Apply for Funding

• This is a ONE YEAR grant cycle (January-December) with funds provided at the beginning of each year
• Grant requests are made by completing the specific application that matches your financial request size
• IAUW does not support capital projects
• Applicants may submit an application for more than one program
• Applicants may be requested to submit to a brief interview with IAUW's Allocations Committee
• Funding is not guaranteed and subject to review by the IAUW board of directors

Both paths share the exact same timeline, review cycle, and fund distribution schedule, but feature different application requirements based on the funding threshold.

• Community Impact Micro-Grants (Requests under $500)
  - Streamlined 3-page application
  - Waives corporate fiscal metrics and agency legal documentation

• Community Impact Standard Grants (Requests $500 and above)
  - Requires detailed narrative questions and program metrics
  - Requires financial disclosures, reserve data, and agency documentation

• August 1: Applications are officially released
• September 30: Applications and supporting materials are due
• February: Community Impact Grants are announced
• Grants of $2,000 or less: Awarded in full in February
• Grants of $2,001 or more: Awarded in two installments (80% in February, 20% in July)
• July 1-August 30: Blackout period takes effect

Community partners and grant recipients MUST:

• Focus on one or more United Way Impact Area: Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Community Resiliency
• Serve residents of Lake, Miner or Moody Counties
• Submit an annual financial report or recent income/expense statement (Standard Grant requests of $500 or more only; waived for Micro-Grant requests)
• Provide up to 2 hours of volunteer time during the funding cycle (required for ALL grant tiers)
• Refrain from hosting or promoting competing fundraising events during the Blackout Period of July 1-August 30 (special permission may be given upon request)
• Promote IAUW in all capacities as much as possible

• Program name and the exact 2027 funding request amount (must be under $500)
• Primary contact person’s name, email, phone, and mailing address

• Brief description of the program (e.g., target age group, gender, or special interests)
• Specific explanation of how the grant funds will be used (Note: Facility improvements and staff wages/salaries are not eligible)
• Selection of one primary Community Impact Area (Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, or Community Resiliency) and a brief description of how your project fits
• List of the specific communities served in Lake, Miner, and/or Moody counties
• Prior year data: If you received IAUW funds in 2026, a summary of how they were used and your implementation timeline

• The number of actual persons/units served in 2026 and projected for 2027
• Brief description of what counts as a “unit of service” for your program
• Specific donation impact example for IAUW marketing use (e.g., “$90 provides 3 children free books for a year”)

• Itemized list of estimated costs for your request and the total project cost
• Plan for how you will cover the remaining balance if the total project costs more than $500

• Names, phone numbers, and emails for agency representatives prepared to fulfill the mandatory two (2) volunteer hours to assist with IAUW efforts (e.g., raffle ticket sales, event support) during the funding cycle

• Standard applicants must provide all basic program descriptions, Impact Areas, metrics, location tracking and the volunteer commitment listed in Path A

• Mailing addresses and location verification for both your Primary Contact and a Local Contact residing in Lake, Miner, or Moody County
• Scholarship details: An explanation of your application process if you use IAUW funds to provide scholarships
• One success testimonial from an existing program participant (including contact info if possible)
• Names and contact information for two references who can verify your program’s effectiveness

• Financial Report/Statement: Copy of your agency’s most recent annual financial report or a current income/expense statement
• Program reserve data: Total balances in program-specific savings/trusts, their restriction status, and the exact triggers/milestones required to spend them
• Revenue matrix showing 2026 requested, 2026 received, and 2027 anticipated funding from other sources
• Program’s total 2027 Budget and the calculated percentage requested from IAUW
• List of planned 2027 fundraising events alongside their specific financial goals

• REQUIRED DOCUMENTS & INFORMATION
• Your agency’s Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Copy of your official IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter (or a governance explanation/org chart if your agency is not a 501(c)(3))
• Current list of your agency Board Members
• Confirmation of compliance with non-profit Sarbanes-Oxley provisions and active anti-terrorism measures
• Formal agency mission statement and explanation of your local community collaborations