTING:
United Way of the River Cities has required grant outcomes for both Impact Grants and Safety-net grants.
Impact Grants – All programs must choose at least one Strengthen Communities – Direct Supports and Services performance measure and at least one Change Lives – Client Outcomes performance measure for reporting purposes.
Improve family ability to support social and language development in children
Performance Measures:
Strengthen Communities – Direct Supports and Services
# of children (ages 0-5) enrolled in high-quality early childhood programs
# of children (K-3) served receiving literacy supports in school and/or community-based out-of-school time programs and/or receive individualized supports
# of families, caregivers served that are provided with information, resources, tools, trainings, and/or teaching skills
Change Lives – Client Outcomes
% of children (0-5) served who achieve developmental milestones
% of children who demonstrate increased literacy skills
% of parents/caregivers that demonstrate an increase in knowledge or skill
Provide character development and empowerment opportunities for youth (ages 4-24)
Performance Measures:
Strengthen Communities – Direct Supports and Services
# of youth served who participate in school and/or community-based out-of-school time programs and/or receive individualized supports
#of youth served who receive life or job skills training
Change Lives – Client Outcomes
% of youth who demonstrate behavior change related to positive progression through services provided (improved attendance, grades, behavior etc.)
% of youth who achieve completion of personal goals
Increase support of collaborative, workforce training programs
Performance Measures:
Strengthen Communities – Direct Supports and Services
# of individuals who achieve a GED or gains in educational functional levels
# of individuals gaining a training certificate or similar occupational skills training achievement
Change Lives – Client Outcomes
% of individuals served who gain employment or are placed in job internships
% of individuals served who increase their wages
% of individuals served who earn job-relevant licenses, certificates, and/or credentials
Reduce barriers to financial stability including financial literacy education and access to services
Performance Measures:
Strengthen Communities – Direct Supports and Services
# of individuals who complete financial literacy classes or life skill trainings
# of individuals served who access affordable housing, financial products, and services
Change Lives – Client Outcomes
% of individuals who successfully complete their personal goals
% of individuals whose self-sufficiency status has improved
Increase access to primary, behavioral, vision & dental health care services
Performance Measures:
Strengthen Communities – Direct Supports and Services
# of individuals served with access to healthcare services and supports
# of individuals with access to health care insurance
Change Lives – Client Outcomes
% of individuals served who eat healthier, increase their physical activity, and/or move towards a healthy weight
% of individuals who report their health was maintained or improved
Increase opportunities for wellness and access to prevention
Performance Measures:
Strengthen Communities – Direct Supports and Services
# of individuals successfully completing health/wellness/education/prevention programs
# of community partners engaged in health/wellness/education/prevention programs
Change Lives – Client Outcomes
% of individuals with increased access/knowledge/engagement in wellness/prevention opportunities
% of individuals who adopted healthy lifestyles or avoided risky behaviors, etc.
Safety-net Grants – Safety Net Grants are awarded annually to programs that provide short-term, emergency assistance with Basic Needs. Applicants must choose at least one of the following Strengthen Communities – Direct Supports and Services performance measure for reporting purposes.
Safe shelter
- # of nights provided
- Total clients served
Food
- # of meals provided
- Total clients served
Clothing
- # of items provided
- Total clients served
Personal care items
- # of items provided
- Total clients served
Infant essentials
- # of items provided
- Total clients served
Prescription medication
- # of prescriptions provided
- Total clients served
Low- or no-cost healthcare
- # of appointments provided
- Total clients served
Utilities/rent assistance
- Total funds disbursed
- Total clients served
Transportation to access any of the above
- # of trips/passes provided
- Total clients served
If you have questions, please contact Steve Cline, Director of Community Impact, at steve.cline@unitedwayrivercities.org or 304.523.8929 ext.114,
NOTE: United Way if the River Cities does not make grants or distribute funds to individuals. If you are looking for help with rent or utilities, call 2-1-1 in WV to speak to a community resource navigator. In Ohio call the Ironton-Lawrence County CAO at 740-532-3140.