Community Investment Grants

Geographic Scope: Lebanon County, Pennsylvania

Focus Areas:

• Health
• Education
• Family Stability

Program Description:
United Way of Lebanon County awards Community Investment Grants to support creative and strategic solutions that address complex challenges facing Lebanon County residents. The organization welcomes applications for both existing programs/projects and new programs/projects seeking startup or early-stage/scaling funding.

Eligibility Requirements

Required Criteria:

• Applicant must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or recognized by the IRS as a nonprofit organization
• Project must serve individuals in Lebanon County
• Singular or collective nonprofit organizations welcome
• Grant requests from small, mid-size, and larger nonprofits accepted
• No maximum number of years for requesting sustaining grant funding for the same program/project
• No multi-year funding requests accepted in the 2026 grant cycle

Grant Types Accepted:

• Existing programs/projects (previously funded by UWLC or new to UWLC)
• New programs/projects for startup, early-stage, or scaling funding
• Sustaining or expansion funding

Evaluation Preference:
Sustaining or expansion funding requests that represent a decreasing percentage of the operating budget are evaluated most favorably.

Reporting Requirements

• 8-month report: Due by March 5th (reporting on 8-month progress)
• 12-month report: Also required
• Required Content: Client testimonials/stories (impact stories) must be included with both 8-month and 12-month reports
• Consequence of Non-Compliance: Grantees who do not submit the 8-month report by March 5th (without acceptable reason) are ineligible for the next grant cycle

Background

2025 Community Investment Grantees included: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lebanon, Caring Cupboard, CASA - Lebanon, Developmental & Disability Services of Lebanon, Domestic Violence Intervention, Girls on the Run Lebanon, Habitat for Humanity Lebanon, Lebanon School District, Lebanon Valley Family YMCA, Literacy Council Lebanon, Nick Services LLC, Palmyra Public Library, PA Dutch Council, Power Packs Project Lebanon, PROBE, QUEST, Salem Lutheran Church, Salvation Army, SARCC, St. James Players, and Union Community Care.

Application Process

Application Platform: Online portal with account creation required

Account Setup Instructions:

1. Create an Account (New users only)
   • Recommended: Use your Agency Name as your User Name
   • Watch for email to set your password (check spam folder)
   • Login page: https://unitedwaylebco.org/grants
2. Returning Applicants:
   • Use existing username and password from previous year
   • Username and password continue to be used for agency reporting and future applications
3. Password Management:
   • Reset your password if needed (available for previously used emails)
   • Keep username and password handy

Application Completion Steps:

1. Log in or create an account on the application portal
2. Complete all required fields in the application
3. Do not leave any blanks; enter "N/A" if not applicable
4. Save drafts frequently using the "SAVE DRAFT" button to return and complete later
5. Click "SUBMIT" when completed
6. Note: You will not be able to access the completed submission after submission, but you will receive a copy via email
7. Click "LOGOUT" once you have saved your draft or submitted your application

Important Notes:

• Incomplete applications will not be accepted
• All required fields must be completed

Application Resources:

• Instructional video available on creating an account and saving drafts
• 2026 Grant Application Questions Preview available on website
• Funding Eligibility Requirements & Guidelines document available

Applicant Support Meetings:
In-person group informational meetings held:

• November 10, 2025: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• November 12, 2025: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Location: United Way of Lebanon County Conference Room, 604 Cumberland Street, Lebanon, PA

Questions:
Contact the United Way of Lebanon County

• Email: admin@Unitedwaylebco.org
• Phone: (717) 273-8144