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
  1. Improve family ability to support social and language development in children   
  2. 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
  1. Increase support of collaborative, workforce training programs
  2. 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
  1. Increase access to primary, behavioral, vision & dental health care services  
  2. 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 GrantsSafety 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.